4th of July Weekend race to Hanalei

The Offshore Race Series, Nawiliwili to Hanalei on July 2nd , had trades gusting in excess of 25 knots fueling the competitive fires of the 4 boats that crossed the start line at 0900 that morning. As racers headed out of Nawiliwili Harbor and made their way northward Bonjolea I ripped their sail and had to return to the dock. This left Kalewa, Speedy, and Lisa Rae to streak up the coast towards beautiful Hanalei Bay and the finish line.

Kalewa, a custom 55ft. catamaran, made it in record speed at an elapsed time of 3 hours and 31 minutes, 47 seconds. They sailed through the finish line and anchored in the prime spot off of the beach near the pier. Speedy finished next followed by Lisa Rae – all reported that the sailing conditions couldn’t have been better. The hungry crews enjoyed complimentary hotdogs at the Hanalei Pavilion where the Race Committee had the boom box playing “Jawaian” music, and offering cold beers and soft drinks for a small donation.

Other partiers brought potato salad, kielbasa sausage, and avocados to share in the feast. Bochi Ball was played on the lawn as sea stories were shared under the Pavilion. The July 4th return race back to Nawiliwili had only Speedy and Lisa Rae enjoying 15 knots of trade winds and sunny skies. Speedy finished first with an elapsed time of 5 hours, 53 minutes, 7 seconds. Their racing strategy included catching 3 fish along the way. Both boats enjoyed fresh poke and grilled fish at the club after the race.

Kevin Arndt

Click here for photos by Charlotte