Manu-O-Ku is a 37 foot, Searunner Trimaran, designed by Jim Brown. Being a multihull (as opposed to a monohull), she provides lots of deck space, and comfortable flat and fast sailing. A central cockpit separates the forward and aft cabins. I do not consider her a ‘tourist boat’, or ‘cattlemaran’ as we call them in Hawaii, but an ocean going cruising vessel, capable of sailing around the world. I keep her that way, as she is my home, and I’m not done sailing the world’s oceans yet! I have owned her since 1986, and have personally done every bit of work, and maintenance on her for the last 24 years. So, yes, you might call her a very dear friend... and being my home, I think you’ll find her cozy and comfortable.
Please, just Steve on board..... but FYI, I am a licensed captain... USCG 100 ton Master’s certificate, and my company, Tradewind Island Sailing is fully licensed here in the Kingdom of Tonga. During the 24 years of owning Manu-O-Ku, I have sailed her on 5 different, 3000 mile, non-stop passages, the last one being the voyage coming here from Hawai’i in 2003. Before that, I lived, built custom boats, and sailed in the Hawaiian Islands for over 30 years, raising two children. I have lived in Tonga for over 6 years now... during the first 3, I was employed as caretaker of a very remote 40 acre private island, in the already remote central group, Ha’apai. Here in Vava’u I was initially busy utilizing my boatbuilding skills repairing both visiting and resident yachts, and as a substitute captain for most all of the charter sailing boats operating here. I love sharing with others the experience of sailing my own yacht, Manu-O-Ku, and especially amidst this most amazing group of islands.... the Vava’u Group, in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific. Come share a bit of the dream...
The Kingdom of Tonga, in the South Pacific, is comprised of about 176 islands, in 3 major groups. The Vava’u Group is the northern group, with it’s capitol and main harbor, Neiafu, being located at 18º 39’ 09” S, 173º 58’ 59” W, and consists of about 50 islands, the majority of them uninhabited. Vava’u has long been a cruising yacht destination, and for good reason. With it’s beautiful islands, protected calm waters, pristine beaches and coral reefs, and the warm, friendly Tongan people and their culture, it is visited by hundreds of international cruising yachts every year. Humpback whales make a yearly migration here from Antarctica and enjoy Vava’u’s protected waters July through November. A little internet research will turn up lots of information about Tonga, and specifically Vava’u, including some rather unique offerings of accommodations and activities to do...... but here, I’ll let our photo galleries visually do the talking, and hopefully convey the essence of experiencing a bit of Tonga, while sailing aboard Manu-O-Ku.
updated August, 2010