7 Aug 2018

Sail powered Tongan inter-island vessel repaired after Gita

From , 3:01 pm on 7 August 2018

A 15 metre wind powered trimaran, damaged during Cyclone Gita, should be back plying the route to Tonga's northern islands by next month.

The 'Utuma'atu began service late last year, providing a sustainable freight and passenger service to the northern islands, but damage from the cyclone meant extensive repairs.

The mastermind of the project has been academic and former MP Sitiveni Halapua who told Don Wiseman the repairs have improved the vessel.

The 'Utuma'atu before it left port in Auckland

The 'Utuma'atu before it left port in Auckland Photo: MFAT