Updated at 9:31 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2007
Steering problem forces Hokule'a to turn back
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Staff Writer
The canoes left Kawaihae Harbor at sunset Friday and were sailing down the western coast of the Big Island when they found the problem. Polynesian Voyaging Society spokeswoman Kathy Thompson said there were no injuries reported.
She said voyage leadership wanted to repair a crack on the handle on one of the steering sweeps before setting off on a 2,400-mile voyage to the Marshall Islands.
It was not clear how long repairs would take, or which canoe had sustained damage.
Thompson said the canoes were looking for a safe anchorage where they could make repairs.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.
