Jeremiah Benavente paints Den Yo Povi at the 500 Sails boatyard.
500 Sails is excited to invite the public to join the launching of the newest Chamorro canoe; a 15-foot duduli named Den Yo Povi.
The celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guma Sakman, on the beach directly across from Marianas High School in Susupe. See, learn, and experience the famous Flying Proas of the Mariana Islands starting at 9 a.m. with free rides and cultural fun for everyone.
The latest 500 Sails built 15-foot Chamorro canoe, named Den Yo Povi, features designs rooted in Arizona’s Hopi and White Mountain Apache history and culture. Den Yo Povi, which means Blue Spruce Blossom, is named for Jeremiah Benavente’s mother.
500 Sails is a 501(c)(3) and CNMI tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to reviving, promoting, and preserving the maritime cultural traditions of the Mariana Islands through community engagement in canoe cultural values and activities. 500 Sails’ vision is a healthy thriving native community that has successfully integrated traditional cultural values into modern life. Major supporting partners include the CNMI Office of Indigenous Affairs and IT&E.
