The Taitung County Government is promoting the Indigenous Boatbuilding and Navigation Talent Development Program. Taiwan’s first cross-island Austronesian vessel built through the combined craftsmanship of the Chamorro, Amis, and Tao peoples, “Mata No Riyal, Eye of the Ocean,” officially set sail from Xinlan Fishing Harbor in Donghe Township on the morning of May 6. With blessings from Taitung County Magistrate April Yao and elders from Fudafudak and Dulan, the vessel began a month-long cultural exchange voyage around Taiwan.
Photo: Taitung County Government
This one-of-a-kind vessel was designed by Chamorro boatbuilder Ronald Acfalle from Guam, using the Flying Proa of Guam as its prototype and incorporating the craft traditions of the Amis and Tao peoples. The hull structure was built by Tao boatbuilder Hsieh Fu-Sheng using traditional plank boat techniques, secured with more than one hundred handmade wooden pegs. The outrigger platform was built by Cinaw Liu Yu-Yi, leader of the Fudafudak boat team, using traditional Amis bamboo raft binding techniques. Together, these elements fully demonstrate the ancient wisdom of Austronesian peoples living in harmony with the ocean.
Photo: Taitung County Government
Taitung County Magistrate April Yao stated that the ocean has never been a barrier, but an important route connecting Austronesian peoples. Since the county government began working with Fudafudak three years ago to promote the boatbuilding program, the launch of “Eye of the Ocean” has come to symbolize Taitung’s confidence as the ‘Homeland of Austronesian Culture.’ It also reflects the hope of rediscovering ancestral routes and the spirit of the sea. The voyage serves as a promising prelude to the upcoming Taitung Expo 2026, showcasing Taitung’s deep cultural connections with Pacific island nations. Yao also noted that the journey would involve many weather and physical challenges, and reminded everyone that safety must come first.
Photo: Taitung County Government
The sailing team was selected from 46 passionate wave chasers and is composed of outstanding members, including specially invited Palauan participant Halishluw Nick, experienced boatbuilding trainees, young people from local Indigenous communities, and several female sailors. Over the past month, the trainees completed more than 200 hours of intensive training at Shanyuan Bay, covering ocean current observation, star navigation, and practical sail handling.
Photo: Taitung County Government
After departure, the fleet will travel north along Taiwan’s east coast and sail around the island, with planned stops at several ports and Indigenous communities. Through these exchanges, the voyage aims to reconnect memories of maritime culture. The county government stated that this journey is not only a technical challenge, but also a cross-ethnic and cross-cultural practice of Austronesian culture, allowing more people to once again see Taiwan’s deep connection with the ocean.
Photo: Taitung County Government
