Austronesian Canoe Eye of the Ocean sets sail from Taitung's Xinlan Fishing Port for island-wide voyage
The Austronesian canoe "Eye of the Ocean," jointly built by Chamorro boatbuilders from Guam, Tao (Yami) people from Orchid Island, and Amis people from the East Coast, has set sail from Taitung's Xinlan Fishing Port for a cultural exchange voyage around the island.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 18:26
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 18:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 00:50 (6h 18m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lu Taicheng, Taitung, 6th) The Austronesian canoe "Eye of the Ocean," jointly built by Chamorro boatbuilders from Guam and Tao (Yami) people from Orchid Island, and Amis people from the East Coast, set sail this morning from Xinlan Fishing Port in Donghe Township, Taitung County, to embark on a cultural exchange voyage northward along the East Coast around the island.
The Taitung County Government promotes the "Indigenous Boat Building and Navigation Talent Cultivation Program" and provided subsidies for the construction of the Austronesian canoe "Mata No Riyal Eye of the Ocean," which officially set sail this morning from Xinlan Fishing Port. With blessings from Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling and elders from Citong and Dulan tribes, this "mobile cultural territory" officially hoisted its sails, embarking on a month-long cultural exchange journey northward along the East Coast.
The Taitung County Government stated that this unique canoe was designed by Chamorro boatbuilder Ronald Acfalle from Guam, based on the Guam Flying Proa, integrating the essence of Amis and Tao craftsmanship.
The hull structure was built by Tao boatbuilder Hsieh Fu-sheng using traditional plank boat techniques, fastened with hundreds of handmade wooden nails; the outrigger platform was crafted by Cinaw Liu Yu-yi, leader of the Citong tribal fleet, using traditional Amis bamboo raft weaving and binding techniques, fully demonstrating the ancient wisdom of Austronesian peoples coexisting with the ocean.
Rao Ching-ling witnessed the departure and stated that the ocean has never separated islands; it is the broadest thoroughfare connecting Austronesian peoples. The Taitung County Government began promoting the boat-building program three years ago, jointly building the Daluan with the Citong tribe. The launch of the "Mata No Riyal Eye of the Ocean" represents Taitung's confidence and strength as the "original home of Austronesian culture."
She said that this boat is not only to rediscover the lost navigation routes of ancestors but also to convey the spirit of "the ocean as a highway" to all of Taiwan, bringing good news for the upcoming "2026 Taitung Expo," showcasing Taitung's deep connection with Pacific island nations. "Along this journey, you will face many challenges from weather and physical strength, so please prioritize safety."
The Taitung County Government stated that the sailing team for this voyage is composed of elites selected from 46 enthusiastic wave chasers, with a special invitation extended to Halishluw Nick from Palau. The team includes senior boat-building trainees, local tribal youth, and several female sailors. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150506
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(Central News Agency reporter Lu Taicheng, Taitung, 6th) The Austronesian canoe "Eye of the Ocean," jointly built by Chamorro boatbuilders from Guam and Tao (Yami) people from Orchid Island, and Amis people from the East Coast, set sail this morning from Xinlan Fishing Port in Donghe Township, Taitung County, to embark on a cultural exchange voyage northward along the East Coast around the island.
The Taitung County Government promotes the "Indigenous Boat Building and Navigation Talent Cultivation Program" and provided subsidies for the construction of the Austronesian canoe "Mata No Riyal Eye of the Ocean," which officially set sail this morning from Xinlan Fishing Port. With blessings from Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling and elders from Citong and Dulan tribes, this "mobile cultural territory" officially hoisted its sails, embarking on a month-long cultural exchange journey northward along the East Coast.
The Taitung County Government stated that this unique canoe was designed by Chamorro boatbuilder Ronald Acfalle from Guam, based on the Guam Flying Proa, integrating the essence of Amis and Tao craftsmanship.
The hull structure was built by Tao boatbuilder Hsieh Fu-sheng using traditional plank boat techniques, fastened with hundreds of handmade wooden nails; the outrigger platform was crafted by Cinaw Liu Yu-yi, leader of the Citong tribal fleet, using traditional Amis bamboo raft weaving and binding techniques, fully demonstrating the ancient wisdom of Austronesian peoples coexisting with the ocean.
Rao Ching-ling witnessed the departure and stated that the ocean has never separated islands; it is the broadest thoroughfare connecting Austronesian peoples. The Taitung County Government began promoting the boat-building program three years ago, jointly building the Daluan with the Citong tribe. The launch of the "Mata No Riyal Eye of the Ocean" represents Taitung's confidence and strength as the "original home of Austronesian culture."
She said that this boat is not only to rediscover the lost navigation routes of ancestors but also to convey the spirit of "the ocean as a highway" to all of Taiwan, bringing good news for the upcoming "2026 Taitung Expo," showcasing Taitung's deep connection with Pacific island nations. "Along this journey, you will face many challenges from weather and physical strength, so please prioritize safety."
The Taitung County Government stated that the sailing team for this voyage is composed of elites selected from 46 enthusiastic wave chasers, with a special invitation extended to Halishluw Nick from Palau. The team includes senior boat-building trainees, local tribal youth, and several female sailors. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150506
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Unauthorized reproduction, public broadcasting, public transmission, or use of the text, images, and videos on this website is prohibited.