Take in Sunset from the Decks of Kiote with Captain Jimmy Kujawa

 

 Kiote Sails cruises out of Coral Bay harbor and offers sunrise, sunset, half-day, full-day, full moon sails and more.

There are few things in the world better than soaking up the sea air while cruising along on a beam reach and watching the sun sink below the horizon.

Captain Jimmy Kujawa loved that experience so much he recently launched the island’s newest sail boat charter business out of Coral Bay, Kiote Sails.

“It’s just so peaceful and beautiful out there,” said Kujawa. “I’ve been sailing around local waters for the past 11 years and I just love it. I started with a 30 foot Pearson without an engine and learned to sail here.”

“When I got my new boat I decided to start the business,” he said. “I love being out on the water and decided it would be great to make some money while doing something that I love.”

Kiote Sails promises “A unique sailing expereince with a local feeling,” and that is exactly what Kujawa delivers. Based in Coral Bay harbor, Kujawa’s Kiote is a 36-foot Pearson ketch with an expansive cockpit which makes the vessel feel even larger.

“It’s a great boat for charters,” said Kujawa. “There is plenty of room for people to lay out on the decks while we’re sailing and the cockpit is really roomy too. It’s really comfortable for six people.”

Guests interested in tugging on a line are welcome to join the fun as well, Kujawa added.

“It could be a hands-on experience if that is what someone wants,” he said. “Or you could just sit back and relax and watch us do it. Either way; we just want people to have fun.”

And with several different charter options, Kiote Sails offers something for every sailing enthusiast. Early risers will want to join Captain Kujawa for a peaceful, morning Sunrise Sail.

“It’s so beautiful on the water in the mornings and we have these gorgeous sunrises in Coral Bay,” said Kujawa. “I figured, let’s take advantage of this.”

The night owls out there will not want to miss a Full Moon cruise, offered two days prior to the full moon each month as well the night of the full moon.

“We’re also offering a sail the night after the full moon when the moon comes up a bit later,” said the Kiote captain. “It’s a bit darker and the stars are really bright. Last month we watched the moon rise up out of the water off Virgin Gorda.”

Kiote Sails also offers full day charters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. which include a snorkeling stop at a beach only accessible by boat.

“We always include a snorkel at a location you can’t get to by land,” Kujawa said. “Sometimes it’s Flanagan or Newfound Bay; it depends on the weather.”

Half day sails on Kiote run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 1 to 4 p.m. and promise a relaxing harbor cruise.

To get the biggest bang for the buck, book Kiote’s late afternoon to sunset cruise, which basically combines a half day and sunset sail in one, Kujawa explained.

“Our best deal is our five hour late afternoon sail,” he said. “That would normally cost about $100, but we offer it for only $75. You get a late lunch, a snorkel stop and a sunset cruise.”

Half day sails are $60, full day sails are $100, sunset sails are $50 and full moon sails are $85. All sails include bottled water, ice and snacks and guests are asked to bring their snorkel equipment and their own drinks of choice.

What all of Kiote Sails’ charter options offer is plenty of sailing action.

“We truely sail,” said Kujawa. “It’s not a sail boat that motors around, it’s a sail boat that sails. We use the wind for our power.”

Kujawa is also offering free sails each Wednesday and Friday afternoon for local residents. Meet at Skinny Legs at 3:30 p.m. and join Kujawa in the weekly Wednesday races in Coral Bay or for a Friday evening cruise around the harbor.

“We don’t stop anywhere; just cruise around the bay,” said Kujawa. “Bring your owns drinks and let’s go have a good time. Tips are appreicated as well.”

Kiote Sails can only accompodate six passengers, so local residents interested in heading out on the free sails are asked to RSVP.

To book any charter, or RSVP for the free sails for locals, call Lora Koehler at (340) 344-4341.