Howzit snorkel fans, I had to tell this story to all of you a story of inspiration and living life to the fullest. We had a family come on a snorkel picnic sail. Two of the folks were a young couple celebrating their 1st wedding anniversary. At first most all of the family got their snorkel gear on and took off for the tropical fish and turtles.

I noticed the young anniversary husband was not getting in. After chatting with him for a short time he tells me he is from Madagascar and grew up no were near the water and cannot swim. Now this is not a first for us. The problem is swimming is not even in his culture. Although, he was raised with no fear of the unknown and to experience life. So we suited him up with a snorkel vest and PFD float and in he went mask snorkel and all.

The photos don’t do him justice. The joy this man was experiencing was as close to flying without sprouting wings.  My hats off to the young man and his bride I wish them well. They will have a fun marriage if they keep that attitude of experiencing new things.

WILD MALOLO. The only Jet boat extreme thrill ride on the north shore. Take you out get you wet spin you round and round show you wild life and give you wild ride. Some of the wild life you may see, The famous Haleiwa Galapagos sharks,   turtles, dolphins, humpback whales Dec.-May, lots of sea birds, schools of malolo (flying fish). And when the big surf and surf contest come Nov.-Apr. We will get you in a prospective to make all photographers envious.

Wow! Call it what you want,luck,good karma,good juju the honey mooning couple Steven & Diana have it. They showed up to go on the morning whale watch,the ocean was still a little bumpy from previous north winds. But the whales didn’t care not one bit. It seemed from start to finish we had active pods of multiple whales from adults on a heat rush (mating race),a curious adolescent and in the distance a new calf. It was definitely two and a half hours of whales whales whales. So good Steven and Diana decided to take us up on our come back for half price offer and came on the sunset sail with us. To our amazement they came with their charm and luck again. The show was outstanding and all the credit was given to the honeymooning couple. To this day nobody has been able to take as many shots of breaching whales in one day as Steven did. And he is cool enough to share some of them with us. As your looking at these shots you can only think the whales new of the newlyweds and were joining in their celebration. Mahalo Steven and Diana and all the best from NSCC.

Hey whale watchers and sailors,we have gotten some lucky shots from the folks. But when we are fortunate and a pro is willing to share their photos with us boy o boy is it great and I must say very inspirational. Kinda makes you want to go get a better camera and read the directions. The day was partly cloudy light north east trades. Good conditions not great (k every day is great). We were having such a good time there was talk of not going in and just leave the next trip waiting on the dock. Something else happened that day,about one mile out we had a single whale come up behind the boat about 50 yards right smack center behind us in a following direction. Then he dove then came back up and followed us for about 1/2 mile just outside Poiena point (where they film the TV show lost). We have never had a whale follow us before (lots of dolphins LOTS). Our fearless deckhand Jason Seale said it due to our increasing charisma. We are a modest bunch. And to Greg we cant thank you enough for cutting loose with the photos they are worthy of Nat Geo. Have fun everybody, take lots of chances oops I mean lots of pictures.

ALOHA Captain Don

Lucky shot! Looks like a pro to me. It’s amazing the shots people have been getting this year. Captain Ryan was able to put these people in range and almost as if on command then YOUZA! The money shot. Mahalo for sharing your story and photo to Gavin and Carol.

Captain Don Germain

A REAL AMERICAN HERO  Sgt. Todd Keys ,

Last night Nov.17/09 we had the honor of bringing on board for our sunset sail the 3rd brigade 25th infantry 2-27th unit the “WOLF PACK”. Among them Specialist Brendan Morocco with his family, the only soldier from Iraq to survive a mass of fatal injuries including the violent loss of both arms and both legs and the parents of Corporal Michael J. Anaya one of the packs fallen heroes.

Now let me give you a little history. In the spring of 2008 my daughter Paulina then 13 was in the sunset beach Christian elementary schools adopt a soldier program. To better acquaint the kids & soldiers Megan Keys a teacher and wife of soldier Sgt. Todd Keys suggested we all go on the boat for an unforgettable snorkel picnic sail up to the three tables reef reserve. Great idea! So off we went. The bonding that went on was far more than expected even the fun loving Principal Bob Prasser did a few cannon balls off the port beam. After our afternoon sail the kids & soldiers kept in touch through all the ups and downs tragedies and triumphs. So for me to be able to give a hug to the parents of fallen hero Corporal Anaya and look Specialist Morocco in the eyes and express as best I can the gratitude I have for their sacrifice they have made so I can live the envious free lifestyle that we love so much.

So thank you Sunset Beach Christian School, Megan & Sgt. Todd Keys, Brendon and all the soldiers and family of the “WOLF PACK” all of us at North Shore Cat. We  are proud to have you in our lives and your welcome with us anytime. Please when you can, thank our service men and women. As a note, we do offer great discounts for our military.

If you are military and your spouse is deployed to combat you and your children can go sailing for free. Please call or email for info discounts and schedules. Until next sail keep the wind & seas at your back.

Aloha Captain Don Germain

Howzit sailors & ocean seekers?