O‘AHU — The Olukai sailing team continues to hold its lead in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association’s 2009 sailing series after capturing wins on July 11 and 12. The first run was the series’ third leg and took competitors from
O‘AHU — The Olukai sailing team continues to hold its lead in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association’s 2009 sailing series after capturing wins on July 11 and 12.
The first run was the series’ third leg and took competitors from Haleolono, Molokai to Kualoa, O‘ahu. Olukai came in with a time of 3 hours, 25 minutes. The finish line was a welcome sight after tough paddling in strong trade winds.
Teams showed their experience as the competition was fierce through the good and difficult sailing course.
Team Olukai is made up of all Kaua‘i paddlers, namely Marvin Otsuji, Butch Keahiolalo, Leroy Jumper, Katy Otsuji, Jason Dameron, Scott Wagner and Makana Denton. They paddled hard to Lau Point, got the wind first and never trailed heading into O‘ahu.
The second-place finisher was captained by Mike Kinkaid of O‘ahu, follwed by Kaua‘i’s Donnie Jones.
O‘ahu’s Mel Puu, Tim Wood of Big Island, Ray Glauser of Maui, O‘ahu’s Terry Galphin, Chad Kinkaid and Matt Buckman rounded out the finishers.
The following day’s fourth leg took teams from Kualoa, O‘ahu to Haleiwa, O‘ahu. The trades were kinder that afternoon and tactical steering and paddling proved to be the difference with Olukai again crossing the finish in first.
That victory kept Olukai perfect through four legs. The next race is today, followed by the Na Holo Kai race from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i on Aug. 15.
