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Windy trip for channel racers
By Duane Shimogawa Jr. — The Garden Island
“Boomerang” captain John Spadaro didn’t figure his team would win yesterday’s Kaua‘i Channel Race.
Instead, the reason he actually competed in the race was to enjoy a short vacation on the island.
“I wanted to go to Hanalei with my wife, Linda, who’s making the trip by airplane,” Spadaro said.
In a little less than 10 hours, the Australian-built boat crossed the finish line at Nawiliwili Bay first, to capture the title over six other boats.
“It was a challenge to get through the winds,” Spadaro said. “It was hard to keep the boat in control, but we managed to do it with a small crew.”
Boomerang’s average speed throughout the race was 12 knots, but during certain points of the contest, the yacht hit speeds up to 18 knots per hour.
“That was the fastest we’ve ever gone,” Spadaro said. “We’ve been sailing together for over 12 years.”
The crew consisted of Spadaro, Shane Seggar, Rich Smith and John Davis.
Sagar, 36, was the youngest man on the team.
“I never thought I’d get through it,” he said. “It’s good to be out on the boat and being out in nature with a great group of guys.”
The 78-mile race began at Ko Olina Marina on O‘ahu early yesterday morning.
“It took us about four hours to get through the Wai‘anae Coast and then six hours to get through Ka‘ena Point,” Spadaro said. “We actually thought the multihull would’ve won.”
During the race, Boomerang managed to surf some waves, which grew from tradewinds up to 28 knots.
“We saw some dolphins along the Wai‘anae Coast,” Spadaro said.
Nawiliwili Yacht Club secretary Sharon Gibson headed up a crew of her own at the clubhouse to greet finishers with lei and refreshments.
“Last year we had more boats from Kaua‘i, but it’s nice to have a lot of O‘ahu yachts racing this year,” she said.
“Malahini,” the lone Garden Isle boat in the race was also the only multihull in the contest. The other boats raced in the Americap Monohull class and the PHRF Monohull class.
Captained by Doug Gibson, Malahini managed to scoop up two Koa bowls.
Peter Frederick and Al Baroni joined Gibson on the crew.
“Siesta” came in second, followed by “Vanessa,” Malahini, “Eau De Vie,” “Jacare” and “Hoku Kai.”
As for Boomerang, Spadaro paused for a second when asked if he would compete again next year.
“Well, yeah, we’ll do it again,” he said. “As long as we’re all here.”
The Nawiliwili Yacht Club is hosting an awards ceremony and post-race party tonight at 5 p.m.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
Instead, the reason he actually competed in the race was to enjoy a short vacation on the island.
“I wanted to go to Hanalei with my wife, Linda, who’s making the trip by airplane,” Spadaro said.
In a little less than 10 hours, the Australian-built boat crossed the finish line at Nawiliwili Bay first, to capture the title over six other boats.
“It was a challenge to get through the winds,” Spadaro said. “It was hard to keep the boat in control, but we managed to do it with a small crew.”
Boomerang’s average speed throughout the race was 12 knots, but during certain points of the contest, the yacht hit speeds up to 18 knots per hour.
“That was the fastest we’ve ever gone,” Spadaro said. “We’ve been sailing together for over 12 years.”
The crew consisted of Spadaro, Shane Seggar, Rich Smith and John Davis.
Sagar, 36, was the youngest man on the team.
“I never thought I’d get through it,” he said. “It’s good to be out on the boat and being out in nature with a great group of guys.”
The 78-mile race began at Ko Olina Marina on O‘ahu early yesterday morning.
“It took us about four hours to get through the Wai‘anae Coast and then six hours to get through Ka‘ena Point,” Spadaro said. “We actually thought the multihull would’ve won.”
During the race, Boomerang managed to surf some waves, which grew from tradewinds up to 28 knots.
“We saw some dolphins along the Wai‘anae Coast,” Spadaro said.
Nawiliwili Yacht Club secretary Sharon Gibson headed up a crew of her own at the clubhouse to greet finishers with lei and refreshments.
“Last year we had more boats from Kaua‘i, but it’s nice to have a lot of O‘ahu yachts racing this year,” she said.
“Malahini,” the lone Garden Isle boat in the race was also the only multihull in the contest. The other boats raced in the Americap Monohull class and the PHRF Monohull class.
Captained by Doug Gibson, Malahini managed to scoop up two Koa bowls.
Peter Frederick and Al Baroni joined Gibson on the crew.
“Siesta” came in second, followed by “Vanessa,” Malahini, “Eau De Vie,” “Jacare” and “Hoku Kai.”
As for Boomerang, Spadaro paused for a second when asked if he would compete again next year.
“Well, yeah, we’ll do it again,” he said. “As long as we’re all here.”
The Nawiliwili Yacht Club is hosting an awards ceremony and post-race party tonight at 5 p.m.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
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Kapahiresident wrote on Sep 26, 2009 6:56 AM:
" The Kauai Pow is a wonderful family event and is free!
Saturday Gates Open 11 am
Saturday Opening Ceremonies Noon
Saturday Evening Social Dancing for All 5 pm to 7 pm
Come join us in dancing with our Native American friends.
Let's dance in our circle together from 5 to 7 pm Saturday Night.
Sunday 10 am to 5pm
Pow Wow at Kapaa Beach Park by Kapaa Library
Bring your whole family! No alcohol or drugs allowed.
Free Admission "
Saturday Gates Open 11 am
Saturday Opening Ceremonies Noon
Saturday Evening Social Dancing for All 5 pm to 7 pm
Come join us in dancing with our Native American friends.
Let's dance in our circle together from 5 to 7 pm Saturday Night.
Sunday 10 am to 5pm
Pow Wow at Kapaa Beach Park by Kapaa Library
Bring your whole family! No alcohol or drugs allowed.
Free Admission "
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Juan 3imtiaco wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:37 PM:
Juan "