Saipan-built sakman sails from Susupe to Micro Beach

The traditional Chamorro sakman Lelik completed its maiden voyage Saturday morning, sailing from Susupe to Micro Beach—described by organizers as the first time in nearly 500 years a Chamorro outrigger canoe built on Saipan has sailed in local waters. The launch ceremony at Matatpanggen I Lelik/Afaifai brought together community members, cultural practitioners, traditional navigators, and government leaders, and was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Seafaring Traditions Program and the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture. Builders and officials said the project took more than eight years, starting over after the original canoe—carved from a log donated from Rota—was destroyed in a fire. Organizers cited funding shortages, limited manpower, and storm damage.