The TSUKUPIN canoe is used in Micronesia and the western Pacific.
In Yap she was used only by the upper-class.
It is a single-outrigger sailing canoe with a length of about 10 metres, and used seasonally for catching flying fish off Yap Island, in the western group.
Esteemed as scared.
Dugout hull, strong rocker longitudinally symmetrical deep “V” in transverse section; residual cleat-like projection above the waterline at each end. Double ended with long narrow ends that terminate in swan-like heads, symbolizing the frigate bird; large cowrie shells hang from the beaks. Except for white beaks, hull painted red.
Short, stout outrigger float connected by 2 closely spaced booms; always set to windward. Booms connect to float by crutch-shaped stanchions or by multiple sticks.
Solid platform laid on booms close to hull; lighter-weight platform extends to float; outrigger unit further strengthened by spars angling from ends of hull to outer part of booms.
Smaller platform built out on lee side, canting upward.
Single triangular sail set to the forward-raking mast stepped amidships. Apex of sail tacked down to pegs one at each end; mast and sail pivoted to opposite end when tacking.
Marshall Island 1992 29c sg519, scott569 (most probably the other 2 stamps sg520 and 521which shows a canoe are also TSUKUPIN canoes.) 1984 20c sg33, scott59. 1990 25c sg351, scott?
Marshall Island 1990 25c sg349, scott?
Micronesia 1988 44c sg79, scott?
Micronesia 1993 29c sg314, scott173.
Micronesia 1990 25c sg198 and 200 scott124/126
USA 1990 25c sg2540/41 scott2507 and 2506
Source: Aak to Zunbra, a dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.