Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Whales are here!

Since this is the first blog of the New Year, all of us at Paragon Sailing Charters wish you a very happy & prosperous New Year!  We have been blessed this year, again, with the arrival of our annual visitors, the humpback whales.  They swim all the way from Alaska to birth and breech in the waters off Maui, and enhance any tour taken on either PARAGON or PARAGON II.

In fact, some of the highlights of their annual visit include the whale encounters during the crossing from Lahaina Harbor to Manele Harbor on Lana'i.  Captain Ray, our chief PARAGON Captain, shares that just before Christmas he not only encountered whales on the crossing, he also felt "surrounded" by their majesty!  The passengers were treated by a spectacular breeching contest, as males tend to be overactive in their hopes of attracting female whales.  Our passengers that day were thrilled by the experience, and several have written our office to share their joy!

We invite you to come see the whales with us!  They are active any time of the day, either during our sail back from Molokini where you can see their antics across Maalaea Bay, or on our day trip to Lana'i.  Our Lahaina Sunset Sail features the whales who are also active at or near sunset.  A breech combined with a pleasant sail makes for a wonderful evening on the water!

From December to May, the whales come out to play.  So join us!  Visit www.sailmaui.com for our best fares, and check out our "All Access Pass" to either Molokini or Lana'i.  More sailing for less money, and more time to check out the beauty of our winter/spring visitors!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Speed Sailing in Maui

The twin vessels, PARAGON & PARAGON II are amazing high performance sailing catamarans!  Each has reached speed records above 20 knots.  If you visit www.sailmaui.com, you will read an article by Jace Panebiano, a professional windsurfer & photo journalist.  This article was picked up by SAILING magazine, and tells the story about speed sailing across Maalaea Bay with PARAGON II.  

Come sailing with us, the pros of speed sailing on Maui!  Molokini, with PARAGON II will feature Captain Greg at the helm.  Or, visit Lana'i on PARAGON,  and speed sail with Captain Ray or Captain Ryan.  Either tour will feature the best performance sailing on Maui.

And be sure to read all about us at sailmaui.com.  Talk about fun on the water!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Paragon Sailing Charters Chosen by University of Portland!

A few months ago, we were selected by University of Portland Pamplin School of Business Administration to conduct a study on Organizational Management within Paragon Sailing Charters.  This selection was an honor, as the student-team analyzed all aspects of our family-run business, from communications in the office to the unique relationships on the boats.  Their 21-page paper was submitted to us for final analysis, and the recommendations for improvement were spot on!

Its always nice in these times to see University students taking the tourism industry and the real business world seriously.  These students at the University of Portland utilized Harvard Business School Studies, Management Analysis Media, and other incredible sources as they worked on Paragon.  All told, this paper was given a "A" by their Professor.  This type of analysis typically costs companies thousands in consulting hours.  All it took for us was a selection by the University and a willingness to cooperate.  Pretty cool, huh?

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Holidays in Maui

Hawaii in the winter is just too beautiful to miss.  The daytime highs are around 85 and the evenings are balmy and perfect for strolling on the shore after a Mai Tai.  Better yet, a sunset sail with Paragon Sailing Charters is the BEST way to enjoy a Maui sunset, before a romantic dinner on Front Street in Lahaina.

Since our All Access Pass debuted 2 weeks ago, we have found that the combination of the Lahaina Sunset Sail with either our Molokini Tour or Lana'i Beach Picnic & Performance Sail is more popular than expected.  And our guests are choosing these tours during the most beautiful winter months.

Why not come to Maui this winter?  Prices are lower than we've seen in a long time; hotel rooms seem to be more plentiful, and the island awaits you.  We await you.  A sail with us, aboard PARAGON or PARAGON II is just the perfect way to be in Maui this winter.  Visit sailmaui.com and save yourself time and a bit of money, too!  

And Happy Holidays from all of us at Paragon Sailing Charters.  We look forward to you becoming a part of our Paragon family!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Did you know......celeb story #2!

Since Feb. 1, 2009 is our 15th anniversary, we felt it would be fun to share with you some of our celebrity stories. Over the years, we have sailed with many, many VIPs on Maui for their vacations, sporting events, or ultra-hip A-list only gatherings. So, in light of our mood to share more stories, here is another celebrity who choose Paragon Sailing Charters for their fun Maui water activity company.

Usher Raymond, or as most of you know as USHER, R&B singer, decided to take our Lahaina Sunset Sail during his stay at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. He was a member of our regular tour, and brought along with him a stunningly beautiful date, as this was well before his August, 2007 wedding. He was a bit late to the tour, and the Captain held the boat to wait; as this is our policy for all customers, to give them just a bit of extra time to find us.

Of course, our female crew were quite excited to meet Mr. Raymond, and he was gracious and courteous as ever. He even left a pair of shoes on board after the tour ended! These were of course held for his retrieval, which he never did, so they became mementos of his sailing with us!! And, he enjoyed his tour sooo much, that he booked a 2nd Lahaina Sunset Sail during the same vacation!

Stay tuned for more celebrity stories, as we have many more to share! And come sailing with us! At Paragon Sailing Charters, we look forward to sharing our passion for sailing with you (and also a few more VIP stories, too!)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

New Package, Great Tours!

Bundled tours, or in our case, "All Access Passes" have debuted at www.sailmaui.com.  This effort was made possible by a great relationship that we have with Dogtowne Design and their incredible team of professionals, Scott, Cheryl & Randy!  At sailmaui.com, you can now purchase 2 Tours for an incredible savings of 30% off retail!!  We fully expect these bundles to be as popular as our regular tours.  More sailing for less money!  What a great time to be on Maui!

Also at sailmaui.com, a big thanks to Captain Ray who sent in the first pixs to paragonpixs@gmail.com.  Our new media page is designed to allow our customers to showcase their special moments with Paragon Sailing Charters.  Video and pictures are all accepted for consideration.  Check back daily to see if your shots are uploaded! Or better yet, send us your best sailing shot and we'll use your photos in an upcoming marketing campaign!

www.sailmaui.com & paragonpixs@gmail.com.  2 great ways to become part of our crew!


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A Change for America

As the country welcomes a new President, Paragon Sailing Charters invites you to come sailing with us!!  There is no more beautiful place in this glorious country than Maui, and no better way to experience this beauty than on the water with Paragon Sailing Charters.

We pride ourselves in customer service, and have heard from many customers over the past year about the changes ahead.  These stories are poignant, emotional, hopeful, and a meaningful testament to the diversity of America. 

Come sailing with us!!  Share your story with our Captain and Crew, or post your feelings here.  Visit www.sailmaui.com for the best deals, come to Maui, and let's share stories.  Sailing brings out the best in all of us, and we look forward to sharing our passion for sailing with you!