Blog Posts

Have you seen Moana yet?!

3/1/2017

Whales, Rainbows and Island Cruising on Gemini

2/17/2017

Pacific Offshore Challenge 17-1: Sailing to Molokai and Lanai aboard Gemini with Chris, Angelyn and Gary, February 6-13, 2017

Heading out from Kewalo with Kona winds blowing out of the south, Gemini's crew were able to sail on a smooth starboard tack beam reach all the way to Molokai, crossing the Kaiwi channel in record time (for Gemini) of about 5 hours. After a nice sail and seeing breaching Humpbacks, the plan was to make the first stop in Lono Harbor, but just as we made our approach to the harbor a huge Kona swell and waves crashing over the breakwater made us think otherwise. Not advisable to enter Lono with Kona winds and south swells. So we set a new course for Kaunakakai...

Arriving in Kaunakakai, it's easy to tie up to the loading/guest dock. While it's the most convenient spot to moor, it's first come first reserved. The tires on the dock also scuff up the hull if you're not careful. We check in with the Harbormaster, Bernie who is cool with us staying for 1 or 2 nights. Now, although this is a sailing class, Molokai is just too beautiful to not spend some time on land exploring, so the crew all wants to stay two nights and one full day so we can rent a car and drive around the island.

How to Tie a Bowline like a Pro!

1/17/2017

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Waikiki: A Sailor's Playground

4/20/2015

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Just outside of Ala Wai harbor is the world famous Waikiki beach. Did you know that the bay just outside of the surf zone, sheltered by the iconic Diamond Head, is also one of the most popular and fun places to sail in Hawaii? If you have ever walked along Waikiki beach, you must have noticed the many sailboats out there on the water.

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Kauai: Sailing to the Garden Island of Hawai'i

5/15/2014

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About 100 miles to the northwest of Oahu lays Kauai, known as the Garden Island of Hawaii. Most people fly and not many people sail across the channel to get to Hawaii's oldest and rainiest island. On this weekday morning, the trade winds are light and so we start our sailing voyage from Ala Wai harbor under power. The forecast calls for light winds for the next few days, but hopefully there will be enough wind to sail at least part of the way.

Just in case, Gemini's fuel tanks are full and 20 gallons of extra diesel is strapped to the deck. We're on a time schedule. Its the first week of October and everyone is saying that the north swell is about to kick up and make anchoring in Hanalei Bay dangerous. But I have some good friends, Mike and Haesung from Okinawa, who are anchored there now for the next week or so and they say it's fine.

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Voyage Log: s/v Gemini - San Diego to Honolulu

5/2/2013

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Departing Southwestern Yacht Club at mid day, we waved goodbye to our friends and family on the dock. Maybe Shawn and Sylvia, Ralph and Leo and John thought we were going to turn around, but this time we pointed the bow out past Point Loma and didn't stop! Under mostly sunny skies and nice breeze on the beam, Gemini and crew started their 2,262 NM voyage with an escort of dolphins, sea lions and birds.

The boat is full of supplies: about 80 gallons of water, 55 gallons of diesel fuel (it's a sailboat!) and food for at least 30 days, consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, a loaf of bread (these items will go bad in a week, so...) and lots and lots of canned tuna, fruits and vegetables, soup, pasta and rice. Oh, and of course trail mix, Cliff and Odwalla bars! This should hold us over if we don't catch any fish...

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Forward>>

Have you seen Moana yet?!

Whales, Rainbows and Island Cruising on Gemini

How to Tie a Bowline like a Pro!

Waikiki: A Sailor's Playground

Kauai: Sailing to the Garden Island of Hawai'i

Voyage Log: s/v Gemini - San Diego to Honolulu

Aloha & E komo mai

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