The catamaran
Honu, a remarkable vessel designed by Chris White, epitomizes the pinnacle of performance cruising catamarans. Honu is an Atlantic 46 LR, an elongated rendition of the Atlantic 46. Honu's adaptation involved an extension of her length to 48 feet aimed at augmenting her capacity to carry extra provisions for extended voyages into remote corners of the globe while enhancing her overall performance. With a draft of less than three feet, she unlocks access to vast expanses of the Bahamian shallow waters, broadening the spectrum of exploration.
Her upwind performance is facilitated by the deployment of daggerboards extending to seven feet, enabling her to navigate closer to the wind with finesse. Unlike other catamarans, Honu features a deep central cockpit positioned ahead of the pilot house, prioritizing ease of handling and safety. This strategic location offers the crew a panoramic 360-degree vista and effortless access to all vital control lines, emphasizing safety and convenience in operation.
Handcrafted with precision by Maine Composites in 1994, Honu embodies enduring beauty, sturdiness, and unwavering capability. Her original purpose was global navigation, exemplified by her maiden voyage to Australia under the ownership of her first captain. Following a familial circumstance, she returned to the US West Coast and was subsequently acquired by her second owners, who spent 16 years aboard, traversing the East Coast and Bahamas.
Acquired in Savannah, GA, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Honu, then known as Sunbow, faced a hiatus, being hauled ashore due to safety precautions and hurricane season. She resumed her nautical journey in November 2020 and voyaged to the Florida Keys under new ownership. Over the past three sailing seasons, she has navigated the waters, indulging in day sails across the Keys and embarking on family cruises through the captivating domains of the Exumas and Andros Islands.
LAYOUT
Honu's design champions accessibility and comfort, ensuring seamless transitions between various onboard areas. At the transom, three steps facilitate easy boarding from the dinghy or dock, while a purpose-built step on the rudder's rear aids boarding from the water. Extending just forward of the cockpit, the deck seamlessly connects to a large trampoline that spans between the hulls, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and social gatherings.
The central cockpit serves as a focal point, housing an exterior steering station equipped with engine controls, navigation instruments, and control lines for sails, daggerboards, and the anchor. An awning provides shelter from the elements, shielding occupants from the sun and rain. The cockpit's aft end leads to the pilot house, featuring comfortable bench seating, a table with fold-up leaves for versatile dining or lounging options, and two additional floor chairs for piloting or dining.
Descending three steps down the starboard side leads to the galley, boasting a four-burner stove and oven aft, a refrigerator and freezer to forward port, a double sink with fresh, salt, and filtered water to starboard, along with ample storage for galley equipment and provisions on both sides. Moving forward to port, is a queen-sized berth with a bench seat and step, while another table and bench seat configuration is opposite to starboard. Further forward is a head with a toilet, vanity, and a door for privacy. In the event of four guests, this head will be shared with the captain. Through another door, forward of the head, lies the captain’s single berth, offering drawers and storage for cleaning supplies.
On the port side, three steps down from the pilothouse reveal the water maker and hanging locker aft, with a workbench and tool storage positioned forward to starboard and drawers for clothing to port. Continuing forward, there's another queen-sized berth with a seat and step to starboard. Continuing forward is another head featuring a toilet and vanity, while forward of this head is a shower compartment furnished with hot/cold water and a seat. Finally, at the foremost section, there's a spacious storage compartment, completing the layout of this meticulously designed vessel.
OPEN SPACE
Honu's expansive open deck space and trampoline create a versatile haven, inviting sun-seekers to bask, loungers to unwind, and socializers to gather amidst the stunning surroundings. This vast area accommodates leisure and offers ample kayak storage, enhancing the thrill of aquatic adventures.
Stepping inside, Honu's interior exudes a welcoming ambiance, attributed to its distinctive two-cabin layout—a departure from the conventional four-cabin arrangement in charter-oriented catamarans. This design prioritizes comfort and openness, providing a spacious environment for relaxation and fostering a more intimate atmosphere for its occupants. Whether enjoying the panoramic views from within or relishing the communal spaces, Honu ensures a cozy and inviting setting for all aboard.
Amenities
Embark on your seafaring adventure aboard our well-equipped sailing charter, where comfort and exploration blend seamlessly. Experience the thrill of the open waters while enjoying the convenience of our amenities.
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Glide across pristine shores with two double kayaks at your disposal
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Explore hidden coves with ease aboard our dinghy
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Dive into vibrant underwater worlds equipped with our snorkeling gear.
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Relax and unwind in comfort with fresh towels and linens provided onboard.
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Our vessel ensures your essential toiletries are covered with complimentary soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
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Remember to bask in the sun on beautiful beaches, using our supplied beach towels for a perfect day by the shore.
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For those angling enthusiasts, our fishing gear awaits to enhance your fishing experience throughout the journey.
These amenities will complement Your sailing escapade, ensuring a memorable and comfortable voyage.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"I had the amazing good fortune to spend 9 days sailing aboard Honu with Captain Robert last year for what was easily one of the best vacations I have ever taken. I had never sailed before and Robert's professionalism, vast experience, and easy-going nature immediately put me at ease and created an experience that was both adventuresome and fun, as well as rejuvenating and deeply relaxing. We ate amazing food, took exquisite day trips on the dingy and kayaks, spent hours combing the beaches for treasures, swam in the unbelievable turquoise waters, and watched nightly sunsets while sitting on the expansive deck of Honu with dear friends. Those timeless days aboard Honu will forever be among the most magical of my life."
- Shannon from California
