Anchoring in Hanalei Bay

[Lightspeed]

I thought there was a previous discussion on this but could not find the thread (something about a dinghy stolen).

I have been in Hanalei Bay many times (even married there) and have paddled around anchored boats over the years and all seemed safe and secure in a sandy bottom. However, we are always there in Nov-Dec, very calm and maybe no more than seven boats.

I thought it might be a good topic for races, especially if the fleet grows and we monopolize the Bay. My basic questions are Bay conditions in July, security and getting to Lightspeed and back.

I am not planning on staying on Lightspeed but would like to anchor near someone who may be staying on theirs. I know no guarantees but better than nothing. Also, Lightspeed would be happy to share a dinghy rental with anyone (or everyone) as I am not sure if there will be a committee boat available for day to day activity….Thanks in advance…..Rick/Lightspeed

 

[peter00]

I can't answer most of your questions but, altho I will have a dinghy we are not allowed to chain dinghies on the beach at night. An alternative I'm thinking about is renting a stand up paddle board. If you anchor reasonably close to the beach this should work fine and you can throw it on your rental car and keep it safe where ever you are staying. I rented a surf board in Hanalei some years ago and it was ridiculously cheap. For loading water and groceries obviously anyone is welcome to borrow my row boat.

 

[ronnie simpson]

Hanalei Bay is an excellent anchorage. Good holding sand, generally one wind direction and a pretty even depth contour. Swells only come in in the winter from the north to northwest. I do not know of any dinghy theft problems on the beach in Hanalei. There was an issue with an outboard engine being stolen from a rental house in 2012, but I have not heard of beach thefts. I have left a kayak and dinghy on that beach for over 24 hours at least 4 times with no problem. If you want to show up and buy a surf board or paddle board, check with Mitchell Boy's place at the river mouth. They will sell you rental boards for cheap or long-term rent.

 

[brianb]

In 2012 all thefts happened on shore. A kayak disappeared and a motor was taken, and later recovered, from the backyard of a rental home near the beach. Kayaks, in 2012, could be rented for the day. The vendors were not willing to rent over night unless you were staying on shore and keeping the kayak in your possession. I got around this by buying a beat up kayak from a rental company and then getting my money back, minus a reduced daily rental fee, at the end of 10 days. Keeping your eye on motors and kayaks seemed very prudent. I was able to find a beach location near the life guard tower that was a bit hidden for stowing the Kayak while ashore. I know of no incident involving materials taken from an anchored boat.

I have spoken to "Paddles and Peddles" in town and they will rent to boaters staying on boats but you will have to leave a credit card image covering the replacement value until you return the rental.

We are planning on a dingy to greet racers and assist with guidance into the Bay, but be prepared to make your own approach. The dingy will not be available as a transport for general ferrying. Water was transported to Red Sky via dragging jugs behind a swimming skipper, or the skipper on a kayak. For the big resupply Red Sky talked one of the commercial snorkel boats into dropping bags of stuff on the boat on their way out on a tour. That was a bit of luck. We had Eric and Emmy, cruisers who were in the Bay, assist with transporting fuel for a reasonable transport fee. They were a great help.

The committee is looking for assistance but there are not a lot choices. The paddle board sounds like a good possibility.

 

[cafemontaigne]

I brought my little West Marine 8ft inflatable to Hanalei (sailed with it in 2010 and shipped it in 2012) and just left it on the beach by the tree the whole time I was there, unlocked and upside down with the oars underneath, with no issues. But that's kind of a gamble, as I recall Steve's kayak getting stolen from the beach and Jerome's outboard stolen out of our house.

If you guys see any meth heads wearing Idefix swag on Kaua'i, I'd be happy to have it back...

 

[oregonian]

There would be no issues or concerns anchoring in Hanalei Bay with a proper anchor and rode. A minimum package for a 39' boat would be a 35# anchor, 25' of 5/16" chain, and 250' of 1/2" nylon.
The dinghy issue is easily solved by carrying your own. An Avon Redcrest with oars is just one example. It is easily capable of handling any transportation or re-supplying needs. I believe it is more in the spirit of the endeavor to be fully prepared throughout the experience. It is more in keeping with the "self Sufficiency" of the Single handers ethos.
Though slightly off topic, I am going to make a motion that Rick/Lightspeed, be selected to carry the trophies over this year as Lightspeed is definitely one of the larger boats. Last race it was Daniel, on Galaxsea, and the race before it was the Westsail. Will someone second that motion?

 

[WBChristie]

I'll second that!

There would be no issues or concerns anchoring in Hanalei Bay with a proper anchor and rode. A minimum package for a 39' boat would be a 35# anchor, 25' of 5/16" chain, and 250' of 1/2" nylon.
The dinghy issue is easily solved by carrying your own. An Avon Redcrest with oars is just one example. It is easily capable of handling any transportation or re-supplying needs. I believe it is more in the spirit of the endeavor to be fully prepared throughout the experience. It is more in keeping with the "self Sufficiency" of the Single handers ethos.
Though slightly off topic, I am going to make a motion that Rick/Lightspeed, be selected to carry the trophies over this year as Lightspeed is definitely one of the larger boats. Last race it was Daniel, on Galaxsea, and the race before it was the Westsail. Will someone second that motion?

 

[Lightspeed]

Thanks Guys, I am looking forward to getting to know the SSS Class of 2014, and appreciate any vets comments. I have always enjoyed making friends with the competition and also enjoyed a little bantering along the way.....I like the small WM inflatable idea. Light and reusable. My main issue was heavy items like water and fuel. Lightspeed has lots of fuel jugs from the 2012 Pac Cup return. I found buying fuel in town much cleaner than the marine fuel dock in PC 2010 return......Happy to take the trophy’s if the goal is to weigh Lightspeed down. She did beat Galaxsea across the finish in the SSS 2013 LongPac but Dan/Galaxsea beat Lightspeed on corrected time. …..Rick/Lightspeed

 

[WBChristie]

Thanks for being a good sport Rick. I would offer to carry them, but my boat will be weighed down with ice cream, steak, frozen chicken etcetera. Also, the waterbed takes up a lot of space.

 

[brianb]

equipment gone missing in Hanalei

I brought my little West Marine 8ft inflatable to Hanalei (sailed with it in 2010 and shipped it in 2012) and just left it on the beach by the tree the whole time I was there, unlocked and upside down with the oars underneath, with no issues. But that's kind of a gamble, as I recall Steve's kayak getting stolen from the beach and Jerome's outboard stolen out of our house.

If you guys see any meth heads wearing Idefix swag on Kaua'i, I'd be happy to have it back...

Steve, of Frolic fame, lost his dingy off the beach. We went for a sail yesterday and he related that story to me.

 

[Lightspeed]

Thanks for being a good sport Rick. I would offer to carry them, but my boat will be weighed down with ice cream, steak, frozen chicken etcetera. Also, the waterbed takes up a lot of space.

I like your style. Except for a nagging leak that I cannot claim as a water bed, Lightspeed only has a sauna when we reach HI. I will however be looking for that half way stop Skip Allen talks about for a break from the beef Jerky & Trail Mix.

 

[sleddog]

The winds in Hanalei are generally consistent, off-the-land, North Easterly trade winds during the day. However, at sunset the wind line begins a retreat offshore a mile or two. After dark, especially during a "moderate trades" regimen, local winds in Hanalei can swing South of East, even South, with drainage off Waialeale slopes.. In early morning, wind can die away altogether, especially after a squall passage, and closely anchored boats go bump.

Why noted: a Danforth type anchor (Fortress), though excellent in sand, may tend to "trip" and sometimes not readily reset at Hanalei. If you expect to use this type of anchor at Hanalei, bring sufficient chain. I've retrieved and reanchored several untended race vessels slowly dragging their Danforths around Hanalei. And pulled one out of the surf line on the Western shore.

The depths in mid-Bay are 35-40 feet, gradually shoaling to 15-20 feet. Sand bottom except directly out from the River Mouth, where it is shell. Inside 20 feet, you may be encroaching in the outrigger canoe paddling course and fair game.

Technically, the boat anchorage zone, rectangular in shape, is marked by 4 or more buoys. Practically, they're of questionable merit, promoting crowding . The 2 outside boundary buoys are regularly ignored, especially by larger craft with motorized dinghies, and those seeking more privacy.

Local beach front residents are polite. But have seen sailors come and go. Putting boat trash in the Pavilion receptacles is discouraged. When in town, I would lock my Avon Redcrest near the lifeguard tower and never had a problem. The lifeguards know the drill and if you have any questions, will offer their suggestions.

After dark when returning to your boat, if you don't fill your dinghy in the shorebreak at least once, you haven't been to Hanalei.

 

[peter00]

That's just like Steve to be off practicing while his main competition is huddled around the wood stove trying to get feeling back in his fingers

 

[hodgmo]

As Brian mentioned, my Achilles (LSI88) dinghy was stolen off the beach at Hanalei in 2012. This happened after about a week of leaving the raft on the beach with no problems. Initially I locked the dinghy to a tree at the top of the beach, along with others, but we were told not to do that so I left the dinghy upside down on the beach along with several others (but took my oars with me). The morning after the awards dinner I arrived at the beach about 0900 and my dinghy was gone. The WM raft it had been left next to (I think it was Adrian’s) was not disturbed. It was clear from the drag marks in the sand that the dinghy had been taken up the beach to the grass and then, presumably, to a waiting car. In fact one of the friendly vagrants in the picnic area said that earlier that morning he had seen two people carry a dinghy across the field to the parking area. I filed a police report and followed up for a month or so from Oahu, and watched Craigs List, but no luck. At least I kept the wooden oars! If anyone sees an Achilles raft with FROLIC stenciled on the sides (and a pink floated bridle) please let me know!

This summer I plan to bring a beat up no-name 7 ft inflatable dinghy that I bought and refurbished in Oahu. It rows OK and can carry groceries and jerry cans… Anyone that wants to borrow will be welcome.