masig canoe build
The Concept
Yessie Mosby, Clan Leader on Masig has long dreamed of building a traditional canoe. During the last couple of years the intention is to use the canoe to campaign climate change on his Island and those of the Torres Strait region as part of the Our Islands, Our Home campaign.
The building of this canoe has been on the drawing board multiple times over the last decade. First was in 2014 and a more original project to trade for a hull from the Fly River to be brought to the Torres Strait traditionally for fit out, but we could not overcome quarantine requirements. The second was a replica build for the ABC Mini Series Blue Water Empire in 2016 where a 44ft fibreglass hull was transformed into Kai Marrina (pictured left).
The third was in 2019 when the HMB Endeavour (replica) was going to circumnavigate Australia in commemoration of the 250 years of the arrival of Captain Cook. We were to build two canoes destined for the Kaurareg Traditional Owners who were going to ‘engage’ the HMB Endeavour at Bedanug (Possession Island) but eventually cancelled due to COVID.
The Origins
The designs have all been recreations stemming from multiple outrigger canoes documented in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area from the 1790's to mid 1900's and from the last Masig sailing canoe from the 1970's (pictured below). In particular, the main design is from a number of very similar canoes documented and sketched in 1792 when Captain William Bligh on board ships HMS Providence and HMSAssistant sailed through the central Torres Strait and engaged (fired upon) a number of very large canoes. Then on Darnley and Prince of Wales Island in the Torres Strait in 1849 by the Queen’s Marine Artist, Sir Oswald Brierly whilst on board the HMS Rattlesnake . These particular canoes, are the largest recorded in Zenadth Kes, at between 18 and 21 meters in length (60 to 69 feet). These canoes feature a single main hull, two iakos (outrigger beams) and amas (outrigger floats) and are in both paddling and sailing configuration.
The Vision
This canoe will be a 21 meter (70 foot), single-hulled, double outrigger sailing canoe similar to the last Masig Canoe (pictured left) that was still operating in the 1970's. We are asking this new kenu and it’s crew and community to voyage to places that it was not meant to voyage; to perform tasks it was never meant to perform; to carry a cargo of hope that it now needs to deliver.
These canoes were not traditionally set up for voyaging outside the Torres Strait region, yet within it, are still experienced similar sea and weather conditions that will be present for this build and voyage. Yet we will adapt. We are changing the original design toward various requirements that were not part of the traditional configuration, use and areas of operation including safety and navigation equipment, floatation compartments and different sail and electric power options. However these are things we need, and do our best to accommodate them.
The Build
The canoe build is expected to take six to eight months and will progress through a series of defined stages. These include: setting up frames and templates; completing the hull strip planking; fitting out the hull with bulkheads and compartments; up-righting the canoe to begin platforms and storage areas; attaching outriggers and floats; and installing sails, spars, and rigging. Once the main structure is complete, additional systems will be fitted, including paddles, leeboards, steering blades, safety gear, navigation equipment, water tanks, a head (toilet), and bunks or hammocks. The final stages will focus on cultural artistry — timber carvings, pearl shell inlays, and sail designs — to bring the canoe to life in its traditional form while readying it for contemporary voyaging.
The Partnerships
Alongside the main build, the project will include several complementary elements. Partnerships with NGOs, universities, and maritime organisations will provide support and in-kind contributions, strengthening the project’s reach. Scale models of the canoe will be crafted for use in schools, museums, and as gifts for supporters, extending the educational and symbolic impact of the project. Crew uniforms, wet-weather gear, and traditional attire will also be prepared, ensuring both safety at sea and cultural representation at ceremonies and events. These additional components will reinforce the canoe’s role as a living symbol of Torres Strait resilience and climate justice.
44ft replica - blue water empire
