update:[Pacific Paddler Photos] courtesy Ropati / boat driver Karel
[Australian paddling team breezes to crown] Honolulu Advertiser
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
Mooloolaba OCC OPEN 5:26:37
Outrigger CC OPEN 5:36:20
Kai Opua (Hawai MASTERS-35+ 5:44:31
[OCPaddler Poll Results]
[Na Wahine O Ke Kai traverses channel for 25th time] Star Bulletin pre race article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Fujii Johnson, Johnson LLC
Email: DianeFJohnson at aol.com

With a record 72 crews entered, Australians take the title of the Silver Anniversary Hawaii Modular Space Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Mooloolaba finishes the 25th Molokai crossing with second fastest time -
misses record by just over 2 minutes

Honolulu, HAWAII (September 28, 2003) - Determination is what drove Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club from Australia to dominate today's Hawaii Modular Space Na Wahine O Ke Kai. From the 7:30 a.m. start time, Mooloolaba who came in third last year - held a dominant lead over the rest of the 72 entered crews. Off the start line, they quickly gained an 8 minute spread ahead of Honolulu's Outrigger Canoe Club and held the one-mile gap the duration of the race.

update:[Pacific Paddler Photos] courtesy Ropati
Team NZ/HI 1st, Outrigger, Kai Opua, Lanikai follow.
[Official Results]
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
[NZ/HI Sets Race Record] Honolulu Advertiser Article
[Ayau race turns into no contest] Star Bulletin Article

[Photos] courtesy Sharon Balidoy
One of the greatest Channel tune-ups you could ever participate in is Maui's E `ilau hoe kakou long distance race. The course is 32 miles. With the first stroke of the race you are out in deep ocean, surfing whatever mother nature has in store for the day. The race starts at Maliko on Mauis north shore, you cut straight across to Kahakuloa, aound the point finishing in the calm waters of Lahaina. It is sponsored by Lae`ula O Kai which means the race is organized and fun, the awards are unique and the food is ono (kalua turkey and pork for all).

In addition to Hawaiian, Lahaina, Napili, Kahana, Wailea and Na Kai Ewalu canoe clubs of Maui Lae`ula O Kai thanks the Eyecatcher women and the men of Kukui O Molokai for their 2nd year of support and Wa`akapaemua for making the trek to Maui.

Watch for next season's schedule so you can plan for it and make it over. Maui welcomes you all.

This year's Great River Race saw 211 boats start, of all classes: 7 outrigger canoes, numerous dragonboats, Thames Cutters, Cornish Gigs, Celtic Longboats, Whalers included.

As usual this is a handicap race, so the outriggers start 66 minutes behind the leaders. A lot of ground to make up but a lot of boats to pass. This is what makes the race so exciting.

***Mike Murray 1st Overall
[Results & Photos]

[Photos] by Michael Nyberg

update:[Various Kona Photos] by Cassie Pali
Kai Opua Canoe Club Presents
Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Canoe Races
Official Divisions Results by: JTL Timing Systems

Sunday August 31, 2003
6-Miles - Mix, Mens, & Womens Double Hull, OC1, OC2 Results

update: [Six Photos of Kai Opua Men]
[OCPaddler Poll Results]
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
[Pacific Paddler Mens Photos] courtesy Ropati Hebenstreit

[OCPaddler Poll Results]
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
[Pacific Paddler Womens Photos] courtesy Ropati Hebenstreit

[Results] at Puna Canoe Club