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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 27, 2009

Team Bradley wins Na Wahine O Ke Kai for fifth time in a row


By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Team Bradley won its fifth consecutive Na Wahine O Ke Kai women's canoe race today.

Team Bradley completed the 41-mile course from Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka'i to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, in 5 hours, 25 minutes, 16 seconds.

The race across the Kaiwi Channel is considered the world championship of long-distance outrigger canoe paddling for women's teams.

Team Bradley's five-year winning streak is the second longest in the history of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai. OffShore of California won six in a row from 1986-91.

Waikiki Beachboys battled Team Bradley the entire race, and finished second in 5:26:38. It was the best finish ever by the Waikiki Beachboys in a Na Wahine O Ke Kai race.

Hui Lanakila placed third in 5:31:14, and Outrigger Whitsunday of Australia was fourth in 5:43:47. Outrigger of Hawai'i was fifth in 5:47:51.

Division winners were Team Wahoo in masters 40-older, Kailua in masters 50-older, and Outrigger in koa canoe.

A record 87 crews from around the world participated in the race.