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.