ROAR! An enormous wave crashes against the hull of the America II, drenching the screaming passengers on one side of the boat.

Sailing the America II out from Lahaina’s harbor in West Maui offers a wide variety of possibilities. Depending on where passengers sit, they may step off the ship dry, soaked, or anything in between.
The beginning of the ride is deceivingly smooth. Over the course of 25 miles, guests on the boat can enjoy breathtaking views of Maui’s coast and horizon. Before reaching the wind line, the yacht relies on its motors for propulsion, and the journey is steady and tranquil.

Once the vessel crosses the wind line, however, it’s a whole different story. Saying that the yacht tilts is an understatement; it feels as if the boat is nearly vertical in the water, with the passengers on the lower side sitting in pools of seawater and those on the elevated side practically standing. Wave after wave descends upon the bow and soaks all passengers sitting at the front and at the lower side. On the other hand, the passengers on the opposite end remain mostly dry, and those in the middle are only slightly splashed.

What remains constant throughout the trip, however, is the friendly demeanor and welcoming atmosphere onboard the America II. Two crewmembers, Nathan Chaney and Bill Bookland, joke with the passengers and provide tidbits of historical information about the yacht. Guests may also volunteer to participate in some elements of sailing, such as pulling the sail up or gathering the rope. In the midst of rampant waves, sloshing puddles, and shifting centers of gravity, the crew’s thoughtfulness is no small benefit. There is a relatively dry area to store items during the ride, but do not expect white towels to remain pristine. The storage area, though dryer than the deck, inevitably faces water damage and can be grimy and discolor belongings.

The boat is large enough to accompany a group of up to 20 people but small enough to remain close and cozy. Upon entering the yacht, the crewmembers collect shoes to ensure that they remain dry. A photographer then takes a group photo, and passengers have the option of purchasing copies for $10 each. During the ride, the crew offers snacks and drinks and generously collects trash.

The cost of the trip is around $45 per person, but a group price can be negotiated for private charter rides. Either way, the thrill of the waves and the hospitality of the crew are worth the price.

The experience on the boat is further enhanced by the historical significance of the yacht. In 1987, the America II battled Stars and Stripes, another American boat, in the finals of the America’s Cup, the oldest international sailing regatta championship. The America II lost the 45-kilometer race by 28 seconds, earning third place in the tournament.

“No one remembers third [place]. You either win or you lose it,” Bookland said. Nonetheless, The America II is one of the few America’s Cup participants that were not destroyed immediately after the race; instead, it was used both as a training vessel and as a prop in the 1992 movie Wind. It was later sold to a buyer in Oahu and significantly altered to be suitable for passengers.

Although the America II did not win the America’s Cup in its only participating year, the story behind it is key to its attraction for both tourists and locals. “[The] history of the boat helps out; people remember it,” Chaney said.

The combination of an interesting history, sunshine, glistening waves, and salty spray makes the trip exciting, memorable, and worth every cent.