Windward Beat

Q: What happens on Race Days?

A: Regatta races are almost always held on Sundays. Some distance races are held on Saturdays.

Remember, the earlier you get to the race location (beach) the more likely you are to find parking. In some locations like Kailua parking late may be virtually impossible. In others like Maile, you can find parking, but will end up walking a long way to our club tent.

The primary concern in the minds of most paddlers on race day is their own race and their own crew. (This is as it should be...) However, there are many important club activities that take place that you need your help.

Setting Up the Tent and Canoes:
We usually set up our tents very early on race day, or even the night before if the situation warrants (e.g., the race is being held at Keehi Lagoon). The more club members present to help set up the tents, the easier the job becomes.

We also have to take the canoes off the trailer, carry them to the beach, and rig them for racing. That's a lot of work, and the more hands we have, the easier the job.

Carry Canoes In and Out Between Races:
The Yacht Club will not race in every event. In those cases, the canoe will have to come out of the water between races. You should help with that chore.

In other cases, the next crew racing may want to use a different canoe. In that case, one canoe needs to come out of the water and another go in. In addition, the crews coming in or going out may need help getting into the canoe.

Greet Crews Coming Back:
Win or lose, each of our crews deserve our support. Having your fellow club members on hand to send you off and especially to greet you when you come back is important.

Boat Holders:
Our association allows two boat holders (one in front and one in back) to steady and position the canoe at the starting line before each race. The boat holders are volunteers who perform this important function before or after their own races.

Take Down and Clean Up:
Paddlers who show up for their race then leave are missingout on a lot of the fun of being part of a club. They are also making it hard on those who have to stick around and clean up our area, take down the tents, unrig the boats, and load them on the trailer.

Bring Food:
Bringing food (donuts, chips, sushi rolls, bread, cookies, etc.) is often an ad hoc affair. Suffice it to say that you should bring your own drinks (plenty for a whole day at the beach) and you can bring something for the table "as the spirit moves you."

No Alcohol:
Alcoholic beverages of any kind are strictly prohibited at Hui Wa'a races (by the terms of our insurance policy and by city and county ordinance). Any club whose members are found drinking will be disqualified for the day.