Keelutsoon

Keelutsoon is a type of traditional sail used in early sailing canoes in the Western Pacific. It consists of a simple sail made of a rectangular piece of material, typically a woven mat or a piece of canvas, attached to a mast and boom. The name "keelutsoon" is derived from the Māori language, which was spoken by the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.

The keelutsoon was a common sail used on sailing canoes in the islands of the Pacific, including Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. It was known for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing the canoes to traverse long distances with the aid of the wind. The sail was typically made from a lightweight material and was easily deployable, allowing sailors to quickly adjust to changing wind conditions.

In terms of construction, the keelutsoon typically consisted of a flat sail attached to a vertical mast and a horizontal boom. The sail was secured to the mast using a series of ropes or pieces of string, which provided tension and allowed the sail to be adjusted for optimal wind position. The use of the keelutsoon allowed for greater maneuverability and speed in sailing canoes, making it an essential component of Pacific Island sailing traditions.

While the use of the keelutsoon has largely been replaced by more modern sail designs and materials, it remains an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Pacific Islands. Many traditional sailing canoes continue to be built and used today, often with a keelutsoon-style sail as a nod to their historical importance.