After 10 days of delays, the voyaging canoe Hokulea was set to embark this afternoon on its 1,000-mile sail to Palmyra Atoll.

Hokulea was expected to sail between 4 and 5.

The canoe had endured delay after delay because of combinations of cloudy, rainy weather and small-craft warnings.

Since Hokulea's navigators sail without instruments, clear skies are essential in setting the canoe's initial course.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the month-long sail will train young navigators, captains and crew members as well as educators and scientists who will explore the open ocean and coral reefs surrounding the remote atoll.