WHAT: - The 45th annual 41-mile Moloka`i-to-O`ahu world championship outrigger canoe race.
WHEN: - Start at 7:30 am, Sunday, October 13, 1996. First team expected to finish before 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: - Starts at Moloka`i Ranch's Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka`i and crosses the Kaiwi (Moloka`i) channel to a finish at Fort DeRussy Beach, Waikiki, O`ahu. First finishers are expected between Noon and 1:00 pm.
WHO: - The race is owned, organized and produced by the O`ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA).
Sponsored as a community service by Bank of Hawaii. In 1991 Bank of Hawaii commissioned two fiberglass canoes. Based on selection by OHCRA, one canoe is loaned for the race to a visiting team, the other is loaned to a canoe team from Hawai`i.
HOW: - Each team consists of nine paddlers with six in the canoe at one time. Paddlers rotate positions in open-ocean exchanges as the race progresses across the channel. A record 95 teams participated in 1995. Divisions include koa and non-koa (fiberglass), canoes in both open and masters competition.
RECORD: - In 1995 Hawaii's Lanikai Canoe Club paddled their fiberglass canoe to a record four hours, 53 minutes, 03 seconds, the first time any team has ever finished under five hours.
Koa Division: Five hours,11 minutes,38 seconds -
Hui Nalu Canoe Club, Hawaii. October 8, 1989.
DEF CHAMPS: - Lanikai Canoe Club: 5:11:38
PARTICIPANTS: - Participants include world-class teams from Australia, California, Canada, Europe, Tahiti, Hawaii and the mainland United States.
HISTORY: - Founded in 1952 by the late A.E. "Toots" Minvielle, the race is the world championship of long distance outrigger canoe racing. Outrigger canoe racing is Hawaii's official team sport.
SPECTATORS: - The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are invited to come to Fort DeRussy Beach to view the finish.
AWARDS: - An awards ceremony is held at approximately 3 p.m. on race day. In addition to first overall trophies in the fiberglass and koa divisions, numerous trophies are given in the age group divisions. Memorial trophies are also presented.
RACE - Joan Malama, 933 Lunahelu Street, Kailua, HI 96734
COORDINATOR: 'Phone: 808-261-6615 - Fax: 808-262-3324
PRESS BOATS: - Are available for the crossing or at the finish. Please reserve press boat space by September 23, 1996.
SATELLITE: - Edited satellite feeds of the race will be sent worldwide following the race finish. For more information regarding coordinates and feed time, please contact Carol Hogan.
MEDIA: - For more information, contact: Carol Hogan - Ocean Promotion
Piia Aarma, Bank of Hawaii P.O. Box 2900 Honolulu, HI 96846 Phone: 808-537-8660 Fax: 808-537-8440
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