Despite the less-than-favorable wind conditions, the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association began the 2010 season with its 15th Keokea to Hana canoe race, May 1-2. The 33-mile race had to wait until the tide allowed the canoes to be launched through
Despite the less-than-favorable wind conditions, the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association began the 2010 season with its 15th Keokea to Hana canoe race, May 1-2. The 33-mile race had to wait until the tide allowed the canoes to be launched through the narrow rock-filled Keokea boat channel.
Canoes from each island entered the Alinuihaha channel, as did a slight breeze that proved to be challenging for all participants. At the 20-mile mark, four canoes battled for the lead. Two of the teams, both captained by Kaua‘i sailors, soon distanced themselves from the pack and traded the lead for two hours. After three hours, OluKai, the 2009 season champion, continued its winning ways and entered the Hana Beach park two minutes ahead of team Tui Tonga.
The second leg of the weekend, Hana to Kahukui, was once again in question with the light southeasterly winds. With a contingency plan of having the boats towed down the coast, the race was started with light winds filling in just outside Hana Bay.
Team OluKai, made up of Marvin Otsuji, Jason Dameron, Scott Wagner, Dolan Eversole and Justin Udovch switched Butch Keaheolalo with Matthew Marasako and again battled with Tui Tonga.
Capitan Donnie Jones, Tom Grubbe and Amy Young — all former OluKai members — held the lead out of the bay, but were overtaken soon after the first mile. The two teams again by ran away from the rest of the field.
The weather report predicted the winds to ease up by mid-morning, which held true. The breezes died nine miles short of the finish line. The typically windy Hookipa to Kahului course came to an end after a padding battle into a slight head wind. The 35-mile race was completed in 3 hours, 40 minutes.
The next leg from Kahului to Lahaina and Lahaina to Molokai is scheduled to be held June 4-6.
