Mahalo Michael

The Lahaina Return Race is an 80+ mile downwind race that starts in Honolua Bay on Maui's northwest coast and finishes in Kaneohe Bay or Honolulu's Ala Wai Harbor. The race is accompanied by an inshore regatta and a long holiday weekend in West Maui.

The crew tried to check in early on the VHF radio but had little luck as they motor sailed to Honolulu Bay. As different classes of boats started, the crew was trying to get to the bay to line up for the start. They did check in and made it to the start line as the last boat to cross.

The race takes sailors through Honolua Bay, Mokuleia Bay and Lipoa Point, which are part of an area known as the ahupuaa of Honolua, located just north of Kapalua in West Maui. 

The fleet immediately started to spread out with a few boats racing side by side doing the dance. And as Capt Mark is known to say. Don’t worry about them the are not in our class as they have no class. It sound better when he says it.

Salt spay was flying as those who were not controlling sails or driving were ask to get there weight on the high side. To help the boat plane faster.

We hit some current a lighter winds for a bit as came up on Mokuho‘oniki is an small island of off Molokai near situated nearby to the Punolohi and Kekua‘ai‘opihi. We were making good time when we hit some heavy surface currents off of Cape Hālawa. Hand Lines we deployed but no fish were caught this year!

The race down the north shore of Molokai, home to one of the most stunning natural wonders in Hawaii: the Kalaupapa Cliff and Mooula Falls. The Kalaupapa Cliff is a massive sea cliff that stretches for over 17 miles along the northern coast of Molokai and is the world's highest sea cliff, towering at over 3,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs are a sight to behold, with their rugged, jagged edges and deep crevices that have been carved by centuries of wind and waves.

Good conversation and sea shanty songs were improved and made. Our course followed the “rhumbline” that is an imaginary straight line between two marks. Downwind, this represents the shortest distance you can sail and it's generally the fastest to way to get back to the club bar to get a drink,.. So many people think its called the Run Line….

We did have some sail changes but were able to stay on course heading down wind with no tacts required. We did tear a sail as the wind was blasting on and off with massive puffs.

As the sun beat down on us and the sound of the ocean was interrupted by the Coast Guard trying to hail another boat from the fleet on Channel 16 VHF, we started to piece together what was happening. The boat in distress had lost steerage and was not able to control the rudder. Information was spotty at first, but we eventually received an updated report that they were okay and had rigged something up to sail. Later, as they got closer to land, they were able to contact the Coast Guard via cell phone. There were some tense moments while we waited for news.

As Makapu'u Point, the easternmost point on the island of Oahu, came into view, someone shouted "Land Ho!" We were all relieved and excited to see the island. 

The view of Oahu from the ocean is breathtaking and gave us a lot of time to reflect on our lives.

The crew of Puanani finished in 5th place in the K Series Standing with a corrected time of 07:17:01. Despite the challenges they faced during the race, we had a great time with friends and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Hawaii. It was a truly memorable experience.

X (2 boats) (top)
Series Standing - 1 race scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Saturday, September 10, 2022 7:16:13 PM CDT
Click on race number to view detailed race information.

A (16 boats) (top)
Series Standing - 1 race scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Saturday, September 10, 2022 7:17:38 PM CDT
Click on race number to view detailed race information.

B (10 boats) (top)
Series Standing - 1 race scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Saturday, September 10, 2022 7:18:22 PM CDT
Click on race number to view detailed race information.

K (8 boats) (top)
Series Standing - 1 race scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 6:37:29 AM CDT
Click on race number to view detailed race information.

M (6 boats) (top)
Series Standing - 1 race scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Saturday, September 10, 2022 8:06:32 PM CDT
Click on race number to view detailed race information.

Notes:
Scoring System is RRS Low Point 2021-2024.

- Finishes in [brackets] denote throwouts
- Click on race number to view detailed race information.

Information is provisional and subject to modification

To see the same race from 2011 check out this link: https://youtu.be/9meePcbI-28