Junior Invitational #4, Fast Co. Sweeps up

There’s something to be said for hugging the starting line.
“Fast Company,” an Olson 30, did just that as the minutes ticked down to the starting horn, Thursday, the final race of the Junior Series. Jim Saylor and the crew“Fast Company,” slipped into the lead at the starting horn, and only after a brief exchange with “Malihini,” a 35-foot catamaran, regained the lead and held it to win the race.The Thursday win gives the “Fast Company” crew 4 points and the top slot for the series.

Jumping off the start line, Malihini sliced through the water to overtake the field and take a short lead heading out to the Ninini Point turnaround. But on the return leg, five spinnakers blossomed in the 5-10 knot winds and “Fast Company’s” bright red sail signaled the positioning. As the boats battled through the dead air at the can marking the entrance to Kalapaki Bay, the races within the race became evident as colorful spinnakers withered in the dead air before reblooming on the outside of the turn.

But within the race, there were other races as “OZone,” an Olson 30 and “Lelele,” a Wells 30 waged their own battle for second place, separated by just a short span of water before “Papa‘au,” an Express 27, and “Speedy,” an Olson 30, wrangled for fourth place.

Exerpted from the Garden Island Newspaper by Dennis Fujimoto

Click here for race results. Click here for series summery. Click here for photos and here for more photos. Thanks Marty and David.

Junior Invitational #3

Click here for race results. There were no photos

Junior Invitational #2, Sophomore studies

The winds were light but steady and quite easterly. The race commitee sent the fleet out to the lighthouse for the first lap and kept them inside for the last lap. As the fleet was returning from the lighthouse rounding and became visible over the breakwater you could see the tops of the ballooning spinnakers. From our perspective it was very difficult to determine who was leading, but once they were all in full view and inside Kalapaki Bay it was apparent that it was Fast Company in the lead. She maintained that lead throughout the second inside lap, but was very closely pursued by the remaining fleet. In the end she only won by 28 seconds in front of Papa a'u who sailed a great race. Papa a'u crossed the line third but corrected out ahead of OZone into second place. It was a very close race and lots of fun to watch.

Click here for race results. Click here for photos from David Allio

Father's Day, Keiki Fishing Tournament

What a lovely day this was for our tournament. Couldn't have asked for better weather. The final attendance count was 65 keiki and with their attending ohana, we had quite a good turnout. They are completely tantalized by the sight of all those toys. With the first choice pickers we let the mom & dad come up and pick a gift certificate while the keiki picks a toy. We are so thankful to the generous local businesses who donate prizes and gift certificates with which we can purchase prizes. We couldn't do this without them.
Our top prize winners were Brandy Racca (biggest fish), Kaikea Kaui (most fish caught), Kaimi Texeira (longest fish), and Kamalei Berg (fattest fish). These were all caught by "hook" and were followed by 19 more anglers who caught fish of various sizes and types. Then prizes were awarded to catchers of various sea creatures which consisted of mostly crabs and shrimp this year. Finally there were the "fish that got away" stories, so even those keiki who came in with no fish to show the judges got to pick a prize. Once again, no keiki went home without a prize thanks to our very generous sponsors; True Blue Charters, Lihue Fishing Supply, First Hawaiian Bank-Kapaa, Hawaii Fish News, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King-Hawaii, Wal*Mart, Costco Wholesale, Big K-Mart, Avon Rep.Ann Burton, Kalapaki Beach Hut, Cost-U-Less, Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, Pete & Nina Peterson, Longs Drugs-Kapaa, Marta's Boat, Waipouli Variety Store and Marcie Millett.

Click here for many, many photos

Junior Invitational #1, Freshman Orientation

School is out, it's time to play. Each boat was joined by a junior crew member (ages 8-18) to give them a opportunity to learn about sailing and fierce competitiveness. Many boat had large crews of up to 8 members to keep them flat in the 10-15 knot trade winds. Fast Company was able to get off first at the start with Ozone and Lelele close behind. Much to the frustration of the rest of the fleet Fast Company refused to make a mistake and held on the lead throughout the race. Ozone and Lelele kept up their harassment but had to be satisfied with 2nd and 3rd. Of note the catamaran Malihini made a reappearance. Welcome back Doug Gibson and crew.

Click here for race results. Click here for photos from David Allio and his son Michael. .Click here for photos from Marty

Around the Island and Back Again

The race conditions could not have been more ideal for this year's Memorial weekend circumnavigation of Kauai. During the week prior to the race the winds were very light and the ocean was becalmed. It would have been a very long trip if the windless weather had persisted. Fortunately the trade winds returned a day before the race providing calms seas and plenty of breeze. There was a great showing for first leg from Nawiliwili to Hanalei. The fleet consisted of 13 boats of all shapes and sizes first. The catamaran Malolo had a slow start but one she began to turn down wind, took off leaving the fleet behind and entering Hanalei bay first. Behind her a close battle raged between Lelele, Fast Company and Ozone. The trio split up when Fast Company and Ozone chose to shoot the gap between the cliffs below the Kilauea Lighthouse and Mokuaeae island. The risky maneuver payed off as Fast Company and Ozone left Lelele behind. After 35 miles of racing Ozone beat Fast Company into Hanalei by only a minute.

Click here for race results of the first leg and click here for a race summery. Click here for photos.

Rum Series #6,

Click here for race results of the first leg and click here for a series summary. Click here for photos.

Burgee Exchange from Sacramento, CA

Pauli Ayers from the Sacramento Yacht Club stopped by the clubhouse on a Saturday for a burgee exchange.

Visit their website at http://www.sacyc.com.