OluKai’s Team Kamakakoa sweeps 2009 Canoe Sailing Season

September 12th Kendall Pacific race marked the end of the 2009 Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association season as Team Kamakakoa raced to their fifth straight victory while capturing the overall season title.

This is the fifth consecutive season title for Marvin Otsuji and his 22nd year as Master Steersman of Team Kamakakoa. The 200-250 mile season is a true test the ultimate waterman where having a “good experience crew,” states the veteran Otsuji, “makes it go all that much easier.”






Race #1: Big Island to Maui May 9-10 - 1st Place
Race #2: Maui to Molokai May 29-31 - 1st Place
Race #3: Molokai to Oahu July 11-12 - 1st Place
Race #4: Na Holo Kai August 15 - 1st Place
Race #5: Kendall Pacific September 12 - 1st Place

When asked what was different about this year’s win than previous years, Otsuji replies “we had a good team this year… paying attention to all the little details kept mistakes from being made” and “allowed us to put together a good race.”