No compass, no problem

PO‘IPU — Using natural instincts and canoes ahead and behind them, La‘amaomao managed to win the 19th Annual Na Holo Kai title without the use of its most helpful resource — a compass.

“We just forgot to bring one with us,” La‘amaomao captain Matt Buckman said.

But that wasn’t the only challenge the six-man crew faced during the 100-plus mile race from Hale‘iwa, O‘ahu to Po‘ipu Beach on Saturday.

“My seat broke three-fourths of the way, our trampoline broke and we lost two paddles,” third seater Pepe Trask said. “We were not in the odds of winning, but we stuck together and pulled it off.”

The team, made up of a mix of O‘ahu and Kaua‘i athletes, was made up of Buckman, Trask, Trevor Cabell, Buck Giles, Lance Arnold and Jackie Seeley.

“We don’t practice, we just race,” Buckman said. “I’ve done this race for 16 years and never won it until today. It’s about time.”

But as they headed to the finish line, La‘amaomao had to hold off a strong surge from last year’s championship team, Kamakakoa, led by Marvin Otsuji.

“They almost caught us in the end,” Buckman said. “It was too close for comfort.”

Trask said the average speed of his crew was 12 knots and the swells lit up to heights from four to eight feet.

“It’s non-stop paddling for seven-plus hours,” he said. “There’s no escort boat and you have to take all of the supplies with you. Of all of the boats, I think we were most efficient. We had to follow the leader. You don’t beat No. 1 by luck.”

La‘amaomao placed second last year, behind Kamakakoa. La‘amaomao translates into English as “God of the Wind.”

Makakoa, captained by Cappy Sheeley placed third and Tui Tonga, led by Donny Jones, took fourth.

The Na Holo Kai is the longest race event in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association series.

For more information on the HSCA, check out their Web site at www.hsca.biz or call Terry Galpin at 372-8131.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.