The Lanikai Canoe Club remained undefeated this season after winning the John D. Kaupiko Regatta today at Keehi Lagoon, but it wasn't as easy as some of its previous victories.

"That was a big-time rally and we needed it," Lanikai head coach Dave Smith said. "We were behind the whole day. I was definitely worried that this wasn't going to be our day."

Lanikai leap-frogged both Kailua and Outrigger in the overall standings in the final three races of the regatta.

Lanikai scored 83 points in the 39 races of the regatta. Kailua placed second with 77 points, Outrigger was third with 76, and Hui Lanakila was fourth with 68.

"The same thing is happening at every regatta," Kailua head coach Kawai Mahoe said. "We're right there all the way, and then, at the end of the day, Lanikai figures out a way to pull it off."

Lanikai has won all six regattas put on by the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association this season, and Kailua has finished second five times.