Dennis Wilson Sailing To Hawaii

[Will C.]

I've got a question for the good folk of the Smily Smile Board.  Hopefully it's not something that's already been discussed that I've failed to unearth with the 'search' function.  I seem to recall hearing and/or reading in the past that Dennis Wilson on at least one occasion sailed his boat The Harmony to Hawaii.  Does anybody have any more information or detail on this situation?  I only ask because I've been thinking about what an expedition that must have been depending on where he began sailing from.  I'm definitely curious to hear more about this.  I have to also point out that I unfortunately don't have Jon Stebbins' Dennis Wilson: The Real Beach Boy to reference.  Seems the lowest price for a used copy is almost $90 on Amazon.  Mark me down as a fan who is very interested in a possible updated re-release of the aforementioned Stebbins book.  I believe I've also read on this very board that an re-release is a possibility.  Anyways, looking forward to hearing some helpful insight! This board is truly an indispensable destination for everything The Beach Boys.

[Pretty Funky]

Not in less he did it between this story in 1980 and his death. Someone else can confirm I'm sure but he lost ownership of the boat during the early 80s so unlikely.

http://www.cinetropic.com/blacktop/harmony/index.html

'Although the vessel has now put such long voyages behind her, previous owners have taken her on extensive cruises, and Wilson has sailed her to Catalina, northern California, and the Baja'

[Will C.]

Hm, interesting.  Excellent to see that article available.  I'm looking forward to seeing if anybody else can chime in about this!

[Jon Stebbins]

The assertion that the Harmony sailed to Hawaii while in Dennis' possession is apparently incorrect, as that has been repeatedly brought to my attention since the book's 2000 publication. However, there is a Dennis interview from '76 in which he says he's preparing to sail it there. Hence the mention in the book. The new edition, which will be published next year, corrects this curveball.

[Smilin Ed H]

Loving the FAQ book, Jon!

[WWDWD?]

The new edition, which will be published next year

Music to my ears! Been wanting to read your book for almost a decade!!!

[tony p]

The new edition, which will be published next year

Music to my ears! Been wanting to read your book for almost a decade!!!

ditto

my brother has a copy of 'The Real Beach Boy' but ive been holding off on reading it cause i wanted to wait for the updated version

But in the meantime im loving 'FAQ' - its a great read

(my first post - WOO HOO!!)

[Will C.]

The assertion that the Harmony sailed to Hawaii while in Dennis' possession is apparently incorrect, as that has been repeatedly brought to my attention since the book's 2000 publication. However, there is a Dennis interview from '76 in which he says he's preparing to sail it there. Hence the mention in the book. The new edition, which will be published next year, corrects this curveball.

Thanks so much for the information, Jon!  Wonderful, wonderful to hear that the new edition will be published next year.  I will look forward to pre ordering it as soon as it is on the horizon.

I had definitely been curious about the Harmony --> Hawaii situation for some time now, but it seems 90% of the questions I think of asking occur to me while I'm driving midday, and they escape me by the time I'm in front of a computer.  California is about 2400 miles from Hawaii.  I was thinking of how great a distance that is, and marveling at the thought of someone making that journey.  Oh well, there's enough badass stories regarding Dennis even if this one is no longer on the table.

[Pretty Funky]

FWIW. I spoke to someone about 10 years ago who had sailed from San Francisco to Oahu solo in a boat about the same size in about 10 days. He said he did not have to tack (change the side the wind hits the sail) for a week.

[Will C.]

Very cool!  I have no knowledge of sailing but that sounds impressive!