Mahana

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There are four of us 'one at every corner' and the skipper Lutz at the helm as always superbly prepared and in the best of spirits.
MaHana is chosen for the middle position because the pilot has selected our captain as the most reliable to manoeuvre the three-yacht raft safely through the locks.
Everything goes smoothly and easily and we thoroughly enjoy our Panama Canal transit.
AND
Now a new chapter begins
In La Playita anchorage, MaHana is fitted with two air-con units and stocked with plenty of delicious provisions.
Final improvements are worked out and co-skipper Jana keeps dashing off to ferretarias to get more parts for MaHana's perfection.
Everything is in top condition – standing and running rigging renewed, all safety systems checked,
the crew briefed for all eventualities …… and much more

Now that everything is resolved to our complete satisfaction we can set off …… into the P A C I F I C

With a stopover at Las Perlas, which I was allowed to request – hooray and tra-la-la

We discuss the weather and wind conditions and which anchorage could be our next. Everyone can contribute their wishes and questions because teamwork is welcome.

"Captain" Lutz first explains to us theoretically with a sketch and then directly at the foredeck of MaHana how we will hoist the bright blue parasailer and what needs to be observed.
I have sailed a lot – but NEVER has anyone explained a new and difficult project so clearly and calmly beforehand. It makes it incredibly enjoyable. Learning with a good feeling to try out new possibilities.
It was a magnificent experience gliding to Las Perlas like that.

The enchanting Jana spoilt us all with her good humour and culinary delights whilst Carlito and Maria chirped a serenade.

To explore the island we use the inflatable kayak or swim ashore with the swim bag. Deserted dream beaches, starry skies at new moon, great conversations and always plenty of laughter. That's how the days and nights fly by on MaHana.

Unfortunately for me, on the beautiful Las Perlas it's already time to leave MaHana with her enchanting crew.
It was like a dream – thank you, wonderful MaHana crew – I'll gladly come back!!!

Anyone who has sailed once on the catamaran Mahana understands immediately why Panama ranks among the most fascinating sailing areas in the world. This trip exceeded all expectations – and that is not least due to the quality of the skipper and his boat.

Route & trip planning

The route planning was well thought-out and forward-looking. One could tell that the skipper knows these waters like the back of his hand: always keeping an eye on the weather radar, consistently adapting the route to wind conditions and designing it with a feel for variety. We really sailed – no motor tourism, but genuine sailing. The crew's wishes regarding the itinerary and shore excursions were taken seriously: one was dropped off at dream beaches and reliably picked up again by arrangement.

Unforgettable experiences

The encounters with nurse sharks and dolphins rank among the absolute highlights, as does the breathtaking starry sky far from any light pollution. A horse ride through the jungle of the national park rounded off the programme in an impressive way – pure nature, up close and unforgettable.

Skipper & team leadership

The skipper is well-read, competent and genuinely enthusiastic. He always knew where the journey was heading and what attractions awaited at the destination, and shared this knowledge generously. He gave clever tips for individual leisure activities, whilst deliberately leaving scope to discover and explore in one's own way – a successful balance between guidance and freedom.

Team leadership was clear, seaworthy and human at the same time: daily route briefings, an honest outlook on the coming days and concise, seamanlike manoeuvre discussions. He reacted calmly and thoughtfully to the unexpected – that builds trust.

The safety briefing was thorough and professional, the safety equipment on Mahana impeccable. Even those who had never sailed before were skilfully integrated into the sailing.

Boat & administration

Mahana is a well-maintained, near-new catamaran with top equipment – one feels thoroughly comfortable on board. The entire order processing was straightforward and swift: questions were answered promptly, the financial handling was transparent and serious in the highest degree.

Conclusion: A sailing voyage one will not forget in a hurry. Absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to truly experience Panama – under full sail, with a skipper whom one can trust blindly.

San Blas is simply to be recommended and then with a catamaran (Mahana) was simply a dream. The nature in Panama is mad and one can of course only recommend such things with an experienced skipper like Lutz Grundmann.
The conditions offshore were namely not quite so straightforward as there are reefs everywhere throughout the entire San Blas area. Lutz Grundmann also has additional support on board through Jana Angermann who with her cheerful manner makes life on board worth living.
All round a very successful trip, which is to be recommended. Regards Mike Roekens

With Lutz as skipper and owner of Mahana, I could not have been more fortunate to start my sailing adventure in the Caribbean. He is an experienced, level-headed and prudent sailor for whom safety is the top priority. The first leg from Santa Marta was very challenging due to heavy seas and strong winds, yet I still had the feeling that he had everything under control. Heroically at his side was his partner and co-skipper Jana, who also regularly and generously took care of our creature comforts.
Anyone who wanted to could actively participate in sailing and expand their sailing knowledge, with Lutz sharing his expertise in a very pleasant and easy-to-understand manner.
As owner, he ensures that the boat is regularly and very well maintained and that any damage is repaired and made good as quickly as possible. Since Mahana is designed for long-distance voyages, she is exceptionally well equipped. Everything one's heart desires is on board, and with the help of Starlink we were even able to watch an interesting documentary together as evening entertainment whilst anchored off one of the San Blas Islands.
The voyages with Lutz definitely have more the character of an expedition than a wellness tour, which makes travelling with him particularly appealing.
I'm already looking forward to the time in French Polynesia, to be on the move again with Lutz and Mahana.

I have now been on Mahana for the third time. And I will certainly join again in the future. Lutz and Jana are not only skippers and hosts, but through their friendly manner have already become friends. Even though we work together as a crew, Jana always makes sure that no one 'starves'😉. Lutz is a skipper who pays attention to safety, but still ensures the fun doesn't fall short. Anyone who wants to can lend a hand themselves and always learn something new. They try (as long as wind and waves permit) to fulfil all the guests' wishes. My last trip (San Blas/Panama Canal), which lasted over 4 weeks, was indescribable 🥰⛵️. Mahana has a very good technical standard (Starlink, Watermaker) etc. Always superbly maintained!! I'll definitely be back. 🫶👍

When Bernard Moitessier spoke of his sailing nirvana in La Longue Route, he could scarcely have imagined that one day I would rediscover it on the catamaran Mahana – and that without any ascetic circumnavigation, but rather with a well-stocked fridge and a crew that felt more like a sworn community of life enthusiasts than a random collection of sailors.

From the very first step on board it was clear: this boat is a floating home. Well equipped with everything the nautical heart desires, but also with just the right amount of comfort to turn the adventure into pure joy. The bunks? A dream. The galley? A banqueting hall of the waves. The saloon? A place where the outside world stayed outside and the community flourished. However, the favourite spot on board remains unquestionably the trampoline – whether flying over the waves or at night beneath the starry sky!

And then the catering! Anyone who thinks that ocean sailing goes hand in hand with tinned ravioli and ship's biscuits will be taught otherwise on board Mahana. The cooking was as though there were a Michelin rating for Atlantic crossings. Even in the gentle rocking of the ocean, the crew conjured up delicacies that many a restaurant critic can only dream of.

But all of that would be nothing without the scenery: an infinite expanse that frees the mind, sunrises that burn themselves into the memory, dolphins that escorted us like guests of honour at an ocean ball, and starlit nights in which we got lost amongst the constellations, only to find ourselves again in the stories on board.

Life on board was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Each day was a new chapter, written by the waves, narrated by the winds and accompanied by a crew who turned out to be the most amiable bunch ever to have crossed the Atlantic together. And in the midst of it all, our skipper: confident, relaxed, with a mixture of experience and charm that always gave us the feeling of being in the best of hands.

The crowning glory of this experience was the week-long trip through St Vincent and the Grenadines to Martinique – a symphony of turquoise-blue water, paradisiacal bays and islands scattered like pearls in the ocean. We anchored in places so beautiful that one had to pinch oneself. Yet it was no dream – it was Mahana that took us there.

And then there was Lutz – our skipper, navigator, storyteller and calmer of souls all in one. A sea dog with fine humour, who even in the hairiest wave still had a dry quip on his lips. His experience was palpable in every sail-trimming decision, in every confident harbour manoeuvre and in his stoic composure when the crew once again debated whether the next destination should be an idyllic anchorage or a beach bar with the best rum punch. A skipper as the book describes: competent, relaxed, with saltwater in his veins and a twinkle in his eye that made every storm seem a little milder.

Moitessier writes in his famous classic: the logbook is written by the sea and the sky – that is exactly how it is. So off you go onto Mahana and experience nature from its unique side.

My second trip with Lutz on the Mahana

After the first holiday, 2 weeks sailing in Canary waters, was already an unforgettable experience and the 'chemistry' between Lutz and me was right, I booked the Atlantic crossing. As with that first trip, this time too the entire contractual and financial handling was professional to the highest degree. The final account with refund of costs not incurred (I had booked 6 weeks, left the boat a few days early) was very prompt and generous.

In the first few days in the marina at Mindelo the Mahana was prepared for the crossing, together with the crew, and provisioned. Lutz has the highest standards for crew and equipment safety. The Mahana was checked again from masthead to keel and everything that showed even the slightest sign of wear was renewed. Alongside the thorough safety briefing, the crossing plan was discussed with all crew members and watches and duties were assigned to each crew member in advance and by mutual agreement. The strengths and weaknesses of the individual crew members were taken into account so that nobody was overstretched and at the same time everyone could still learn something new. (Lutz, how is the bread-making going? 🙂 ) With his open, warm and direct manner, Lutz helped even during the preparation to turn a team of 'strangers' into a team of friends.
The crossing itself was an experience with so many wonderful moments that to mention them all would exceed the scope of this review. Throughout it all Lutz was always the professional skipper who handled the boat and crew safely in every situation. Thanks to excellent wind conditions the crossing was much faster than planned and the remaining time was spent, again adapted to the wishes of the crew, island-hopping, going ashore, swimming and lounging about. It was an experience that will remain unforgettable.

Conclusion: Anyone who is lucky enough to book a trip with Lutz on the Mahana will certainly have an unforgettable holiday.

Thanks to Lutz, Felix, Anne, 4:16er Markus and Fabian! Best crew ever!

The Atlantic crossing with Lutz and his Mahana was an absolutely unforgettable experience.

The Mahana is a perfectly equipped boat with a very professional skipper, with whom it is great fun to undertake even longer trips. I already know the Mahana from several previous sailing trips. So it was clear that if I was going to sail across the Atlantic, it would definitely be on the Mahana! And that was a perfect decision too! We had a really brilliant time on the water and thanks to excellent trip preparation with weather planning, advance manoeuvre briefing and a good watch and cooking rota, no particular incidents either.

Since we were travelling significantly faster than planned, we still had plenty of time left in the Caribbean and after consultation with the whole crew it was no problem to adjust the trip plan a little and call at and explore further islands too. All suggestions are taken on board.

Since the Mahana is an owner's boat, there is a huge basic equipment kit on board, which the skipper is also happy to make available to the entire crew. Amongst other things stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing board, diving masks, but also normal boat equipment such as a huge selection of spices and a superbly equipped galley, not like on empty charter boats.

Particularly wonderful for sailing enthusiasts is the sailing equipment with a huge spinnaker and code zero, as well as a multitude of additional lines, halyards and sheets on board. That makes the sailing itself extremely enjoyable too!

Many thanks for the brilliant crossing and also the time afterwards in the Caribbean, I'm happy to be back on board the Mahana again any time!

Lutz is the kind of skipper you wish for when you go on a sailing holiday.
Right from the welcome we knew that this was going to be a brilliant holiday. He is open, funny, relaxed and simply a person you can really put up with. And even after so many nautical miles of experience, he enjoys every moment and is just as enthusiastic as us landlubbers when a pod of dolphins swims along with us or we have a wonderful sunset over dinner on board.
In sailing terms he is highly experienced and safe at all times. He takes the time to explain every detail on the boat, so that you know you are in good hands from day one. And the more confident you feel, the more you may/can help on the boat too, so that you can really participate actively instead of just being driven around, which was really important for me. He also involved us in planning the trip and accommodated our wishes.
The Mahana fits right into the picture. A beautiful boat with loads of space, where everything is in top condition. A dinghy is also available, so shore excursions are possible too. Provided you want to leave his dreamlike anchorages at all.
I am still really glad I booked this trip with Lutz. It was a wonderful holiday and I can warmly recommend Lutz with his Mahana to everyone.

It was a fantastic time. Lutz Grundmann is a very experienced skipper and a reliable provider – from the offer through to the contract. The Mahana is a very well-equipped catamaran and very well maintained. The rule is: Safety First! But the fun was never in short supply. We were involved in everything from the start. Anyone who wants to can have sailing lessons and also gain hands-on experience at the helm. You experience real life on board a sailing boat. He tries to fulfil all the guests' wishes as far as the weather conditions permit. Here too, safety comes first. I really enjoyed the time and made new friends. The next trip is already being planned.

Right from the start, the booking arrangements and responses to short-notice questions were straightforward and prompt. A very friendly and relaxed welcome on board – everything was immediately very relaxed.
The yacht is well equipped, clean and everything in perfect condition.
Lutz first explained the safety procedures and relevant equipment and applications on board in detail – you immediately felt comfortable and in good hands. He has a great deal of experience, is hands-on and was open to questions at any time. He even let me, as a beginner, take the helm in quite strong winds – thank you for the trust. I was able to learn quite a lot about sailing – it makes you want to do more and get deeper into it.
It was a pleasant atmosphere the whole time and I took away many lovely impressions and experiences.
Happy to come back.

Thank you for this dream holiday! The week with Lutz on the Mahana was unforgettable. Lutz is very patient and is happy to explain everything about sailing and then lets his crew actually do a great deal on their own. Thanks for the trust 😉
What's great is that he also takes wishes into account when planning the route, and he's not too proud to lend a hand in the galley either. And the boat is a dream anyway. Thanks for the wonderful and relaxed time – I hope I can sail along again sometime!

Actually, given how thorough the previous review was, there's nothing more to add, but I'd still like to leave a few lines about things that personally struck me.
Worth highlighting, because it's not entirely a matter of course, is the Mahana's comprehensive safety equipment and the briefing on it. The cost breakdown is also very detailed and easy to follow.
What impressed me most was that Lutz – depending on their level of knowledge – really helps individual crew members advance their sailing skills, with a great deal of trust and without creating any stress. In this way, I was able to practise several anchoring manoeuvres and also sail a code zero, which was specially rigged for the purpose.
All in all, very lovely days, even though the wind conditions were very changeable. It's definitely whetted my appetite for more!
Peter Speich

What can I add to the previous positive reviews?

From the first contact with Skipper Lutz to saying goodbye to a new friend, it was a complete carefree package. Perfect communication and planning beforehand already made a good impression before the start of the trip. Competence, calmness, the ability to guide an inexperienced crew safely even in 35-knot winds and what felt like 3-metre swells, and conveying the joy of sailing are just some of Lutz's many positive qualities.
Rule No. 1 – stay on board – and a comprehensive safety briefing were the start of an unforgettable holiday. The Mahana is in top condition; the safety equipment was explained in detail and is at a very high level. 'Together' was the motto on board, and whether at anchor or under full sail, we were a real crew from day one. The thorough explanations of manoeuvres beforehand and the calm but clear commands during the manoeuvres made a decisive contribution to that.
Every day was discussed the evening before, and Lutz is happy to accommodate any wish as far as the weather permits. Lutz knows the sailing area very well and always has a tip for worthwhile shore excursions and good restaurants on hand. It's also worth mentioning that, if you want, there's always a place to retreat to on the Mahana where you can read a book undisturbed.
I learnt a great deal about sailing from Lutz and I'm hooked. I'm certain that this won't be my last trip with Lutz on the Mahana.

Thank you, Skipper!

Embarking on a sailing journey from Tenerife to La Gomera aboard the Mahana was an experience filled with unforgettable moments and seamless organisation.

The cruise organisation was top-notch, ensuring smooth sailing from start to finish. From booking to disembarking, every detail was meticulously planned, making the trip hassle-free and enjoyable.

Prioritising safety, Lutz the skipper conducted a thorough safety briefing at the outset of the trip, instilling confidence in each crew member and ensuring everyone was well-prepared for any situation that may arise.

The Mahana was in great condition, equipped with everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage. Its well-maintained amenities added to the overall satisfaction of the journey.

Lutz exhibited expert seamanship, skilfully navigating through varying wind conditions. His ability to adapt to the elements ensured a safe and comfortable journey for all aboard.

Throughout the trip, the skipper was attentive to the wishes of the entire crew, accommodating requests and ensuring everyone had a fulfilling experience tailored to their preferences.

Lutz ensured that each crew member had a great sailing experience, providing valuable insights and clear instructions before each manoeuvre.

From thrilling whale watching excursions to indulgent BBQ dinners on the deck, the Mahana offered unique experiences that added a touch of magic to the journey, creating cherished memories for all.

In conclusion, we spent 3 days aboard the Mahana and it was a truly memorable experience. Whether revelling in the beauty of nature of the Canary Islands or enjoying the company of fellow crew members, every aspect of the journey exceeded our expectations. Thank you Lutz for everything, we look forward to sailing again with you in the future.