Tahiti's Shell Va'a captures third Moloka'i Hoe in a row
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Shell Va'a from Tahiti once again set the standard in the Moloka'i Hoe men's championship race today.
Shell Va'a won it for the third consecutive year, and set a course record for the third consecutive year. Shell Va'a completed the 41-mile course from Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka'i, to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, in 4 hours, 38 minutes, 35 seconds.
Venus Va'a from Tahiti placed a distant second in 4:48:59, as Tahiti teams took four of the top five places.
Lanikai Canoe Club placed third and was the first Hawai'i team with a time of 4:51:50.
Tahiti teams OPT and E Rai were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Outrigger from O'ahu was sixth and Team P'a was seventh.
More than 100 crews from around the world participated in the race.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.
