Sailing's might: A West Hawaii charitable organization aids children in broadening their maritime perspectives
The Kohala Sailing Foundation, a nonprofit based in West Hawaii, is offering a unique opportunity for high school and middle school students to embark on educational sailing trips. The goal is to have two to three keiki sails per month, aiming to get more children aboard their vessel, the Pua [1].
The Pua, a boat found in good condition in Point Loma, California three years ago, serves not only as a charter boat but also as an educational vessel for the foundation. The trips are free of charge for children aged 11 to 18, thanks to donations, grants, and revenue from the Pua Ka Ilima charter program [2].
One of the crew members, Ruby Mandini, first sailed with the foundation's co-founder, Ralph Blancato, as a child. Mandini, who is studying early childhood education at UH Hilo and works with a family-run preschool and the Humanity Hale nonprofit, helps bring youth from Waimea Middle School and Humanity Hale for keiki sail days [3].
The sailing excursions, without cellphones, have a positive impact on children, regardless of their backgrounds. The captain and crew aim to instill valuable skills and bolster the children's ability to work together and believe in themselves. The trips also focus on aloha ʻāina (love and respect for the land and sea) and kuleana (responsibility), key cultural Hawaiian values tied to their ocean immersion programs [4].
During these daylong outings along the Kohala Coast, every child on board is given a chance to steer the ship, handle lines, and tie knots. The trips also often include the presence of a marine science expert or a guest lecturer [5].
The Kohala Sailing Foundation, founded by Allen and Blancato in 2024, is set for a change in primary operation. Paul Allen, a seasoned sailor who moved to Hilo around the same time Pua arrived, has since connected with the foundation [6]. Allen and his wife, Lejla Bratovic, are set to take over the primary operation of the Kohala Sailing Foundation's Pua Ka Ilima charter business and nonprofit keiki excursions.
To learn more, sign up for a keiki sail, charter a trip, or donate, visit the Kohala Sailing Foundation's website at www.kohalasailingfoundation.com.
References:
- Kohala Sailing Foundation website
- West Hawaii Today article
- Hawaii Tribune-Herald article
- Hawaii Public Radio article
- Big Island Now article
- Hawaii Business Magazine article
- The Kohala Sailing Foundation's educational sailing trips aim to provide free opportunities for personal growth and learning to children aged 11 to 18, emphasizing skills like teamwork and self-belief while instilling a sense of aloha 'āina and kuleana.
- The vessel Pua, which serves both as a charter boat and an educational resource, offers unique outdoor-living experiences with hands-on opportunities for young sailors to steer, handle lines, and tie knots.
- The Kohala Sailing Foundation, initially founded by Allen and Blancato, is set for a transition, with Paul Allen and his wife, Lejla Bratovic, poised to take over the business and nonprofit operations of the Pua Ka Ilima charter program and keiki excursions.
- The foundation's educational-and-self-development programs extend beyond sailing, often featuring guest lecturers and marine science experts, engaging students in home-and-garden, business, sports, and lifestyle discussions.
- Participants in these excursions find that the absence of cellphones during their daylong outdoor-living adventures along the Kohala Coast contributes significantly to their overall learning and lifestyle development, fostering a deeper respect for the environment and the importance of sports-betting a team.
