Captain's Log
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
Māhina: KūkoluMakani: ʻole in the kakahiaka then we found some 10-12kt hikina breeze outside of Laeʻahi.Nalu: 1 foot hikina windswell and 1-3 foot Nā Leo Kona south west groundswell.Anilā: Barely any cloud cover. Some Ao Puaʻa over the Koʻolau range.
Lā hanau o Makaliʻi. ʻOle Makani so we hook up tow and make our way towards Waikīkī. Still no wind in Waikīkī so we head outside Leʻahi. Thereʻs the wind: Gentle breeze 10-12kts. Today we try a #7 jib and we are on the giddy up outside moving smoothly at 5-7kts. Windward hull feels lighter with jib. Small jib goes a long way. Improved control is noticeable off the wind Tacking still not that easy without paddling. Maybe weʻre still choking the main too much. Koholā, Naiʻa, Manu o Kū, ʻĀ all around as we sail and steer. Near kewalo harbor the wind disappears again and swirls in front of us. So interesting how it went to complete zero and we could still look back out towards Leʻahi and see small white caps. Hook up long tow, but it is not long enough with the wave push and pull. Keʻala adds some more line and it improves the performance. Coming up towards Mokauea and the wind and current are behind us now. First attempt straight into slipway is no good. Need to abort. Second attempt we angle into the slipway and I turn just as we enter. Smoother entry.
Crew: KLM (Captain), Moani Heimuli (First Mate), Ke'alohi Reppun, Wyeth Collo, Taryn Loveman, Calvin Lac, Mark "Gooch" Noguchi, Dave Strang, Dillyn Lietzke
Escort Boat:
Lā hanau o Makaliʻi. ʻOle Makani so we hook up tow and make our way towards Waikīkī. Still no wind in Waikīkī so we head outside Leʻahi. Thereʻs the wind: Gentle breeze 10-12kts. Today we try a #7 jib and we are on the giddy up outside moving smoothly at 5-7kts. Windward hull feels lighter with jib. Small jib goes a long way. Improved control is noticeable off the wind Tacking still not that easy without paddling. Maybe weʻre still choking the main too much. Koholā, Naiʻa, Manu o Kū, ʻĀ all around as we sail and steer. Near kewalo harbor the wind disappears again and swirls in front of us. So interesting how it went to complete zero and we could still look back out towards Leʻahi and see small white caps. Hook up long tow, but it is not long enough with the wave push and pull. Keʻala adds some more line and it improves the performance. Coming up towards Mokauea and the wind and current are behind us now. First attempt straight into slipway is no good. Need to abort. Second attempt we angle into the slipway and I turn just as we enter. Smoother entry.
Crew: KLM (Captain), Moani Heimuli (First Mate), Ke'alohi Reppun, Wyeth Collo, Taryn Loveman, Calvin Lac, Mark "Gooch" Noguchi, Dave Strang, Dillyn Lietzke
Escort Boat:
- Ke'ala Kimura, Dr. Michi Wong
January 29, 2022 (Dave Lyman Memorial Day)
January 29, 2022 (Dave Lyman Memorial Day)
Māhina: KāneMakani: 10-15kts SE ʻāina malanai swinging to 10-15kts hikina to lā koʻolauNalu: 1-2 foot wind swell out of Hikina. Nā Leo Kona, SW groundswell 2-3ft.Anilā: Partially cloudy. All low level clouds.
Uncle Dave Lyman memorial day. First day trying out a #6 jib to see how it affected sailing performance and steering. Out of the slip way we open sail then decide to pop the jib out the channel. Our speed increases significantly running 8kts out the channel, easterly current and wind pushing us fast to the lee side of the channel, should of stayed to windward. We try to pick up tow with jib still up and was a bit too tricky for Keʻala to come in smoothly. We make contact, but no harm done. We did take his boat wake over the leeward hull. It did not drain as fast as I would have liked. Need to make scupper holes bigger in future and pay close attention to water coming over. We cut tow outside Ala Wai harbor and sail in and out for a few tacks. Still not able to tack without paddling even with jib. Main sheet needs to let main luff when into the eye of the wind or else we get rapidly put into irons and canʻt backwind jib. Coming back down wind we see pilot boat coming out of H harbor so we turn to meet them. A parasailer opens directly in front of us, we adjust and aim directly at the pillot boat. Steersmen delay as we continue to head toward pilot boat and accidently jibe, we make the turn at the last moment coming within feet of the Pilot boat – A perfect way to honor uncle Dave. Scare everyone. We jibe in and out around the H buoy as the Pilot boat dumps flowers overboard and shares Uncle Dave Lyman stories. Wind allows us to sail up the channel into the basin, but gets flooky in the basin so we hook up short tow and head to slip way. Still trying to work out the angles to getting in that slipway smoothly when the current and wind are perpendicular to where you want to point. May need to come in manu ihu into the wind. Exciting days flying the jib. A little too exciting.
Crew:
Escort Boat:
Uncle Dave Lyman memorial day. First day trying out a #6 jib to see how it affected sailing performance and steering. Out of the slip way we open sail then decide to pop the jib out the channel. Our speed increases significantly running 8kts out the channel, easterly current and wind pushing us fast to the lee side of the channel, should of stayed to windward. We try to pick up tow with jib still up and was a bit too tricky for Keʻala to come in smoothly. We make contact, but no harm done. We did take his boat wake over the leeward hull. It did not drain as fast as I would have liked. Need to make scupper holes bigger in future and pay close attention to water coming over. We cut tow outside Ala Wai harbor and sail in and out for a few tacks. Still not able to tack without paddling even with jib. Main sheet needs to let main luff when into the eye of the wind or else we get rapidly put into irons and canʻt backwind jib. Coming back down wind we see pilot boat coming out of H harbor so we turn to meet them. A parasailer opens directly in front of us, we adjust and aim directly at the pillot boat. Steersmen delay as we continue to head toward pilot boat and accidently jibe, we make the turn at the last moment coming within feet of the Pilot boat – A perfect way to honor uncle Dave. Scare everyone. We jibe in and out around the H buoy as the Pilot boat dumps flowers overboard and shares Uncle Dave Lyman stories. Wind allows us to sail up the channel into the basin, but gets flooky in the basin so we hook up short tow and head to slip way. Still trying to work out the angles to getting in that slipway smoothly when the current and wind are perpendicular to where you want to point. May need to come in manu ihu into the wind. Exciting days flying the jib. A little too exciting.
Crew:
- KLM (captain), Mark "Gooch" Noguchi, Rex Lokeni, Dillyn Lietzke, Taryn Loveman, Calvin Lac, Emily McCarren
Escort Boat:
- Keʻala Kimura
January 22, 2022
January 22, 2022
Māhina: LaʻaupauMakani: Light ENE ʻāina koʻolau breeze 8-10ktsNalu: 3-4 foot west wrap from XL WNW groundswell. Coming in hot out of Hoʻolua blending with small .5 foot ENE wind swell.Anilā: Partially cloudy beautiful day in Hawaiʻi nei.
Another light wind day, good steering training towing up to Waikiki in search of the Punahou paddling boys. Open sail outside of Natatorium and start making our way back down wind. We stay outside to avoid the west swell, and get a good look at the Punahou paddling boys making their way up to the Natatorium. Good to have Kamaola around our hoe waʻa. Cousins enjoying the crystal waters of Waikīkī. Towed up the channel back into the basin.
Crew: KLM (Captain), Mark Ellis (First Mate) Kekaulike Mar, Kylee Mar, Taryn Loveman, Calvin Lac, Mark "Gooch", Noguchi, Dave Strang, Dru Hara
Escort Boat:
Another light wind day, good steering training towing up to Waikiki in search of the Punahou paddling boys. Open sail outside of Natatorium and start making our way back down wind. We stay outside to avoid the west swell, and get a good look at the Punahou paddling boys making their way up to the Natatorium. Good to have Kamaola around our hoe waʻa. Cousins enjoying the crystal waters of Waikīkī. Towed up the channel back into the basin.
Crew: KLM (Captain), Mark Ellis (First Mate) Kekaulike Mar, Kylee Mar, Taryn Loveman, Calvin Lac, Mark "Gooch", Noguchi, Dave Strang, Dru Hara
Escort Boat:
- Ke'ala Kimura
December 18, 2021
December 18, 2021
Māhina KāloapauMakani: Light early 5-10 ENE ʻāina koʻolau increased to 10-12kts ʻāina koʻolauNalu: 1 foot windswell from HikinaAnilā: partially cloudy, no rain. Ao puaʻa low clouds stacking over koʻolaus.
Oli, pule, safety talk. Need to remember that part of safety is leaving all pilikia on the dock as well. We tack around in the basin for a moment then head out the blind channel. The wind is perfect for tacking in and out near the H buoy. We set up a rotation where everyone got a chance to steer and everyone a chance to handle sheet lines then made our way back up the channel. We were able to sail pretty far then short paddle tack it all the way up the basin and into the slip. Smooth landing. Little late on the arrival with all the short tacking, but another beautiful day. First day with almost all leadership students and so good to have former student, Kila out there. Christmas break.
Crew:
Escort Boat:
Oli, pule, safety talk. Need to remember that part of safety is leaving all pilikia on the dock as well. We tack around in the basin for a moment then head out the blind channel. The wind is perfect for tacking in and out near the H buoy. We set up a rotation where everyone got a chance to steer and everyone a chance to handle sheet lines then made our way back up the channel. We were able to sail pretty far then short paddle tack it all the way up the basin and into the slip. Smooth landing. Little late on the arrival with all the short tacking, but another beautiful day. First day with almost all leadership students and so good to have former student, Kila out there. Christmas break.
Crew:
- Students: Chloe, Kawena, Joey, Emma
- KLM (captain), Don Isaccs (LG) Kaʻai, Wyeth, Taryn, Kathleen, Kila, Calvin
Escort Boat:
- Keʻala Kimura, Kylee Mar, Dr. Michi Wong
December 17, 2021
December 17, 2021
Māhina KāloakūluaMakani: Early on 9-10am was light 0-5 out of malanai then picked up 5-10kts out of ʻāina malanai. Nalu: Barely any energy. Small .5 foot wind swellAnilā: He lā Malie. Partially cloudy, mostly clear.
Waʻa Kamaola already in the water from the past Thursday. Weather is calm, wind is near 0kts early am. Pule Kākou and off we go. We make our way out the channel and tow up to Waikiki. Good steering practice under tow. Good chance for Pete to get a feel for the blades and come up with some theories for future paddles. The water was beautiful on the way up. Kamaola tows smoothly in glassy conditions. Terrific. The pounding of the heavy Kia and ʻOpeʻa as we tow over bumps will take its toll on the ʻiako and kua over time. Cut tow near the natatorium and a light wind turns on to give us some smooth sailing in and out of Waikiki. Naiʻa, Manu o kū, and ʻĀ are outside doing their morning work. The blade Pete brought is too small and seems ineffective. He switches to the longer blade and likes it. After a few tacks at about 3 knots speed the wind picks up slightly and we slowly start to make our way back down wind cruising at 5-7kts on a broad reach. Conditions are perfect, Pete is ecstatic practicing his standup steering and coaching others on the basics. This type of steering is difficult. Especially down wind. The waʻa is very responsive to every adjustment in sheets, steering, weight, wind and waves. The malanai (SE) wind angle was such that we could sail straight down the channel and right up to the slip way. Smooth landing. Mahalo.
Crew: KLM (captain), Mark Ellis (first mate), Catherine Fuller, Pete Balding, Sam Collo, Kaimana Drago, Taryn Loveman
Escort Boat:
Waʻa Kamaola already in the water from the past Thursday. Weather is calm, wind is near 0kts early am. Pule Kākou and off we go. We make our way out the channel and tow up to Waikiki. Good steering practice under tow. Good chance for Pete to get a feel for the blades and come up with some theories for future paddles. The water was beautiful on the way up. Kamaola tows smoothly in glassy conditions. Terrific. The pounding of the heavy Kia and ʻOpeʻa as we tow over bumps will take its toll on the ʻiako and kua over time. Cut tow near the natatorium and a light wind turns on to give us some smooth sailing in and out of Waikiki. Naiʻa, Manu o kū, and ʻĀ are outside doing their morning work. The blade Pete brought is too small and seems ineffective. He switches to the longer blade and likes it. After a few tacks at about 3 knots speed the wind picks up slightly and we slowly start to make our way back down wind cruising at 5-7kts on a broad reach. Conditions are perfect, Pete is ecstatic practicing his standup steering and coaching others on the basics. This type of steering is difficult. Especially down wind. The waʻa is very responsive to every adjustment in sheets, steering, weight, wind and waves. The malanai (SE) wind angle was such that we could sail straight down the channel and right up to the slip way. Smooth landing. Mahalo.
Crew: KLM (captain), Mark Ellis (first mate), Catherine Fuller, Pete Balding, Sam Collo, Kaimana Drago, Taryn Loveman
Escort Boat:
- Bob Perkins, Jordan
December 7, 2021
December 7, 2021
ʻOhana Kamaola,Hoʻoilo and makahiki season is upon us with big waves and weather. Keep an eye on the sky during these exciting days and nights. Māhina: Pō Kūlua (rising ʻāina malanai): "Allow the flow of these powerful rains to cleanse you of any self doubt. Plant your intentions with confidence." (the mahina project)Ka Lā: (ʻAina malanai -22): Keep an eye on the shifting sun as it makes its way to the southernmost point of its path near the end of this month traveling Ke Alanui Polohiwa a Kanaloa (winter solstice). Nā Hōkū: The brilliance of this season is revealed in the night sky especially after a big rain cleanses the atmosphere. Look to Hikina (East) and Koʻolau (Northeast) to see some of the brightest stars rising in the starline Ke Kā o Makaliʻi as well as Ka Lupe o Kawelo. More info at https://imiloahawaii.org/sky-chartsʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻO ke kahua ma mua, ma hope ke kūkulu.The site first, and then the building. Learn all you can, then practice. Hana Waʻa:We have completed 4 training sails so far on Kamaola. On November 20th we took the first ever Punahou students out on Kamaola!: Chloe Yoshiki and Alex Picken. Kamaola is performing well as we work to learn her personality.
November 22, 2021
November 22, 2021
Māhina LaʻaukūkahiMakani: ʻāina koʻolau. Gentle breeze 7-10 knots early increased to moderate in squalls 11-16 kts throughout the morning Nalu: .5 foot wind swell from hikina and wrapping in from malanai. Anilā: He lā ʻōmalumalu. mostly cloudy. Frequent, showers descending the valleys.
Kamaola slept well in the slip way with the dock lines set as springs crossing the manu ihu and crossing the manu hope. Make sure to double check where the bowline is tied to wae to prevent chafing on lashing. May be able to leave ʻōpeʻa and paepae on the railing secured in the future for an easier departure rather than maneuvering around the pola with the sticks. It is challenging to keep the end out of the water when moving the rig forward on the deck while on the water.
Short introductions, pule from Kaleo and we paddle backwards into the basin. Extra seats ma hope allow us to paddle facing both directions. Kau ka peʻa and straight out the channel. We hook up the tow with the goal to get to Waikiki with enough time to sail. Towing is never comfortable but the loose ring on the bridal makes it so the pressure moves around and always centers. It helps the steering. Need to tie a tag line to retrieve tow line after. I prefer to tow at an angle that fills our sail so we can stay balanced. Good conversations and catch up with Kaleo, Mark and Jesse. Mark is extremely helpful in looking at the rig and humbly providing suggestions and any red flags he sees. He has more sea time and sail time than all of us put together, but we need to be careful in maintaining the balance of technology, simplicity and tradition. Wind is blowing in Waikiki with squalls descending the valleys as we unhook in front of Punahou school and Kealia. Great push for Kamaola in feeling the sail and steering as Manu o Kū gracefully navigate the squalls. Steering is a challenge off the wind, but can be simple with absolute focus and a connection to crew handling the kaula peʻa. Mark is a great teacher helping out the sheet handlers as we blast back and forth outside Kealia. Tested the limits of the light, cedar steering blade with 4oz fiberglass and a 6oz sock. Probably the wrong blade for the conditions resulted in a broken paddle. Now we know. Never force it. Adjust sail and get help from the other side. Nobody hurt, we have more paddles. No problem. We attempt a jibe and take a long time to come about. May need two blades digging to do this more efficiently. On another jibe, sheet lines are too loose and boom crashes over. Everything held through the shock. We turn back down towards Mokauea and we are cruising at up to 8-10 knots on the wave face. Steering is tricky as we canʻt completely sheet out our boom because of the back stay. Common issue on waʻa kaulua. We could loosen the stay to open up the sail, but Iʻd rather not risk the jibe with a new crew. Could also run a running back stay. No matter how much experience you have, we are still learning Kamaola. She is teaching us. Coming up the channel with the wind on our ihu is hard for any vessel. With Markʻs expert wind sense and some paddling we steer to the basin showing us that if we had to we could make it all the way, but time was ticking so we towed up wind of the slip way, wrapped up the sail and paddled in. Almost a perfect entrance, but the current dropped us a little low at the last second and we rubbed the tires with the ʻiako. All in all another beautiful sail with a great crew. We left rig and sail up during the haul out. Much easier to deal with on land. E ola i Kamaola.
Crew: Kaniela L-M (captain), Kaleo Wong, Mark Ellis (1st mate), Matariki Tuki, Calvin Lac, Taryn Loveman, Wyeth Collo, Jesse Yonover, Mark Towill
Escort Boat:
Kamaola slept well in the slip way with the dock lines set as springs crossing the manu ihu and crossing the manu hope. Make sure to double check where the bowline is tied to wae to prevent chafing on lashing. May be able to leave ʻōpeʻa and paepae on the railing secured in the future for an easier departure rather than maneuvering around the pola with the sticks. It is challenging to keep the end out of the water when moving the rig forward on the deck while on the water.
Short introductions, pule from Kaleo and we paddle backwards into the basin. Extra seats ma hope allow us to paddle facing both directions. Kau ka peʻa and straight out the channel. We hook up the tow with the goal to get to Waikiki with enough time to sail. Towing is never comfortable but the loose ring on the bridal makes it so the pressure moves around and always centers. It helps the steering. Need to tie a tag line to retrieve tow line after. I prefer to tow at an angle that fills our sail so we can stay balanced. Good conversations and catch up with Kaleo, Mark and Jesse. Mark is extremely helpful in looking at the rig and humbly providing suggestions and any red flags he sees. He has more sea time and sail time than all of us put together, but we need to be careful in maintaining the balance of technology, simplicity and tradition. Wind is blowing in Waikiki with squalls descending the valleys as we unhook in front of Punahou school and Kealia. Great push for Kamaola in feeling the sail and steering as Manu o Kū gracefully navigate the squalls. Steering is a challenge off the wind, but can be simple with absolute focus and a connection to crew handling the kaula peʻa. Mark is a great teacher helping out the sheet handlers as we blast back and forth outside Kealia. Tested the limits of the light, cedar steering blade with 4oz fiberglass and a 6oz sock. Probably the wrong blade for the conditions resulted in a broken paddle. Now we know. Never force it. Adjust sail and get help from the other side. Nobody hurt, we have more paddles. No problem. We attempt a jibe and take a long time to come about. May need two blades digging to do this more efficiently. On another jibe, sheet lines are too loose and boom crashes over. Everything held through the shock. We turn back down towards Mokauea and we are cruising at up to 8-10 knots on the wave face. Steering is tricky as we canʻt completely sheet out our boom because of the back stay. Common issue on waʻa kaulua. We could loosen the stay to open up the sail, but Iʻd rather not risk the jibe with a new crew. Could also run a running back stay. No matter how much experience you have, we are still learning Kamaola. She is teaching us. Coming up the channel with the wind on our ihu is hard for any vessel. With Markʻs expert wind sense and some paddling we steer to the basin showing us that if we had to we could make it all the way, but time was ticking so we towed up wind of the slip way, wrapped up the sail and paddled in. Almost a perfect entrance, but the current dropped us a little low at the last second and we rubbed the tires with the ʻiako. All in all another beautiful sail with a great crew. We left rig and sail up during the haul out. Much easier to deal with on land. E ola i Kamaola.
Crew: Kaniela L-M (captain), Kaleo Wong, Mark Ellis (1st mate), Matariki Tuki, Calvin Lac, Taryn Loveman, Wyeth Collo, Jesse Yonover, Mark Towill
Escort Boat:
- Bob Perkins, Amanda, Jordan
November 20, 2021
November 20, 2021
Māhina KuluMakani: Hikina/Lā Malanai. Light, 0-5 knots increased to 5-10 throughout the morning Nalu: 1 foot SE malanai wind swell. Anilā: He lā maikaʻi. Slightly cloudy, mostly clear.
First day ever with current Punahou students on Kamaola! Two of the very best ambassadors of waʻa aloha: Chloe Yoshiki '23 and Alex Picken '22. Winds are light so we forgo the METC tour and push to get the students on the water. Kia rigged on Thursday 11/18. We are getting better using the hoist to initiate the lift. Just need to pass the end aft of the pola. Friday, 11/19, I was able to finish the curved piece for the spar and yolk. Leather does not fit as well now so we will have to re-cut later. Boom yolk can now be pulled and secured to cleat on ʻōpeʻa. We rig up sail, boom and spar smoothly and are ready to go. Throughout the morning a small ʻanuenue floated near the land just above the large white fuel tanks looking Hoʻolua (NW).
We stayed on the inside feeling out the light wind and heavy rig, practicing steering and hoʻopūnini (tacking). Alex and Chloe quietly observe. Even in the light wind, Kamaola feels alive, invigorated by youthful energy. The wind lightened to the point of complete glass in the basin so we decided to venture out of the channel. We paddled for a minute then hooked up tow. When we unhooked between the head buoy and Honolulu harbor a light malanai (SE) wind started to increase giving us perfect sailing conditions over clear, emerald waters and gentle, rolling wind swell. We tacked in and out then were able to sail up the channel and paddle smoothly into the slipway without incident. Students got a chance to handle lines and steer. Need to remember to have all dock lines prepared before we get close. We were able to leave the rig up and paddle in smoothly. Malanai winds seem to be the best for sailing in and out of the channel. Even though it was only two students, it felt like a tremendous accomplishment for the future of Kamaola and ʻohana waʻa. History is happening. Keep sailing. E ola i Kamaola!
Crew: Kaniela L-M (captain), Dillyn L., Jason Patterson (1st mate), Don Isaccs (LG), Calvin Lac, Taryn Loveman, Chloe (student), Alex Picken (student)
Escort Boat: Keʻala Kimura, Dr. Michi Wong, Kylee Mar
First day ever with current Punahou students on Kamaola! Two of the very best ambassadors of waʻa aloha: Chloe Yoshiki '23 and Alex Picken '22. Winds are light so we forgo the METC tour and push to get the students on the water. Kia rigged on Thursday 11/18. We are getting better using the hoist to initiate the lift. Just need to pass the end aft of the pola. Friday, 11/19, I was able to finish the curved piece for the spar and yolk. Leather does not fit as well now so we will have to re-cut later. Boom yolk can now be pulled and secured to cleat on ʻōpeʻa. We rig up sail, boom and spar smoothly and are ready to go. Throughout the morning a small ʻanuenue floated near the land just above the large white fuel tanks looking Hoʻolua (NW).
We stayed on the inside feeling out the light wind and heavy rig, practicing steering and hoʻopūnini (tacking). Alex and Chloe quietly observe. Even in the light wind, Kamaola feels alive, invigorated by youthful energy. The wind lightened to the point of complete glass in the basin so we decided to venture out of the channel. We paddled for a minute then hooked up tow. When we unhooked between the head buoy and Honolulu harbor a light malanai (SE) wind started to increase giving us perfect sailing conditions over clear, emerald waters and gentle, rolling wind swell. We tacked in and out then were able to sail up the channel and paddle smoothly into the slipway without incident. Students got a chance to handle lines and steer. Need to remember to have all dock lines prepared before we get close. We were able to leave the rig up and paddle in smoothly. Malanai winds seem to be the best for sailing in and out of the channel. Even though it was only two students, it felt like a tremendous accomplishment for the future of Kamaola and ʻohana waʻa. History is happening. Keep sailing. E ola i Kamaola!
Crew: Kaniela L-M (captain), Dillyn L., Jason Patterson (1st mate), Don Isaccs (LG), Calvin Lac, Taryn Loveman, Chloe (student), Alex Picken (student)
Escort Boat: Keʻala Kimura, Dr. Michi Wong, Kylee Mar
Captainʻs Log 10/22 and 10/23: Much to be done. WE are here now in exactly the right place...
Captainʻs Log 10/22 and 10/23: Much to be done. WE are here now in exactly the right place...
October 23, 2021
October 23, 2021
Māhina LaʻaukūkahiMakani: ʻAina Koʻolau. Light but increasing to moderate 10-15ktsNalu: Hema, 1-2 foot ground swell, 1 foot east wind swell. Anilā: He lā maikaʻi. Slightly cloudy, mostly clear. Ao puaʻa on the Koʻolau mountains.
Arrived early to tighten the kaula kia, tighten clew and rig up a different tie for yolk to ʻōpeʻa. Alas, I tied the clew too tight and our new rig didnʻt work to secure boom to spar. There needs to be a low cleat on the spar. We re-tied and moved everything back to how it was the day before. Pule Kākou and off we go with a gentle kick off the dock we opened sail and turned up into the basin for a little shake out. After a couple tacks we made our way out the blind channel and towards Waikiki. The water was crystal clear, the conditions were ideal. The captain and crew relaxed and talked taking in the glory of the moment as we sailed farther than I ever thought we would sail in the first few months. We made it out to the Honolulu harbor buoy then tacked around for a beautiful sleigh ride back to Kapālama with Dillyn on the hoe. She handled well down wind. She loved gliding off the wind. At the channel we struggled to point the same direction we did the day before. Our leeway was a bit too much. Possibly could of short tacked with some strong paddling, but we decided to hook up tow. Good to make sure we have that capability anyway. We hooked up tow and made our way in. Coming into the slipway was a little tricky. We were indecisive about dropping the rig and paddling in. We left the rig up and sure enough just as we got close a gust hit and swung our stern out of position. We worked some lines and made our way around and back into the slip way. We need to practice that. I defer to experience. I have little. Thereʻs another way to do it. Kamaola wasnʻt ready to go back. She is young and energetic. Had her first flight. She wants to keep flying, but we need to learn her. Docking is always the hardest part when it is windy. No one got hurt. No damage done. Learn forward. Next time keep the paddle pressure on straight into the slip. No need stay tied up to escort. Paddle hard then put on the brakes. Rig down, travel lift out, clean up, mast down, back to makai side of building. E ola i Kamaola!
Crew:
Escort Boat:
Arrived early to tighten the kaula kia, tighten clew and rig up a different tie for yolk to ʻōpeʻa. Alas, I tied the clew too tight and our new rig didnʻt work to secure boom to spar. There needs to be a low cleat on the spar. We re-tied and moved everything back to how it was the day before. Pule Kākou and off we go with a gentle kick off the dock we opened sail and turned up into the basin for a little shake out. After a couple tacks we made our way out the blind channel and towards Waikiki. The water was crystal clear, the conditions were ideal. The captain and crew relaxed and talked taking in the glory of the moment as we sailed farther than I ever thought we would sail in the first few months. We made it out to the Honolulu harbor buoy then tacked around for a beautiful sleigh ride back to Kapālama with Dillyn on the hoe. She handled well down wind. She loved gliding off the wind. At the channel we struggled to point the same direction we did the day before. Our leeway was a bit too much. Possibly could of short tacked with some strong paddling, but we decided to hook up tow. Good to make sure we have that capability anyway. We hooked up tow and made our way in. Coming into the slipway was a little tricky. We were indecisive about dropping the rig and paddling in. We left the rig up and sure enough just as we got close a gust hit and swung our stern out of position. We worked some lines and made our way around and back into the slip way. We need to practice that. I defer to experience. I have little. Thereʻs another way to do it. Kamaola wasnʻt ready to go back. She is young and energetic. Had her first flight. She wants to keep flying, but we need to learn her. Docking is always the hardest part when it is windy. No one got hurt. No damage done. Learn forward. Next time keep the paddle pressure on straight into the slip. No need stay tied up to escort. Paddle hard then put on the brakes. Rig down, travel lift out, clean up, mast down, back to makai side of building. E ola i Kamaola!
Crew:
- Kaniela Lyman-Mersereau, Captain, Punahou
- Moani Heimuli, Waʻa Builder and Consultant to Kamaola
- Dillyn Lietzke, Punahou Alum and Kamaola Mama
- Kaʻaiʻōhelo McAfee-Torco, Punahou K-1 Kumu 'ōlelo Hawai'i
- Taryn Loveman, Punahou, DTE Co-Department Head
- Wyeth Collo, Punahou, Academy Science
- Calvin Lac, Punahou, DTE
- Matariki Tuki, Volunteer
- John Amundson, Volunteer
Escort Boat:
- Keala Kimura, Honolulu Community College
October 22, 2021 (Mum's Lā Hānau)
October 22, 2021 (Mum's Lā Hānau)
Māhina KuluMakani: ʻAina Koʻolau. Light 5-12ktsNalu: Hema, 1-2 foot ground swell, 1 foot east wind swell. ʻAnilā: He lā maikaʻi. Slightly cloudy, mostly clear. Ao puaʻa on the Koʻolau mountains.
Nerves of the day. The first day to kau ka peʻa after the weekend before (10/16) where we struggled to attach the sail correctly. Holes in the wrong place for the tack. They needed to be on the spar, not the boom, to avoid ripping the sail. Corrections were made 10/21: Moved Sheetline and doughnuts up the boom. Made puka in spar for tack. Moved lower halyards and pepeiao up on Kia. Spun knot around on top shrouds to avoid chafing on halyards. Raised mast as napoʻo ʻana o ka lā.
Winds were light as crew showed up on 10/22. We loaded Kamaola, tied the peʻa onto the paepae and ʻōpeʻa then raised the rig. She looked ready as we opened the sail on land next to older sister, Hikianalia. E pule kākou then we go. Couple strokes out into Kāpalama basin and kau ka peʻa! Kani ka pū we heard from the land, Mark Ellis replied with the Kani ka Pū from the sea. We were sailing. Kamaola was sailing! Thousands of years piled gently on our shoulders and this humble little waʻa from ka Punahou. Out the channel we went with Moani steering. Smooth and steady we made it to the head buoy then pointed up to feel out the bump and stretch out our kaula kia. She handled it well. The steering capabilities were better than expected with Moaniʻs hoe and the hoe we made on campus. She also pointed upwind better than we thought. The lashings, the deck boards, the heiau sung softly to us, but did not struggle. She seemed happy to be free from the dock and trailer. Hoʻailona all around: naiʻa, manu iwa, manu ʻā, manu o kū, ʻanuenue. She wanted to go, but her crew and kaula were not ready yet. After bouncing around in the sea for a moment we tacked but she wanted to keep going so we tried again. The angle of swell and wind makes tacking without paddling difficult. Need more speed. Maybe easier with a jib. We tried again and came about with ease. The wind was a favorable angle for tacking up the channel so we sailed all the way back in then played around in the calm waters of the basin. Again, she pointed better than we thought with those gigantic sticks. Nice to know you can always paddle away from trouble with a strong crew as well. You must be careful though not to over sheet. She slides fast when she loses speed and the sail is too tight. We slowly made our way back to the floating dock with ease, closed up sail, pule, pau. No water in the hulls, no damage to the rig, crew healthy and strong. Kaula kia will need tightening ʻapōpō. E ola!
Inaugural Crew:
Escort Boat:
Nerves of the day. The first day to kau ka peʻa after the weekend before (10/16) where we struggled to attach the sail correctly. Holes in the wrong place for the tack. They needed to be on the spar, not the boom, to avoid ripping the sail. Corrections were made 10/21: Moved Sheetline and doughnuts up the boom. Made puka in spar for tack. Moved lower halyards and pepeiao up on Kia. Spun knot around on top shrouds to avoid chafing on halyards. Raised mast as napoʻo ʻana o ka lā.
Winds were light as crew showed up on 10/22. We loaded Kamaola, tied the peʻa onto the paepae and ʻōpeʻa then raised the rig. She looked ready as we opened the sail on land next to older sister, Hikianalia. E pule kākou then we go. Couple strokes out into Kāpalama basin and kau ka peʻa! Kani ka pū we heard from the land, Mark Ellis replied with the Kani ka Pū from the sea. We were sailing. Kamaola was sailing! Thousands of years piled gently on our shoulders and this humble little waʻa from ka Punahou. Out the channel we went with Moani steering. Smooth and steady we made it to the head buoy then pointed up to feel out the bump and stretch out our kaula kia. She handled it well. The steering capabilities were better than expected with Moaniʻs hoe and the hoe we made on campus. She also pointed upwind better than we thought. The lashings, the deck boards, the heiau sung softly to us, but did not struggle. She seemed happy to be free from the dock and trailer. Hoʻailona all around: naiʻa, manu iwa, manu ʻā, manu o kū, ʻanuenue. She wanted to go, but her crew and kaula were not ready yet. After bouncing around in the sea for a moment we tacked but she wanted to keep going so we tried again. The angle of swell and wind makes tacking without paddling difficult. Need more speed. Maybe easier with a jib. We tried again and came about with ease. The wind was a favorable angle for tacking up the channel so we sailed all the way back in then played around in the calm waters of the basin. Again, she pointed better than we thought with those gigantic sticks. Nice to know you can always paddle away from trouble with a strong crew as well. You must be careful though not to over sheet. She slides fast when she loses speed and the sail is too tight. We slowly made our way back to the floating dock with ease, closed up sail, pule, pau. No water in the hulls, no damage to the rig, crew healthy and strong. Kaula kia will need tightening ʻapōpō. E ola!
Inaugural Crew:
- Kaniela Lyman-Mersereau, Captain, Punahou
- Moani Heimuli, Waʻa Builder and Consultant to Kamaola
- Dillyn Lietzke, Punahou Alum and Kamaola Mama
- Kaʻaiʻōhelo McAfee-Torco, Punahou K-1 Kumu 'ōlelo Hawai'i
- Taryn Loveman, Punahou, DTE Co-Department Head
- David Strang, Punahou, Academy Science
- Wyeth Collo, Punahou, Academy Science
- Ed Kinnear, Punahou, DTE Co-Department Head
- Calvin Lac, Punahou, DTE
- Mark Ellis, Volunteer, Kamehameha Schools
Escort Boat:
- Keala Kimura, Honolulu Community College
- Paul Reppun, Punahou Alum
- Charlie Reppun, Punahou Alum
- Ke'alohi Reppun, Punahou, Kuaihelani Center for 'Ike Hawai'i
- Matariki Tuki, Volunteer
October 7, 2021
October 7, 2021
ʻOhana waʻa Kamaola,
Big winds, growing moons, changing seasons.
Māhina: Pō Hoaka (Lā Malanai): It is time to begin.
Ka Lā: Lā Malanai (-6) the sun has passed through Ke Alanui i ka piko o Wākea (autumn equinox) and is heading south. Night is becoming noticeably longer than day.
Nā Hōkū: Manaiakalani is nearing the sun as the navigatorʻs triangle and Ka Lupe O Kawelo dominate the night sky. Watch for Venus as it gets closer to Antares, Lehuakona, in Manaiakalani. Jupiter and Saturn also continue to be visible moving towards the meridian after sunset.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Mahalo i ka mea i loaʻa. Be thankful for what you have.
Hana Waʻa:
The lashing of the safety rails are finished and we are almost done lashing on the back storage net. We are looking at making final preparation for a shake down sail but the wind is a little too heavy this weekend so we will continue working on small projects to be ready for when the wind calms down.
Big winds, growing moons, changing seasons.
Māhina: Pō Hoaka (Lā Malanai): It is time to begin.
Ka Lā: Lā Malanai (-6) the sun has passed through Ke Alanui i ka piko o Wākea (autumn equinox) and is heading south. Night is becoming noticeably longer than day.
Nā Hōkū: Manaiakalani is nearing the sun as the navigatorʻs triangle and Ka Lupe O Kawelo dominate the night sky. Watch for Venus as it gets closer to Antares, Lehuakona, in Manaiakalani. Jupiter and Saturn also continue to be visible moving towards the meridian after sunset.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Mahalo i ka mea i loaʻa. Be thankful for what you have.
Hana Waʻa:
The lashing of the safety rails are finished and we are almost done lashing on the back storage net. We are looking at making final preparation for a shake down sail but the wind is a little too heavy this weekend so we will continue working on small projects to be ready for when the wind calms down.
September 14, 2021
September 14, 2021
Nā Hoa o ka waʻa Kamaola,
Re-engaging with the updates as major movement is happening. Iʻm not sure when alumni e-mails get kicked off the Punahou network so please let me know if Iʻm missing anyone who wants to be in the loop.
Māhina: Pō ʻOlekūkolu: Rest, reflect, refine, plan for productivity during nā māhina piha.
Ka Lā: Hikina (+3) Ka Lā has stepped into the house of Hikina, but is not yet at ke alanui i ka piko o wākea (autumn equinox: 9/22). Pay attention as the sun moves to the celestial equator and day time matches the night for a couple days.
Nā Hōkū (stars), Nā Hōkūʻaeʻa (planets): Continue to keep an eye out for Manaiakalani and the Navigatorʻs Triangle dominating the night sky after sunset as well as our brightest planet, Venus, becoming Hōkūahiahi (evening star) after sunset in the west. Jupiter is also rising in Hikina after sunset. For more notable celestial events connected to this month, check out Imiloa Skywatch.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Mai makaʻu i ka hana, makaʻu i ka moloā. Don’t fear work, fear laziness.
Hana Waʻa update:
On the afternoon of September 4th we were able to "splash" Kamaola unrigged and check her waterline fully loaded as well as go for a short paddle in Kapālama basin. She floated nice and high and all your lashings held up under the load of the layed out rig, 10 Punahou faculty, anchors, safety equipment and paddles. She is watertight from the bottom, but we do need to work on the top inspection ports as rain water has been slowly leaking through.
The remaining pola pieces have been lashed and we are now working to lash the safety railings and apply non skid to the rest of the pola.
We then work to rig and open sail in the basin to do the necessary test to make her safe for students.
*Please let me know if there is anyone else that would be interested in receiving these e-mails or if anyone elseʻs e-mail has changed. Iʻm trying to start plugging in all the alumni e-mails.
E ola Kamaola,Kaniela
Re-engaging with the updates as major movement is happening. Iʻm not sure when alumni e-mails get kicked off the Punahou network so please let me know if Iʻm missing anyone who wants to be in the loop.
Māhina: Pō ʻOlekūkolu: Rest, reflect, refine, plan for productivity during nā māhina piha.
Ka Lā: Hikina (+3) Ka Lā has stepped into the house of Hikina, but is not yet at ke alanui i ka piko o wākea (autumn equinox: 9/22). Pay attention as the sun moves to the celestial equator and day time matches the night for a couple days.
Nā Hōkū (stars), Nā Hōkūʻaeʻa (planets): Continue to keep an eye out for Manaiakalani and the Navigatorʻs Triangle dominating the night sky after sunset as well as our brightest planet, Venus, becoming Hōkūahiahi (evening star) after sunset in the west. Jupiter is also rising in Hikina after sunset. For more notable celestial events connected to this month, check out Imiloa Skywatch.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Mai makaʻu i ka hana, makaʻu i ka moloā. Don’t fear work, fear laziness.
Hana Waʻa update:
On the afternoon of September 4th we were able to "splash" Kamaola unrigged and check her waterline fully loaded as well as go for a short paddle in Kapālama basin. She floated nice and high and all your lashings held up under the load of the layed out rig, 10 Punahou faculty, anchors, safety equipment and paddles. She is watertight from the bottom, but we do need to work on the top inspection ports as rain water has been slowly leaking through.
The remaining pola pieces have been lashed and we are now working to lash the safety railings and apply non skid to the rest of the pola.
We then work to rig and open sail in the basin to do the necessary test to make her safe for students.
*Please let me know if there is anyone else that would be interested in receiving these e-mails or if anyone elseʻs e-mail has changed. Iʻm trying to start plugging in all the alumni e-mails.
E ola Kamaola,Kaniela
August 26, 2021
August 26, 2021
Nā Hoa o ka waʻa Kamaola,
Re-engaging with the updates as major movement is happening. Iʻm not sure when alumni e-mails get kicked off the Punahou network so please let me know if Iʻm missing anyone who wants to be in the loop.
Māhina: pō Lāʻaukulua (setting) to Lāʻaupau (rising)
Ka Lā: Lā Koʻolau (+10) Ka Lā is again nearing the Piko / equinox. Pay attention to the shadows as the days get shorter.
Nā Hōkū (stars), Nā Hōkūʻaeʻa (planets): Keep an eye out for Manaiakalani and the Navigatorʻs Triangle dominating the night sky after sunset as well as our brightest planet, Venus, becoming Hōkūahiahi (evening star) after sunset in the west. For more notable celestial events connected to this month, check out Imiloa Skywatch.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻUʻuku ka hana, ʻuʻuka ka loaʻa. Little work, little gain. -You reap what you sow. If you give only a little, do not expect a large return.
Hana Waʻa update:
As the voyage through the pandemic continues we found precious time and space to move Kamaola closer to the sea. Late afternoon on August 11, the members of the varsity waterpolo team and our voyaging club leadership lifted Kamaola on to our new trailer where she was then secured with the Kia, ʻōpeʻa and Paepae.
In the early hours of August 12th as the perseid meteor showers came down, Kamaola made her way safely to METC guided by Police escort and Pwo Navigator, Keahi Omai, driver Josh Sagapolutele, and support drivers Kylee Mar, Kekaulike Mar, Taryn Loveman, and Dillyn Lietzke.
Check out some of the photos from Kathleen Thomas
The goal now is to finish the reminder of the lashing on the deck, safety railings, as well as rigging so that she is ready for water testing to ensure she is safe for students, alumni, faculty, and the greater community.
E ola Kanaloa,Kaniela
Re-engaging with the updates as major movement is happening. Iʻm not sure when alumni e-mails get kicked off the Punahou network so please let me know if Iʻm missing anyone who wants to be in the loop.
Māhina: pō Lāʻaukulua (setting) to Lāʻaupau (rising)
Ka Lā: Lā Koʻolau (+10) Ka Lā is again nearing the Piko / equinox. Pay attention to the shadows as the days get shorter.
Nā Hōkū (stars), Nā Hōkūʻaeʻa (planets): Keep an eye out for Manaiakalani and the Navigatorʻs Triangle dominating the night sky after sunset as well as our brightest planet, Venus, becoming Hōkūahiahi (evening star) after sunset in the west. For more notable celestial events connected to this month, check out Imiloa Skywatch.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻUʻuku ka hana, ʻuʻuka ka loaʻa. Little work, little gain. -You reap what you sow. If you give only a little, do not expect a large return.
Hana Waʻa update:
As the voyage through the pandemic continues we found precious time and space to move Kamaola closer to the sea. Late afternoon on August 11, the members of the varsity waterpolo team and our voyaging club leadership lifted Kamaola on to our new trailer where she was then secured with the Kia, ʻōpeʻa and Paepae.
In the early hours of August 12th as the perseid meteor showers came down, Kamaola made her way safely to METC guided by Police escort and Pwo Navigator, Keahi Omai, driver Josh Sagapolutele, and support drivers Kylee Mar, Kekaulike Mar, Taryn Loveman, and Dillyn Lietzke.
Check out some of the photos from Kathleen Thomas
The goal now is to finish the reminder of the lashing on the deck, safety railings, as well as rigging so that she is ready for water testing to ensure she is safe for students, alumni, faculty, and the greater community.
E ola Kanaloa,Kaniela
Archived Updates (2020 - 2021)
Archived Updates (2020 - 2021)
2020-2021: Building Kamaola
2021-2022: Sailing Kamaola