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Date: Dec 5, 09
From: Don Mulhall
Club: Penticton RCC
Vaka Eiva Final Report
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Okay, so it wasn't my best race. I'm done and can proudly say I've
done every length of race here (for a grand total of 57.75 km of
racing, 20+ km of training/downwind. Not that I'm keeping track
or anything) .
One of our open division guys had to leave early, so we were lucky
to get a strong woman steersperson from their club. It meant
switching up the change schedule a bit. We went around the island
in an anti-clockwise direction (that's the word they use for it, I
thought it was cool). Our start was good, we had a great line,
especially when all the boat wakes started to kick up.
Our escort boat had no roof or shade, it was pretty basic. Vaka Eiva
provided a volunteer on the boat, and she was awesome helping
calling out the changes (it was pointed out that the entire race this
year was organized by women). By the time we got to the south
side of the island, there were southerly swells and wind waves -
none of which could help. Jane, our steersperson, made some great
moves that saw us taking advantage of the waves as best we could.
We were trying hard to catch Nappy's crew (apparently I'm destined
to be behind Nappy forever and I'm okay with that!). We finally
passed them for a short time at the 3/4 mark. That's our only
claim to fame - that we out-surfed Anuenue from Hawaii. We held
them off or a while, but I believe they made a change and pulled
slightly ahead with about 3 kms to go. I haven't seen our time yet,
but it was around 3 hours 15 minutes, just behind Anuenue.
We were last. There, I've said it and I'm moving on..... My changes
were very bad (though not bad enough to be the only reason for
our finish). It was a much different type of boat, higher gunnels,
smaller cockpit area to get into with fiberglass decking, and I
wasn't able to adjust. Once in, I felt pretty good and was able to
contribute. At times we would catch up to the boat ahead, we just
weren't able to hold it.
The closing ceremonies were outstanding. They brought in a dance
and drumming group. I've never been one for the "typical touristy
tropical dance recital", but it was one of the most beautiful things
I've ever seen. A great ending to a fantastic week of paddling.
Launa, Liam and I were given flower garlands (I don't think they're
called leis here, so I can't use the same old corny joke). There we
were, surrounded by the scent of these gorgeous smelling flowers,
watching these beautiful women dance surrounded by outriggers
on an island in the South Pacific. It doesn't get any better.
Thanks for reading.
dm
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