Jeremiah Benavente sits in the hull of Den Yo Povi, during a test of her buoyancy in April. Den Yo Povi officially launches from the Guma Sakman on Dec. 2.
500 Sails will launch its newest 15-foot long duduli on Saturday, Nov. 18, according to director of sailing and seamanship Junior Coleman.
He said the canoe, named Den Yo Povi, will be ready to sail around the Saipan Lagoon after it is launched from the Guma Sakman in Susupe, across from Marianas High School.
For over a month, the canoe was part of the Marianas Experience display at T-Galleria.
Den Yo Povi belongs to Jeremiah Benavente, the program coordinator for Swim For Life CNMI, who is also a trained sailor under the 500 Sails Lalåyak program.
Benavente said Den Yo Povi is a reflection of his Native American and Chamorro heritage.
The canoe honors his mother’s indigenous name, which, when translated into English, means “blue spruce blossom.” His mother is of Hopi and White Mountain Apache descent from Arizona.
Benavente plans to use the boat to fish and take his family to Managaha.
