Wahine Makani
Women who dance with the wind
Wahine Makani is an all-women sailing canoe crew from Hawai'i Island, created to restore space for women in a male-dominated sport and honor the deep tradition of ocean voyaging through strength, skill, and sisterhood.
Mission
Wahine Makani exists to restore and expand the presence of women in the world of Hawaiian sailing canoe racing. All-women crews have been absent for over a decade, and we're here to change that - for ourselves, and for the generations who will follow.
Our mission is to train with integrity, compete with courage, and create lasting space in a sport that has long been shaped and led by men. We believe that women have always belonged in the canoe - as sailors, as steerswomen, as leaders.
We sail not just to race, but to honor the ocean, the 'aina, and the people who came before us. We are committed to perpetrating this deeply cultural practice with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.
The Crew
Coaches & Advisors
Manny Veincent
Advisor
Paul Exner
Sailing Coach
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Noah Patterson
Programming Editor
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Tess Anderson
Art Director
Team Values
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Creating pathways for women to train, race, and take leadership in Hawaiian sailing
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Uplifting culture through mentorship, honoring protocol, and working with Hawaiian advisors
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Representing Big Island—where no crew currently exists
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Create space for women in the sailing and paddling world at the highest level.
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Build something lasting, not just for this season, but for the next generation.
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Embody the Aloha spirit in everything we do
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association
Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re seeking aligned sponsors to support our inter-island voyages and training efforts in this pivotal first season of Wahine Makani.
Your sponsorship helps cover essential costs such as:
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Inter-island travel and race entry
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Canoe access, shipping, and upgrades
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Safety equipment and team training support
As a sponsor, you’ll be part of a groundbreaking return of women-led sailing crews in Hawai‘i—and your brand will be spotlighted through:
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Press and media coverage
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Social media recognition
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Logo placement opportunities (gear, canoe, website)
Let’s talk about how we can partner to uplift women in ocean voyaging and create meaningful visibility for your brand.
