Outrigger canoes feature one or more lateral support floats which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull.While smaller canoes often have outriggers on one or both sides of the main hull, many larger canoes will sport double outriggers or even double hulls.As part of the Polynesian heritage, a number of canoes have been built to replicate those used in the days of old.A number of Hawaii’s replica Polynesian voyaging canoes are based on the windward side of Oahu.This side is favored for its relatively flat waters.Some of the best Kailua real estate for sale features views of the marinas and harbors that protect these behemoth historical structures.

One of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s two flagship vessels is the Hokulea, a full- scale replica of a double-hulled voyaging canoe.Built in 1975 and since maintained by the society, Hokulea garnered worldwide attention when it sailed from Tahiti to Hawaii using conventional and traditional navigation techniques alone.The Hokuloa is made of fiberglass while the sister ship, Hawaii Loa, is made of more traditional materials.The Hawaii Loa makes similar trips to the Hokulea and has allowed the navigational culture of ancient Hawaii and the Pacific a living history.

Most cruises are seven to ten days in length and depart from United States gateways along the Gulf of Mexico or the eastern seaboard.  Some of these ports include Orlando/Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, New Orleans, Boston, and New York.  Some of the most common ports of call include St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.  Collectively, these ports offer cruise passengers with a glimpse of Caribbean life through marine animal encounters, guided eco tours, museum visits, and explorations of historic ruins.  More importantly, guests of a cruise will be treated to the same pampering and royal treatment experienced in all other cruises worldwide.  There is nothing better than going to sleep in one city and waking up in an entirely different one the next morning.  Having a few drinks, watching Broadway-style shows, and dining on some of the finest cuisine, is an added bonus.

Although ships have been considered a vital part of our history for hundreds of years, it is during the 17^th and 18^th century when shipbuilding really became a science and many historic ships were born. Some of the famous ships built during the 17^th century was the Mayflower and the Vasa. The Mayflower was the ship on which the Pilgrims sailed from Plymouth harbor to New England in America in 1620. The Mayflower was a merchant sailing ship large enough to carry 100 passengers. Upon its first sail in 1628, the Vasa capsized and sunk in Stockholm due to a serious design fault. The ship was too narrow for her length and was too top heavy from carrying guns on the upper deck. Luckily, the French fixed the design flaw and learned how to build large, stable, heavily-armed battleships.

During the 18^th century ships were a major component of the East Indian companies. These were merchant ships that sailed under the aid of armed merchants known as East Indianmen, who carried bullion of silver and gold to buy the riches of the East such as tea, furniture, and spices, as well as Chinese jade and jewelry. These ships were heavily armed to fend off any pirates. Some characteristics of 18^th century ships included quarter galleries, ornate glass windows, and room on the poop decks for livestock such as sheep and goats.