HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Woody Brown Jr. embodies a cherished family tradition. The gem he protects is a twin-hulled sailing vessel popularly known as a catamaran.
“You can find catamarans globally, but many people are unaware it was invented right here in Hawaii,” he remarked. “I want to ensure we preserve that legacy for as long as possible.”
He emphasizes this because his father, Woody Brown Sr., a revered figure in maritime history, pioneered the modern catamaran, reflecting his passion for the ocean.
“He was a glider pilot, surfer, and sailor,” Woody Jr. shared.
His catamaran, Manu Kai, launched the family enterprise that has graced the shores of Waikiki Beach for many years.
Woody Sr. had his son later in life. It wasn’t until Woody Jr. matured that he recognized his father’s significant achievements.
“Listening to the tales from the veterans and appreciating his profound impact on so many people made me realize, ‘Wow! I’m privileged and fortunate to be part of this lineage and legacy,’” he expressed.
That’s the reason he has resided in Washington State for the last two years. He crafted a new catamaran for the family business, overseeing its design, building, and testing at sea. Named Hawea after his daughter,
“The boat sails fantastically!” he exclaimed. “It’s quite swift, very smooth, sleek, and beautiful. It’s a bit more contemporary than the original design.”
Currently, he and his crew are navigating the vessel from the mainland West Coast to Waikiki’s beaches, a journey he anticipates will take a few weeks, marking his first trans-Pacific voyage.
“It’s not too wild out there in the Pacific except during hurricane season. They refer to July as the Golden Month, where pleasant, steady trades guide you right to Hawaii,” he noted.
Once docked at Ala Wai harbor, Woody Jr. will complete the necessary paperwork to launch Hawea for the Brown family’s Waikiki Sailing Company, taking the place of his brother’s boat that has operated off Waikiki Beach for nearly half a century.
This is Woody Jr.’s homage to his father, who passed away in 2008.
“I believe he would be immensely proud of me. He constructed his own. My brother did the same. So I felt compelled to engage in this process myself and be part of the entire creation from start to finish,” he stated.
To track Hawea’s voyage across the Pacific and view video updates featuring the crew and catamaran at sea, follow this link.
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