Maui Sailing

We have sailed on racing yachts and catamarans, from different locations on Maui, under different weather conditions and at different times of the day - and they have shared one consistent theme - we've always had fun.

Sailing on Maui Racing Yachts

Two racing yachts berth at Lahaina Harbor:

Pure speed is what the crew delivered on our sunset sail on the Scotch Mist, a 50 foot racing hull which won the 1984 Victoria-Maui International Yacht Race. Their speedy motto - Fast is Fun.

On our morning sail on the America II, we were thrilled to sit on the same deck and sail in the same racing hull that had participated in the America's Cup in 1987.

Both of this sailing yachts have been a part of world class racing. Choose their afternoon Performance Sail when winds are highest for a unique sailing experience.

Maui Sailing Cost and Schedule

Expect to pay about $30-$60 for a morning. afternoon, or late afternoon/sunset sail. You can often combine sailing with snorkeling or whale watching.

To read more about Maui sailing trips, charters, and tours - or to make reservations, visit my Maui Sailing Charters Tickets page. Or phone toll free 877-489-3054 to talk to a Barefoot Tours sailing expert right now on Maui. Tell them Randy Willis recommended you ask about their low price guarantee.

Maui Sailing Catamarans

Many catamarans sail out of the harbors at Maalaea and Lahaina. Some catamarans dont' bother with deep water harbors - they go right on the shore at Kaanapali Beach for you to board and exit.

Because of their wide double hull structure, sailing catamarans offer smooth sailing compared to racing yachts. The larger size and boarding platforms on cataramarans also makes them a good base for other ocean activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

To discover what a Maui sailing catamaran is like:
• Our early morning Dolphin Snorkel Sail on the Gemini sailing catamaran
• Our Snorkel and Whale Watch Sail on the Kapalua Kai sailing catamaran

Best Time of Day to Sail?

The time of day you sail can be more important than the sailboat you select because each time offers a unique experience:

• Morning sails are usually combined with some other activity such as whale watching or snorkeling. Because there is usually not much wind early in the day, the first part of the trip will be spent motoring rather than sailing because of lack of wind and the need to perform the non-sailing activity. Sailing speeds up as the morning progresses and on the return trip. Morning sails are often discounted because most vacationers don't get up early.

• Afternoon trade winds assure faster sailing later in the day. This is the time when many sailing charters often their Performance Sail - the focus is on speed more than anything else.

• Sunset sails start fast with the strong afternoon trade winds. When the winds die down, the sailboat generally motors back to the dock.

Maui Sailing Video

The Maui sailing video below is on the America II racing yacht out of Lahaina Harbor.

Click on the PLAY button in the image below to view the video.

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