Sailing is one of the great adventures on Maui.

On a windy day in mid-July, my son Jake and I set out on an afternoon sail that turned out to be one of the most exciting events of our whole summer.

On board the catamaran was a handful of other folks who, like us, were in the mood for adventure. We asked the captain to see how fast he could persuade our vessel to go. Within minutes we were flying above the ocean's surface. Everyone was charged up as we screamed out our excitement. I checked the gauge recording our speed; we were hitting twenty-one nautical miles per hour.

If you like to sail, Maui is the right spot to be. Boats range from small cats to America's Cup vessels. One company even stages races between 65-foot yachts.

The good stiff winds are usually with us in the afternoon so sailing trips in the morning and evening are of a lighter nature. They're just as fun, just easier-going. One popular sailing tour is the trip to Molokini. The mornings have extremely light winds for a gentle sail out (if the winds are strong enough to sail at all) but by late morning the winds are generally howling and make for a fun return trip.

Sailboats ply the waters up and down the coast of West and South Maui, stopping at secluded beaches, anchoring in rocky inlets, or hugging mountainous cliffs that plunge deep into the ocean. Some are out-and-out sailing trips, seeking out the wind line far out in the channel; others combine snorkeling or light-line fishing in calmer waters. Many provide food and drink.

Helpful Tips from Tom Barefoot - Maui Sailing Charters:

A hat with a strong chin strap is a great idea in the tropical heat and strong winds of an afternoon sail. Keep one hand on some part of the vessel at all times. Sometimes you'll need both. Want to take the helm? Don't be afraid to ask. Many captains will be happy to let you take over. Looking for a real sailing adventure? Afternoons are best - check those out first.

Here are some of the Maui sailing charters that are available on the island:

America II - the 1987 America's Cup Challenger. This prestigious yacht was custom designed and built, at the cost of $10 million, for the sole purpose of competing in world-class racing.

Cinderella - a 50' Columbia Ocean Sailing Yacht that can accommodate up to 6 passengers offers PRIVATE SAIL - SNORKEL and SUNSET SAILS - The focus is on sailing and comfort aboard this luxury sailing yacht. The primary destination is a beautiful coral reef along the Maui Coast, where guests can snorkel with green sea turtles and tropical fish or the itinerary can be custom designed. All snorkel gear and instruction provided. Select the trip best suited to your desires.

Island Star - a 57' sailing yacht is certified for 28 passengers - sleeps 10 comfortably. This unique craft is available for private charters only. Customize a vacation trip for a half-day, full day or overnight sailing excursion or select from one of the trips described below. Sails from Maalaea Harbor.

Kamehameha - is a classic 40' Woody Brown Catamaran with a large tarpaulin net and plenty of shade, cushioned seating, marine head, stereo system, accommodates 6 passengers comfortably. Private Charters are available.

Kapalua Kai - a 53' Gold Coast Yacht Sailing Catamaran accommodates 49 passengers. Features 2 forward nets with 4 body size cushions, 4 teak cocktail tables with seating, 2 large marine bathrooms, 20x20 carpeted shaded area, glass bottom viewing window and a snorkeling stairway.
PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE call for more information.

KiteBoard Maui Sailing Center - Instead of years learning on your own, the Kiteboard Maui approach will give you the skills to enter the water safely and develop rapidly. Instructors have undergone full safety training and utilizes the teaching methods of International Kiteboarding Organization IKO, Hawaii Kiteboarding Association HAK, the Aloha Spirit.

Paragon Sailing Charters - is "flat-out" one of the fastest sailing vessels on the island of Maui and a great choice for those looking for a sailing adventure on a snorkel Molokini trip. There is usually no wind on the way out, but the trip home can be exciting. They also go to Lanai and do sunset sails. This high-performance sailing vessel carries small groups of 38 or less.

Scotch Mist - is 50' Santa Cruz Sailing Yacht that can accommodate up to 25 passengers. She is the fastest boat of her class in the state. In 1984 she won the Victoria to Maui Yacht Race.

Shangri-La - Hawaii"s first modern luxury cruising catamaran was custom designed by her owner/operators who have chartered over 28 years. This 65' sailing catamaran yacht features spacious air-conditioned living quarters, is certified for 49 passengers, but limited to 6-8 guests on overnight trips.Departs from Kaanapali Beach.

Trilogy Excursions - Join Maui's First Family of Sailing for an unforgettable ocean experience. Go to Molokini, Lanai, or snorkel Kaanapali. Also, offers a sunset sail, Whale Watching trips (in season) and Scuba Diving. Safe and comfortable high tech ocean sailing catamarans.

This page contains information about: maui sailing, maui sail, maui sailing charters.

Hearing Impaired - Read the full transcript for this page's audio narrative.

Maui Sailing Charters - As you are most certainly aware, the Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by ocean. In fact they’re surrounded by a lot of ocean essentially 2000 miles worth in every direction. It’s no surprise then that the earliest Polynesian peoples to arrive here in Hawaii from the “South Seas” came to the islands on sailing ships or catamarans. Since those early days “sailing” has been an integral part of the Hawaiian experience. These days we still have many sailing vessels that ply the waters off the coast of Maui. Many sail in conjunction with other marine endeavors such as snorkeling or whale watching but my favorite are the ones that go out for the expressed purpose of sailing. These are often referred to as “power sails” and usually take place in mid afternoon and make use of our predominant “trade winds” which blow strongest at that time.

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