From racing to relaxation: Hawaii ranks in top 10 for these incidents

HONOLULU (KHON2) — According to a recent study, Hawaii ranks joint 10th among the most dangerous states for recreational boating, with 21% of accidents being fatal.

This statistic highlights the importance of boating safety and being prepared.

So, KHON2.com decided to reach out to Chris Frendreis who is a seasoned yachtsman to talk about boating in the Pacific. Frendreis has spent years perfecting his sailing skills.

While the study shows a concerning trend, Frendreis noted that the community he is part of is generally safe and skilled at handling emergencies.

“Usually, the people that I sail with have the skills and the wherewithal to get themselves out of those situations safely,” he said.

Frendreis’s journey into boating began in New Zealand and Australia, where he discovered his passion for the sea.

From there, he embarked on a career in professional yachting, working on private yachts before moving to Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiʻi, Frendreis spent a decade racing as a bowman and owner of a Humboldt 30.

Today, he enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle on his Beneto, sailing around without the pressures of competition.

Boating is not just a casual hobby; it requires dedication and teamwork.

“You can participate in it in a number of ways. You can dabble in it, or you can commit wholeheartedly, which is what we did,” explained Frendreis.”

He emphasized the importance of building a good crew and maintaining the boat.

“To build a good crew and to get the boat into the shape that it needs to be in to race well and be competitive takes a lot of financial resources and time commitment,” he said. “It’s all about teamwork, ensuring that everyone can handle the boat efficiently and effectively.”

One of Frendreis’s proudest moments was winning the Lipton Cup in 2012, a prestigious race in Honolulu.

“We started winning some races pretty much right out of the chute,” Frendreis recallsed.

The Lipton Cup is a club race where each club picks a boat and puts their best sailors on it. Frendreis’s boat was chosen, and as the bowman, he played a crucial role in their victory.

“That year, they asked if they could use my boat, and I said, ‘Sure, you can use the boat, but I’m going with you,’” Frendreis remembered. Their win marked Frendreis and his boat as top competitors in the sailing community.

For those considering buying a boat, Frendreis had valuable advice. He recommended gaining experience on someone else’s boat first.

“My first recommendation to people that are interested in boating is to get out on the water on someone else’s boat,” he advised. “This way, you can learn the necessary skills and see if you enjoy boating before making a significant investment.”

There are many resources available, including books and online forums, where you can learn about boat maintenance, safety and handling emergencies.

Frendreis emphasized the importance of being prepared and knowledgeable before venturing out on your own boat.

“Boating has been pretty much around as long as human history has existed… there’s tons of resources,” he said.

He suggested reading books by experienced sailors and learning from their knowledge. “There’s all kinds of written information and countless books that you can read,” Frendreis added.

For those looking to get involved in boating, Frendreis suggestsed joining local yacht clubs or online groups. In Hawaiʻi, yacht clubs have social media pages where you can connect with other boaters.

“You can always go to the different clubs on the night that are hosting races… It’s pretty easy to walk the docks in either of those areas and potentially get on a boat,” Frendreis said.

He mentioned that he has taken on new crew members who simply walked down the dock and asked to join.

Boating is a thrilling and rewarding activity that offers both excitement and relaxation. However, it requires dedication, knowledge, and a commitment to safety.

Frendreis’s experiences and advice highlight the importance of preparation and continuous learning in the boating world. For those interested in boating, gaining experience, connecting with the community and prioritizing safety are crucial steps to enjoying this fantastic sport.

The study on recreational boating safety said this:

“The recreational boating accident statistics and ranking were determined by analyzing the rate of fatal accidents in each state. This was calculated as a percentage using the number of fatal recreational boating accidents as a percentage of the total recreational boating accidents.”

— You can click here for more information.

Stay safe out there and explore your options before purchasing a boat!