[Tahiti's Rai back to defend title] Honolulu Advertiser
[Canadians seek improvement] Star Bulletin Prerace Article
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Fujii Johnson, Johnson LLC
Cellular: 808-381-9763 Email: DianeFJohnson@aol.com
The battle is on for the Hawaii Modular Space Molokai Hoe
With possibly the largest contingent of crews ever, the 52nd annual crossing of the
Molokai Channel will be a fight til the end
Honolulu, HAWAII (October 10, 2003) - With just two days until race day, tensions are running high and battles have already begun as crew members fight for their spot among their club's first team. Only when that team is selected can they focus on the bigger picture, winning the war. The war in this case takes place in the open ocean, in the 41-miles it takes canoe paddlers to cross the infamous Kaiwi Channel. This will be the 52nd year for the Hawaii Modular Space Molokai Hoe and over 100 teams are expected to participate with as many as 25 being international crews.
Months of mental and physical training will be put to the test this Sunday, October 12th, as crews will battle strong trade winds and choppy seas. Last year's conditions were the exact opposite with no wind and flat ocean conditions leading many to believe that those favored the reigning champions, Rai of Tahiti whose finish time was 5 hours, 11 minutes and 35 seconds. We interviewed some of the favored local contenders: Team New Zealand/Hawaii, Lanikai and Outrigger Canoe Club.
Come join Koloa Outrigger Canoe Club for a fun race down to Poipu! Race will start from Kalapaki Beach and end at the Kukuila Boat Harbor, where there'll be food and prizes!