[Photos] by Jean-Jacques Limbourg and Publius Vergilius
Rio Va’a 2004 makes Brazilian national television headlines (Rede Globo) with a mix of kids race, canoe blessing in Tahitian by IVF president Charles Villierme and tough competition between Ruahatu Va’a from France, Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui and local team Claro Rio Va’a Clube.
Blessed with good weather and calm seas, Rio Va’a 2004 – in stark contrast with Rio Va’a 2003 Molokai Hoe conditions - set record times with a start to finish win by Ruahatu Va’a Club from Toulon, France (2h14min27s).