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The 4th annual Molokai Challenge is taking place Saturday July 22, 2006. It is open to all wind powered watercrafts, windsurfers, kiteboarders, kite canoes, and kite catamarans. The crossing is 15 miles between Maui and Molokai, across the Pailolo Channel which is one of the windiest and roughest of the Hawaiian Island channels.
Last year we had 25 Kiteboarders, 8 from the kite-canoes and kite-powered-catamaran and 17 windsurfers departing from Embassy Suites at Ka’anapali, Maui to Kamalo with the kiteboarders finishing at Kaunakakai Harbour. The winds were light at the beginning but they increased to a steady 20 knots. The channel can have a large rolling swell which makes the sailing interesting. The first leg is to cross the channel should take less than an hour, but the downwinder to the harbour can be a another two hours of flat glassy water inside the reef. The shallow water inside the reef is not recommended for the windsurfers or other boats, But it is pure heaven for the kiteboarders. The kiteboarders can expect about three hours of solid downwind riding. Expect jelly-legs after this one. Once the kiteboarders and windsurfers make it Molokai the partying begins. There is a celebration at Malama Park with food, drinks, craft booths, battle of the bands and the Miss Molokai Pageant. Then we continue our celebrating at the Hotel Molokai's oceanfront bar and restaurant Hula Shores, do not miss out on the midnight bread run to Kanemitsu Bakery.
The next day, participants load up their equipment and head back to Maui on the interisland ferry. The crossing is a fundraising event for Youth in Motion, a non profit organization in helping this event grow and towards the existing free programs that Youth In Motion offers to the Molokai's kids, such as; American Red Cross swimming and other ARC programs, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and triathlon. The cost to enter is $100.00 which covers entry fee, Jersey, support boats, meal tickets, camping permit. Heavy camping gear, and bulky board bags can be sent ahead in a Matson container. The sailboards are shipped back to Maui in the same container. Overnight accommodation is either camping or hotel (not included).
WHAT: This is a wind powered challenge to get from Maui across the infamous Pailolo Channel (Molokai Express). All proceeds benefit the Youth In Motion Charity.
Entry fee covers: Race Rash Guard Rescue Luau and after party Ferry Passage back Container space over and back Camping is available Hotel space is limited WHEN: Saturday July 22nd at 10:30 am start We estimate arriving on Molokai at or before 3pm Party starts at 3pm, Luau at 7pm Most stay the night and ride the next day The last ferry leaves Molokai at 5:45 pm WHERE: Two buoys off Embassy Suites Hotels on Maui’s upper west side will mark the starting line. We race to Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai approximately 30 miles (as the kiter tacks). To accommodate non-riders, the Ferry to Molokai will alter it’s course to follow the race. WHO: The Challenge is open to anyone who wants to participate. We strongly recommend that participants train in distance riding, self exits, and have the techniques required to make it from a wind shadow to the wind line. With that said, rescue teams are in place. Teams of two or more are recommended. REGISTRATION: Registration has begun and is open now until July 15th 2006 Cost Schedule: Jan 1st to April 31st 2006$100 May 1st to June 30th$125 July 1st to July 15th 2006$150
Make checks out to: Youth In Motion and mail them to: Youth In Motion PO Box 1236, Kaunakakai, Hi 96748 or drop them off with Suzie at Action Sports Maui (808) 871-5857 or Karen at Hawaiian Ocean Sports for immediate confirmation.
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