By Andrew Roberto
andrew@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
NORTHERN Marianas College’s Community Development Institute and 500 Sails are once again offering Lalayak, a program that introduces participants to sailing Chamorro canoes.
A previous cohort completed its practical, hands-on sailing exit test on Sept. 27.
The new group first had to pass an 800-meter swim and a one-hour open-water treading test as prerequisites for entry.
Oct. 11 marked the first day of classroom instruction. The course combines in-class lessons on canoe parts, knot tying, and other essentials with hands-on sailing in the Saipan Lagoon.
The class includes 12 community members, one of whom is a student at Kagman High School, another who graduated this year from the CNMI Public School System, and others with varying ages and experiences.
Celena Kalp said she joined the course to connect with her roots, as her mother is originally from Saipan but raised Kalp in the United States.
“It’s always been my dream since I was a child to come here and see where she’s from and learn about the island and its culture,” she said, adding that she has been on the island for over two months. “It took me 50 years or so, but this is the year my wife and I were able to come here.”
Her wife, Laura Zarate, said she also wanted to immerse herself in local culture and deepen her love for the water.
“I used to be scared of the ocean, but through these activities, I’ve become more familiar with it,” she said. “I am definitely a water person, and I want to experience this.”
Clay Skarda, who has been on the island since December, said he joined the program to learn more about Chamorro and Carolinian culture.
“We’ve been fascinated since we arrived with the history and culture here, so we were very excited to be involved,” he said.
His wife, Val, added that the program came highly recommended.
“When we first got here, we asked what is unique to Saipan — what can we experience? Everyone said, ‘500 Sails — you’ve got to do 500 Sails,’” she said.
Vince Tudela joined after seeing how much his wife enjoyed the program.
“My wife recently graduated from the course and fell in love with it. She told me I couldn’t ride with her on the canoe if I didn’t pass — or I’d have to wear a life jacket,” he said jokingly. “But I’ve also had a lifelong love of the ocean.”
Tudela added, “I’ve been an avid fisherman all my life. Water has always been my playground and passion.”
Junior Coleman, executive director of 500 Sails, welcomed the new cohort.
“Thank you for your interest in learning this part of our culture,” he said. “It’s important for the future of our islands and for the livelihood and health of our community. Sailing is one of the finest experiences we get as humans. I’ve been doing it for over 30 years, and it still motivates me and keeps me levelheaded.”
Participants will spend the program learning the basics of handling, sailing, and storing a canoe. They must complete ten practice sails to graduate, which they can do during community sails on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 500 Sails’ Crowne Plaza site, or during Saturday Sails at Guma Sakman in Susupe. Upon completion, they will be able to schedule the use of 500 Sails canoes for their own purposes.
