Hawaiian sailing guide for new residents

[trailblazer1229]

I am looking for a little help regarding my upcoming move to Oahu.
I am looking for recommendations on sailing clubs, yacht clubs, sailing schools, etc. I have done some research on the internet but thought I would open it up.

I do not have a boat but hae ASA 101 and 103 and have spent the past summer racing in the Chesapeake. I would like to race and cruise with others.

Do you have any rec's?

[DSneade]

I am an ex-Chesapeake boater myself. I have sailed around Southern California for about 25 years. I have some small experience sailing around the Hawaiian Islands, too (Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu). First off: The Pacific around the Hawaiian Islands is vastly different from the Bay. The conditions can be intimidating for the novice. My best suggestion is to first be a tourist and take one or two catamaran cruises out of Waikiki to get a taste. Next, snoop around the local yacht clubs for chances to crew on bouy races to see what the locals contend with out there. I wouldn't go all out for distance races at first. If you ever had a twinge of sea-sickness, you might want to take preventive measures when you start sailing in the Islands. Can't hurt. Lastly, you will really enjoy the blue waters around the Islands, and you can sail all year in shorts and tees (not at night of course).

[donradclife]

AFAIK there are 3 yacht clubs on Oahu--2 near Waikii and one in Kaneohe. All are nice clubs, and I would start my search there.

[vega1860]

I lived in Hawaii for thirty years. Learned to sail off Waikiki. The water is beautiful and warm. You never have to wear shoes. There is no fog - ever. But...

Bay sailors beware. 4 to 6 foot seas and 15 to 20 kt NE winds are the prevailing conditions. A mile out of the Ala Wai boat harbor you are in miles-deep water and in open ocean conditions.

The sailing there is glorious but not for the timid.

On Oahu, both Hawaii YC and Waikiki YC, just across the channel from each other in the Ala Wai, have beer can races every Friday evening and getting on a boat is no problem. On the Windward side is Kaneohe YC. I am less familiar with KYC as I lived in Ala Wai Boat Harbor.

We are heading back there in a few months.

[donradclife]

There is an ebook Hawaii cruising guide on Amazon--its pretty good for $10.

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by donradclife

There is an ebook Hawaii cruising guide on Amazon--its pretty good for $10.

Is there a link for this ebook?.......i2f

[donradclife]

Amazon.com: Cruising Guide to the Hawaiian Islands eBook: Bob Mehaffy, Carolyn Mehaffy: Kindle Store

[trailblazer1229]

After being here for 6 months, it is quite different than bay sailing, but I expected that. Wind and seas not so much of a problem, but the hidden reefs are the kicker. I was out on a beer can race out of the Ala Wai, and it was pretty cool... Just tough to get there on a Friday after work.

I discovered a Hobie Cat club on my side of the island. Looks just right for the conditions on the Windward side although I have never been on a cat before or even sailed one.

If anyone is looking for a crew member, shoot me a PM. Now that it is getting warm back on the mainland, a lot of friends are hitting the water again. I miss the racing...

[DSneade]

As to being on a cat, the feeling of speed is enhanced and you will get wet. I have rented cats a few times on vacation, and they are fun to handle. Good idea to get a crew spot. Once you like it, good used cats can be a good buy, plus you can sell it later pretty easily. Good Sailing!