MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – Local residents and service members alike gathered along the shoreline of Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Hangar 101 to compete in the 2023 John D. Kaupiko Regatta, hosted in partnership with the Hui Nalu Canoe Club, July 16, 2023.
The John D. Kaupiko Regatta, named after the renowned member of the Hui Nalu Canoe Club and symbolic icon for the Hawaiian sport of outrigger racing, is an annual canoe race that has been held on MCBH since 2012. This year, 18 canoe clubs participated in 45 races ranging in distances up to a mile and a half.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeremy Beaven, commanding officer of MCBH, welcomed all the participants and spectators, sharing his opening remarks at the start of the event. “We are always looking for every opportunity to be good neighbors,” said Beaven, “I’m looking to make this bigger and better every year, and I welcome them [participants and spectators] aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.”
Beaven stated that the spirit of competition, athleticism, teamwork and camaraderie witnessed among the canoe clubs is what the Marine Corps fosters every day, stating that this event is an opportunity to build relationships; learn about culture, history and tradition important to our neighbors in Kailua, Kaneohe and the surrounding communities.
Nolan K. Reis-Moniz, the head coach of Waimanalo Canoe Club, complimented the venue stating that the portion of Kaneohe Bay adjacent to MCBH provides optimal conditions for racing. A condition of fair weather and calm waters enables racers to compete in an environment free from external variables like waves or high winds. Furthermore, the location provides easy access from the H3, is suitable for canoe clubs farther away to get to, as well as spacious and secure.
2022 marked the reinstatement of the annual John D. Kaupiko Regatta aboard MCBH following the COVID-19 pandemic. An event garnering hundreds of spectators, the regatta provides an opportunity for MCBH to connect the local communities to the installation, build relationships and foster an environment where shared values are commonplace.
Date Taken: | 07.16.2023 |
Date Posted: | 07.27.2023 14:59 |
Story ID: | 449884 |
Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
Web Views: | 166 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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