Slow down, no worries, we will hold the boat for you!

Da Captain — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:27:26 +0000

Howzit sailors, Take a look at this guy! He has got to calm down and not be in such a rush. Did you know the name of my boat is the HO’ONANEA it means “to travel in ease and comfort” “to live life with aloha” sort of like Akunamatata, heard that before?

So if your running a little late no worries mon we will hold the boat for you. We’er on the water where are you?

Captain Don

A full grown adult monk seal feeding right in front of us

Da Captain — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:21:23 +0000

Howzit animal lovers, Check out this monk seal. Now we see cool stuff at the harbor by our slip most every day. Things like angel fish crabs the occasional spotted manta ray but this was awesome. A full grown adult monk seal feeding on a school of tilapia fish right next to my boat.

We were stoked. Monk seals are way up on the endangered species list, and when we do see them its in the distance and they are on the move. I have the monk seal conservation on speed dial so I call them when we see the seals so they send out a person to ID the seal and make sure they are safe.

For more info on hawaiian monk seals contact the marine conservation biology institute <www.mcbi.org>

ALOHA and have fun sailors,

Captain Don

No Fear

Da Captain — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:18:57 +0000

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.

Many MAHALO”S to ESPERANCE RAKOTONIRINA and his beautiful wife THERESSA.

Till the next time ALOHA mates

Captain Don

The Wild Malolo Extreme Thrill Ride

Da Captain — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:36:13 +0000

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

Da Captain — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:40:21 +0000

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.

Single Whale comes up behind the “SailCat”

Da Captain — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:56:19 +0000

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

Youza! Money Shot

Da Captain — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:29:27 +0000

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

Amazing Whale Watching Tour On The North Shore Of Hawaii

Da Captain — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:14:43 +0000

Howzit humpback fans, Check out these photos. Christmas came early for Dirk Stockman and his gang, In the form of a really cool whale show. Captain Ryan an expert at finding the humpbacks got near a pod on Dec. 11 and just happen to have a curious adolescent (2to6 year 25foot long humpback) Who broke away from the pod to check out the boat.

In whale watching terms we call that a hawaiian mugging. Our season goes through May so if you want an experience like Dirk had come and play with us.

Mahalo for the photos Dirk.

Captain Don Germain

North Shore Catamaran Charters

A REAL AMERICAN HERO Sgt. Todd Keys

Da Captain — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:28:16 +0000

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

The breathtaking Moonbows of Hawaii

Da Captain — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:17:08 +0000

Howzit sailors & ocean seekers?

It’s been a couple of weeks since our last full moon sunset sail. All three nights were awesome. Saturday was especially cool we were treated to one of natures most rare phenomenons. A moonbow!!. If you don’t know that is the same as a rainbow only at night lit up by the bight full moon.

Now I have seen that a couple of times on land but never from the boat in over thirty years of sailing. Moonbows are seen when conditions are right. Moonbows can be seen anywhere a full moon is rising and precipitation is opposite. This amazing experience is just another example of never knowing what the mysteries of nature will provide on our sailing adventures.

Speaking of cool stuff the humpbacks are here early. We have seen them outside Haleiwa and the local fisherman have spotted as well. So IT”S ON . The season is not officially here but the whales won’t mind if we check them out a little early.Thanks for taking some time out to read. Now take a little more time and share the ocean with the crew at NORTH SHORE CATAMARAN CHARTERS INC.