The “David Lyman Memorial Race” would be a fitting name to the YMCA Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a’s race #5 held recently from Kalapaki to Po’ipu Beach. It was dedicated to a famous seaman who lost his life near Ninini Pt., Nawiliwili
The “David Lyman Memorial Race” would be a fitting name to the YMCA Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a’s race #5 held recently from Kalapaki to Po’ipu Beach.
It was dedicated to a famous seaman who lost his life near Ninini Pt., Nawiliwili on January 29 in a work-related boating mishap.
He was widely recognized as a crew member of Hokule’a, including her 1976 maiden voyage and as the captain of the 1978 voyage.
An unknown, but noteworthy fact about Dave was that at the age of 28 he earned what is known as an unlimited or masters license; allowing him to “sail any ship, of any tonnage, on any ocean.”
The Lyman family wanted to express their appreciation to those who were with Dave during his last moments and their heroic and passionate efforts to save him.
They requested a special mahalo to pilot boat captain Mark Boetticher and to the Kaua’i Fire Department crew members Butch Keahiolalo and Jeff Weiss.
By request of the family and as a tribute to Captain Dave; the place, Nawiliwili, Kaua’i, and the compassion of friends Mark, Butch and Jeff: the pu was sounded, paddlers dropped leis, his ashes were scattered and Mark Boetticher started the race with the horn of his pilot boat. A shorter race was run concurrently from Po’ipu Beach to Port Allen.
