2016 Memorial Day Hanalei Race/Picnic Weekend

The weather was exceptional for the Memorial Day weekend, and three boats capitalized on this by racing up from Nawiliwili to Hanalei for race #3 of the Offshore Series on May 28th. It was Kalewa, Trinity, and Bonjolea that made the northbound leg with 10 knot easterly breeze and calm seas. Hanalei Bay was picturesque as usual but more so this day as the boats could be seen sailing past the pier.

The BBQ was hot and the beers ice cold on the Pavilion as racers, NYC and KSA members, and visitors enjoyed the potluck meal, talked story, and enjoyed the view of the beach and bay. Activities were varied – a fierce Bocce ball game got going on the lawn, and a KSA Topper with the ubiquitous water cannon was seen playing in the anchorage. The 29th was a no-race day and the requisite sightseeing trip to the caves and beaches of the Na Pali coast was made by several boats.

The return race (#4 Offshore Series) on the 30th had sunny conditions with a few cooling rain squalls, and a northeasterly 10-15 knot breeze. Spinnakers could be seen from Kauai’s eastern shore as four boats raced back home – Maeva, Bonjolea, Lisa Rae, and Trinity. The crews reported sailing through areas teeming with dolphins, sea birds, and feeding fishes.

Kevin Arndt

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