"O Tahiti Nui Freedom" outrigger canoe leaves Tahiti

The "O Tahiti Nui Freedom" outrigger canoe left Tahiti July 27 and is headed for China.

A traditional ceremony for the outrigger canoe was first held in the Paofai Gardens, in Papeete.

"O Tahiti Nui Freedom" is scheduled to make a stop in Moorea, Tahiti's sister island, and in Raiatea, Leeward Islands.

Another traditional ceremony will take place at the Taputapuatea marae, in Raiatea.

The outrigger canoe will then sail to Shanghai, China, and the crew hopes to arrive before the end of the World Exposition.

"O Tahiti Nui Freedom" Captain Hiria Ottino claims 78 days of sailing will be necessary to reach Shanghai.

French Polynesia Assembly Speaker and Faa'a mayor Oscar Temaru supports the project.

"O Tahiti Nui Freedom" is inspired by drawings of traditional Tahitian canoes made by Admiral Paris in 1820.

Meanwhile, another traditional Tahitian outrigger canoe - "Upoo Tahiti" - left Tahiti more than two weeks ago.

Captain Clement Pito and his crew want to bring the "Upoo Tahiti" outrigger canoe to Taïwan.

ATP