Kon-Tiki
1967
Spears games
 
First produced
1967
Players
2 to 4
Age(s)
9+
             
 

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  Based on Thor Heyerdahl's epic crossing of the Pacific. The object is to take turns in successfully navigating the Kon-Tiki raft across the Pacific. Players win duty cards and navigation certificates on the basis of their sailing skill. The winner is the person who gains the highest number of points dictated by the number and type of cards collected. The duty cards are divided into 4 categories; fishing, radio, cooking and equipment. There are 7 different cards to collect within each of these categories. Players compete to own these duty cards each valuable in its own right and more valuable if a player collects more of the same category. The route across the pacific is not straightforward. Whirlpools can cause a sudden shift in course for those on the raft.
  Contents Notes
 

1 x playing board; representing the Pacific Ocean between Peru and Raroia with 8 whirlpool discs

72 x counters, 24 red, 24 yellow and 24 green

4 x duty tiles;
representing fishing, radio, equipment and cooking

8 x navigation certificates

28 x duty cards; seven each for fishing, radio, equipment and cooking

1 x cash tray with a large compartment for the pool and 1 small compartment for up to 4 players

1 x Kon-Tiki raft

  The game is based on the epic journey in 1947 by Thor Heyerdahl and his crew from Callao, Peru across the Pacific Ocean to the islands of Raroia in the Tuamotu archipelago . Heyerdahl crossed the ocean on a replica of ancient balsa rafts, which he named Kon-Tiki in honour of the mythical Sun God. His object was to show that the South Sea Islands could have been populated by immigrants from the South American continent, crossing the vast Pacific in primitive rafts, more than 1,000 years ago. He succeeded admirably, mainly through making good use of winds and currents and due to the excellent spirit of co-operation among the members of his crew. An interesting and absorbing game.