great paddling philosopher once said, “If you can’t win the war or a regatta, at least win some battles or races.”
It was Puna’s turn to host a Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association regatta, but Kai Opua put its hammer down and dominated the day.
Big Blue filled all 40 events with its blend of quality and quantity to blow past host Puna (36 races) 209 to 175 points on a fairly windy Saturday at Hilo Bay, starting a regatta-winning streak at one.
Kai Ehitu (33 races) was third in Division A (15-40 events) with 143 points, followed by Kawaihae (40), 123; Keaukaha (37), 115; Kamehameha (31), 96; Keauhou (26), 86; and Paddlers of Laka (17), 73.