• Catamaran Mahana
  • Catamaran Mahana

Catamaran Mahana-sailing tours

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Join us to explore
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  • Personal impression from Steve

    September 12, 2025 in Bonaire ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    An adventure and experience of a lifetime

    Our recent catamaran vacation aboard the Mahana was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I contacted Lutz, we began planning, everything was handled with professionalism and care and complete transparency. Communication was prompt, and every question we had was answered quickly and clearly, giving us full confidence before we even set foot on deck. Provisioning was simple and Lutz ensured we had everything we asked for, meals were planned and dietary requirements where taken into consideration.

    We boarded in Bonaire and began our journey around the Caribbean, sailing first to the serene shores of Klein Bonaire, then to some fantastic dive locations before sailing to the remote and stunning Klein Curaçao, where we enjoyed an evening we will never forget before finally arriving in Curaçao where our adventure came to a close.

    Lutz planned the route with precision, adjusting to wind conditions in real time to ensure smooth sailing and maximum enjoyment. His deep knowledge of sailing, the sea and his calm leadership made us feel safe and in expert hands at all times. That said Lutz is extremely personable, his energy and boundless enthusiasm oozes out of him and we had some fantastic laughs along the way.

    The Mahana itself was immaculate. Every surface gleamed, every detail was cared for, and the overall condition of the vessel reflected true pride in ownership. Lutz was incredibly responsive to the needs and requests of everyone on board. He made shore leave seamless and was always open to adjusting plans to suit the group’s interests. His leadership style was inclusive and team-oriented, encouraging participation in sailing maneuvers and explaining each step with clarity and as curious beginners, he made you feel like part of the crew at all times.

    Safety was clearly a top priority. Lutz delivered a thorough safety briefing on day one, walking us through emergency procedures and equipment. The Mahana was equipped with all the safety equipment, all in excellent condition. Even when we encountered a minor technical issue mid-voyage, Lutz handled it with calm efficiency, resolving it quickly and keeping the atmosphere relaxed and positive.

    Aida our hostess brought warmth, creativity, and care to every moment. Her meals were consistently outstanding, one evening stood out in particular—she prepared a freshly caught snapper, scaling and filleting it herself before serving it up perfectly seasoned and cooked. It was hands down the best fish we’ve ever eaten. Her attention to detail and genuine hospitality turned every meal into a highlight.

    When my wife experienced seasickness, Aida was quick to offer remedies and comfort and checking in regularly. Her empathy and attentiveness made a big difference and helped everyone feel at ease.

    We have so many special memories from this vacation, sleeping out on the deck under the stars, nestled into the netting at the bow. From stargazing late into the night to waking with the first light of sunrise, it was peaceful, surreal, and unforgettable.

    En route to Curaçao, a pod of dolphins joined us for nearly 15 minutes. Watching them leap and glide alongside the Mahana was pure magic—an awe-inspiring reminder of the beauty and spontaneity of life at sea.

    This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a beautifully orchestrated experience led by two exceptional people. Lutz and Aida brought professionalism, heart, and a sense of adventure and fun to every moment. We left with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a deep appreciation for life at sea. If you’re considering a sailing trip, look no further than the Mahana. It was truly an adventure and experience of a lifetime. 🙂
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  • Exploring Klein Curacao

    September 10, 2025 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    Exploring Klein Curacao

    Sailing vessel Tchao

    Motor vessel Maria Bianca Guidesman

    https://kleincuracaotrips.com/en/klein-curacao-…

    The island played a part in the slave trade. The Dutch West India Company brought many slaves from Africa to Curaçao. Before these slaves came ashore in Curaçao, the sick were placed in quarantine at Klein Curaçao. The remains of this first quarantine building can still be found in the northwest of the island. The slaves, and other passengers who did not survive the voyage, were buried at Klein Curaçao. There are several graves in the southern part of the island. The Dutch West India Company were also given licenses to hunt the now extinct Caribbean monk seals on Klein Curaçao. In 1871, John Godden, an English mining engineer, visited the island, discovering there was a significant vein of phosphate on the island. From 1871 onward until 1886, the Dutch government set up mining operations on the island, with phosphate being mined and exported to Europe.Read more

  • V-belt ripped apart

    September 9, 2025 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    Beeeeeep...suddenly it sounds...everything was so beautiful that day. 16 knots of wind, a broad reach, Code Zero, the white 70 sq m sail was perfectly positioned and pulled us the 25 NM from Klein Bonaire to Klein Curacao in three hours.

    Where's the beeping coming from? I frantically check everything. The port engine's warning lights are flickering. I quickly turn it off. The engine hatch is open, and bright smoke is pouring towards me. Cause?

    The V-belt has ripped apart and lies shredded on the ground.

    Anchoring off the dream beach now has to be accomplished using only the starboard engine. The boat's leftward tilt can only be countered with the rudder by moving forward at full speed. And when I drop anchor, I want to reverse.

    Now, I'm going into the gap between two boats. Let them coast to a stop. Steve drops the anchor. We're drifting sideways, and I can't do much with an off-center engine. We're dangerously approaching the neighboring catamaran on the starboard side. The anchor slides across the bottom, the chain jumps. It can't get a hold, and we're in deep water.
    Second attempt. Same thing, but then it holds... for half an hour.
    The anchor alarm goes off, and we glide out to sea.
    Up it goes. The anchor chain groans under the 80 kg of chain and 30 kg of anchor weight. Finally, it's up.

    I choose another spot to the north, above the motor vessel "Mermaid." We drop the anchor very close to her, and it holds on the first try. Relief.

    Now, a nap first, and then try to repair the engine.

    An hour later, I'm sitting on the engine block, sweating while putting on the new V-belt. The smoke was the smoldering coolant from the internal cooling circuit. Steve helps me refill it. The oil level is fine.
    The floor is black from the wear and tear of the torn V-belt.
    After some effort, the alternator bolts can be loosened and the new V-belt is installed.
    We start the engine. The V-belt is running perfectly, and the impeller of the seawater cooling system is also spewing seawater outboard.
    We are relieved.
    Both engines are ready for use again.
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