The Suwarrow Rangers have a new companion on the water — a freshly painted Sunburst “Eke” sailing dinghy, generously donated by Steve Whitta of Aroa Vegeland. With many hours of skilled maintenance and sailing tips from the Powell family, who generously volunteered their time, and the valued support of South Pacific Canvas, who mended the jib, we thank them both for helping prepare the dinghy for Suwarrow’s unique conditions and ensuring Eke is ready for service.
Eke is both enjoyable and practical — giving the Rangers a chance to sail the lagoon while serving as an eco-friendly tool for conservation work. The dinghy will support seabird counts, lagoon checks, marine debris clean-ups, marine life monitoring, and biodiversity surveys — all without the constant hum of an outboard motor.
This donation benefits the island’s ecosystems as much as the Rangers themselves. By providing a quieter, more sustainable way to travel, the dinghy helps protect Suwarrow’s thriving bird colonies and rich marine environment.
Sailing also has a proud tradition in the Cook Islands. Steve’s uncle, Sir Tom Davis, was a founding member of the Rarotonga Sailing Club in 1940 and the Cook Islands Voyaging Society (CIVS). Over the years, sailing clubs have been established on islands such as Manihiki, Palmerston, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga. Even Suwarrow has its own sailing history: Tom Neale, who famously lived alone on the atoll, relied on a dinghy to move around the lagoon. With Eke, the Suwarrow Rangers continue that tradition, bringing sailing into their conservation work.
The National Environment Service and the Suwarrow Rangers extend their heartfelt thanks to Steve Whitta and Aroa Vegeland for this generous contribution. It may be a small boat, but it will play a big role in protecting and caring for Suwarrow National Park.
