By Peter Caldwell

Na Wahine O Ke Kai

Favorite Team Bradley had to earn their second consecutive title as they weathered a stiff challenge from runner-up Hui Lanikila.

With eight returnees and a spotless record in long distance events, Team Bradley appeared to be in control of the race most of the way. However after taking divergent courses off East Oahu, when the two canoes came together again off Diamond Head, Hui Lanikila had surged into a lead of about two canoe lengths. Down the stretch off Waikiki, the two battled, and Team Bradley turned on the power to regain a small edge.

At the finish, the margin was a scant 16-seconds in the closest Na Wahine finish in history. To the victors belonged the spoils and for the first time in the Na Wahine race, the win included a cash prize of $5000 from race sponsor Bud Lite. Taking third place was the Waikiki Beach Boys followed by Tahiti’s Venus Va'a and Outrigger. The Masters winner was once again the Hawaiian Kanaktion/Kahiau crew for the third consecutive year finishing an impressive sixth overall. Kailua Wa'a Kapaemua won the 50 and older division, and Outrigger was first in the koa category for the second consecutive year.

Moloka'i Hoe

Tahiti 1, 2, 3! In a Tahitian domination not seen since 1976, Shell Va'a led a parade of three Tahitian crews across the finish line in a new record time of 4 hours, 46 minutes and 4.5 seconds.

Conditions were favorable for the visitors with a relatively calm ocean, light winds, and a rising tide, and Shell took full advantage winning by a major gap of over fourteen minutes, claiming the $5000 first prize award.

Outrigger had a strong early showing and seemed close to passing the other two fast-stroking Tahitian crews off Diamond Head but in the end trailed both across the finish line by a small margin. Finishing fifth was Lanikai as the three-time defending champions searched in vain for surf.

It was another big day for canoe-builder Sonny Bradley as crews paddling his design took both the Moloka'i Hoe and the Na Wahine race. Rounding out the top ten were Moolooloba of Australia, California’s Lanakila, Hawaiian from Maui, Team Paddler, another Australian crew, and Oahu’s Hui Lanakila.

Overall there were 102 starters with clubs representing eight countries. Team Hawai'i/ Kailua finished 19th overall but was disqualified because of escort boat problems. Outrigger’s Masters crew took the 40 and older division beating out eleven other crews including three-time defending champion Moolooloba. Namolokama O Hanalei regained the 50 and older title while Waimanalo’s 55 and older crew not only won the division but also broke Kailua’s existing record as well. Outrigger also finished on top in the koa category with a 36th place finish in the Kakina.