Donnelly Oceantics: REGATTA and FATHER'S DAY

Hanalei Regatta June 8, 2013

Summer time in Hanalei

Lots of things can be going on in Hanalei Bay on any given day but the first Saturday of June was spectacular. Black Pot in bloom.

Royal Poinciana

The pier is finally done and being used.

Pier complete

There was a swim contest put on by Kauai Aquatic Swim Club. Sorry no photo; it was over by the time I heard about it. Kore was in full operation today making sure even folks with handicaps can enjoy the water. (Google KauaiKore)

Kauai Ocean Recreation Experience

Not everyone got to play in the water, however. This guy was dutifully waiting for Dad.

Some dogs have all the fun

Meanwhile back at the pier, these guys really don’t care that there is a new roof, only that the construction fence is down and they have access. Some people look longingly at the water while others can’t wait for their next turn.

somebody just jumped - the little girl is going again

There she goes!

They can't get enough

Meanwhile on the other side, these guys go at the same time

Of course all along the bay there was plenty of swimming, splashing, digging in the sand, boogie boarding, surfing, and Namolokama Outrigger Canoe Club’s first regatta of the season.

The guys catching this wave on boogie boards are oblivious that they are in a race lane

Namolokama Canoe Club’s first regatta of the season in Hanalei Bay

Namo's tent for paddlers

Food tent and shirt sales tent are up on the grass

Officials were being really strict with the rules because the State Races for Hawaii will be held right here in Hanalei Bay this summer, on August 3^rd. The flags with their heavy cement bottoms are set by guys in wet suits from a boat with surveyors on the beach. The course is ¼ mile long. The length of the race determines how many turns are made. A 1.5 mile race has five turns while the half mile race has only one turn. There was only one row with a sailboat owner that didn't want to move his boat off the coarse

The official tent is set up directly in front of the start/finish line

On the five turn race you see boats coming and going

Two at right are making turns, two heading for the other end, and two coming toward the flags

The races start early in the morning with the kids and progress more or less by age throughout the day. So the Golden Masters don’t get to their races until after 3pm. Many tents are set up the evening before. Other preparations start at 7am the day of and are wrapped up by 7pm. The hosting club usually has a food tent and a sales booth with hats, t-shirts, water shirts, etc. with club logos. Other clubs may also bring items to sell from their tents. I sold shirts from 8:30 – 3pm, we had a good day.

I did go down closer to the shore to watch a couple races. The women’s novice group or first year women and also for the 60s guys.

The novice girls' race - Namo (on right) had problems and got a very late start

They may have gotten their clock's cleaned, but learned a valuable lesson about start protocol

60 guys warm up

Open guys out - 60s guys in

Hanalei has advantage on start

Namolokama 60s guys did the clock cleaning on this one - no one else near the finish

Beautiful timing!

Father’s Day - June 16, 2013

We paddled at 8:00 am on Father’s Day. The sky was turbulent; we had sun, sprinkles and hard rain on our parade – we love it! The bay was calm and the water was so clear I resolved to snorkel after we all went to breakfast.

Pali Ke Kua – my favorite snorkel spot. Gil surprised me and decided to go too.

The sandy area far right is where Shawn got married three years ago - already!

I didn't even see the dog going for the stick yet

Great entry and dry off spot

The mist hanging on the left cannot even be considered rain

And he's back - he never stopped the whole time we were there

I had heard barking when I was out snorkeling, he was out there, too!

Gil got these close ups. We were thrilled to have clear water. Summer is the best.

Tear-drop Butterflyfish

4-5” - it's like looking through glass at him.

Square-tail File fish, about 7”

I got these big guys heading for their favorite channel. They are about twenty feet away.

The Ember or Redlip Parrotfish on left is about 28” and the biggest of the Bluespine Unicorns upper right, is almost as big. Remember fish measurements do not include the tail.

We remembered suddenly that our friends’ rock band was playing at Princeville in the Park – we dashed overt with our chairs.