Vaka

From very early times, 3000 – 1000BC, island people have been sailing extensively throughout Polynesia. Their vessels were twin hulled canoes called vakas. They were stable in the heavy seas and would sail long distances. The range of vaka sizes was vast and some could carry over 200 voyagers. They navigated by the stars, ocean conditions and birds. Some vakas carried a frigate bird (Fregata). This bird would not land on the surface of the sea, so if it was released and did not return, the seamen new they were close to land in the direction the bird had flown.

References:

Andrew and Medina Pawley. Canoes and Seafaring. www.core.ac.uk/dowload/pdf/481747366.pdf

Cook Islands Voyaging Society. www.cookislandsvoyaging.org

New Zealand Maritime Museum. www.maritimemuseum.co.nz

Proafile. www.proafile.com/multihull boats