Posted at 3:02 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2007
Tahiti club Shell Vaa dominates Molokai Hoe
Advertiser Staff
Shell Vaa dominated the Bud Light Molokai Hoe again today, winning in record time for the second consecutive year.The Tahiti-based club completed the 41-mile course from Hale O Lono Harbor, Molokai, to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, in 4 hours, 40 minutes, 22 seconds.
It was nearly six minutes faster than the record it set last year.
The Moloka'i Hoe is considered the world championship of long-distance outrigger canoe racing for men's teams. More than 100 crews from around the world entered this year.
Team OPT, another entry from Tahiti, placed second in 4:43:15.
Team New Zealand/Hawaii placed third in 4:56:59. The crew featured seven paddlers from Hawaii, one from New Zealand and one from Australia.
Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui was fourth in 4:58:44, and the first all-Hawaii crew to finish.
Tahiti crews Venus Vaa and Pirae Vaa placed fifth and sixth, respectively.
Hawaii crews Lanikai and Outrigger placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
Anuenue Canoe Club placed 56th overall with a time of 5:55:55. That crew was steered by Joseph "Nappy" Napoleon, who completed his 50th consecutive Molokai Hoe.
