It’s not a race – unless there are two boats!

Leaving Nawiliwili Harbor bound for Hanalei, we were minutes behind Lisa Rae. Iwa took a long outside tack, while they found the wind to hug the shorter inside track. They crossed behind us, but soon caught up and cruised past to starboard. John and Charlotte held their lead right through to the bay, where less than a dozen boats were anchored.

Big “mahalo” to Glenn and Harumi McIntyre for providing all our meals, starting with an on-board BBQ Saturday night.

Lisa Rae spent a beautiful weekend aboard without getting rained on, even at night. (How unusual for Hanalei!) We opted to sail around the island over the next two days.

With wind too light to raise a sail, we motored slowly along the spectacular NaPali coast. No helicopters, no commercial boats, no noise or congestion. Our cameras were busy! The water was so calm and clear we could count the fish on the reef. A pod of spinner dolphins escorted us for half an hour, drawing attention away from the dramatic sea cliffs. We anchored briefly at Milolii for a swim. The wind finally picked up along Kekaha, eventually building to 20+ knots. It made for fine sailing with almost no swell.

Our favorite anchorage at camp one, just past Port Allen was occupied by a live-aboard with a dog, but the middle of the bay suited us fine with no big seas rolling in. After dinner we watched the crescent moon set and doused the lights. We removed the overhead canvas and took turns naming stars and constellations. It’s the first time we’ve seen the Southern Cross from Iwa since sailing from Seattle.

Memorial Day was a gentle sail around the southeast side of the island. Glenn’s Mom had a group of neighbors looking out for us as we passed Kalaheo. The beaches along Poipu held no crowds and the Hyatt was empty. We had the sea cliffs along Kipu Kai to ourselves before finally sailing into Nawiliwili. Hopefully the around the island race will be back next year for Memorial Day!

-Karen