25' PNG Sailau Sailing Canoe (2016) - TAWALI PASANA

SAILAU (sailing canoe) from Basilaki island, Milne Bay Province Papua New Guinea. Used for transport amongst islands and transporting people and cobra into the provincial capital Alotau. Bought by Thor F. Jensen for 6000 kina (owner said “this is a good price and it is the right price”) in 2016. The canoe was renamed from PTS to Tawali Pasana which translates to “beauty (or flower) of the reef” in local language. The canoe was fixed up and sailed by Justin John (PNG), Sanakoli John (PNG) and Thor F. Jensen (DK)13 months around the island of New Guinea – the first ever recorded circumnavigation with a traditional sailing canoe. The canoe had no sponsor stickers instead locals have carved their traditional design on the strake. At times the canoe would reek of over ripe bananas (gifted by locals) giving her the nickname “Tawali Banana”. Tawali Pasana is now awaiting restoration on Dawson island in outer Milne Bay. The high adventure of this expedition is described in the book: Salt Water and Spear Tips. A documentary titled SAILAU premiered in 2023. The two master sailors Justin and Sanakoli John, started a canoe building school named Pasana Group upon returning from the circumnavigation, follow them on Facebook for a rare insight into PNG traditional canoe building.