FACT FILE
Number of islets: 57. Population RMI Census 2021: 235 (117 males, 118 females). Land area: 2.07 sq. miles. Yacht permit fee: $50. Mayor: Dancy Alfred. Nitijela Member: David Anitok.
Ailuk — a.k.a. the Island of Sails — has become one of the more popular atolls for cruisers, mainly because of the continuing tradition of using canoes as the main transportation. English is widely spoken. There is a school, which at least used to house the National Telecommunication Authority’s office. The island has two churches, Protestant and Assembly of God.
The above video was compiled by Chuck on MV Nomad. It features Chuck, his wife Lauri and Will and Becky of SV Figment. (Editor’s note: the music is Pacific Islander.)
Below is a video of the canoes of Ailuk by Rob and Jo Birch on the yacht Double Trouble, who kindly gave me permission to publish the footage (to see more of their videos of the Marshall Islands, go to their YouTube channel Sailing Double Trouble):
Below is Bikon Alfred’s great video of the main village at Ailuk which he published in April, 2018:
INSIGHT: Former Mayor Rufina Jack was very active in promoting ideas for Ailuk and successfully sought grants for the upkeep of the island’s canoes. Members of the Mieco Beach Yacht Club have a great relationship with the people of Ailuk and often lend a hand by shipping supplies and donations to the atoll, for which the residents are always extremely grateful.
