The July 4th Walter Macfarlane Regatta was an epic surf day with lots of action: battling waves, having fun, sometimes chaotic rides, and many close-close finishes. If you signed up for the Duke’s buffet breakfast, it was a bonus!!

Hui Nalu Canoe Club won 8 golds, 4 silvers, 6 bronzes, 4 fourths, 5 fifths, and 6 sixths to place and 3rd place overall in the AAA Division!!

Who was Walter J. Macfarlane, you ask? “Mac” was born in Honolulu on September 5, 1907, the grandson of James and Abigail Campbell and the son of entrepreneur and polo player F. Walter Macfarlane and composter Alice Campbell. He became vice-president of Bowman, Holst, Macfarlane, and Richardson, an advertising firm, and was elected to the Territorial Legislature to terms in 1935, 1937, and 1939. He was particularly interested in problems concerning the Hawaiians. “Mac” was elected president of the Outrigger Canoe Club in 1937 when the club faced several problems: their treasury was practically non-existent, the lease on the grounds was about to expire, and the buildings were unfit for use and needed repair. From 1939 to 1941, “Mac” and a small group of supporters worked tirelessly selling bonds and raising the capital, designing and constructing the new Outrigger Canoe Club buildings on Waikiki Beach. The new club opened in 1941. On June 4, 1943, he passed away from typhoid fever at the age of 36. A life so full but gone so soon. In honor of Walter J. Macfarlane, the 4th of July Regatta was named after him in 1944.

“This young man who always had a smile for everyone will never leave us. Every bit of bamboo, every surfboard, every canoe, and every person here will be living memorials of his sportsmanship and good fellowship.”  — Rev. Henry P. Judd

Mahalo again to all who helped in making the regatta a fun day!

The Novice B Men & Women met at 4:30 a.m. to set up the tents and paddle the canoe down before even having their coffee.

Kitty Daniel and Drew, the manager of Duke’s, for a very filling breakfast buffet and much-needed coffee! We look forward to this buffet every year!

FYI, they offer 20% off for kama`aina every day! Just show your Hawaii Driver’s License.

The Desk managers: Kristi Matson, Ceci Symanski, Jackie Donovan, Gerry Yoshida for running interference at the OHCRA tent.

The open steersmen who gave us some epic rides: Maggie Twigg-Smith, Matt Zahn, Kapono Brown, Gavin Hanoa, Noeland Caldeira, Bruce Blankenfeld, Nalu Kukea, and Bobby Hastings.

All the boat holders, who for once had more or less calm seas, and got fun rides back to shore on the jet ski.

The 60-65-70 men who stayed to paddle the canoes back to Anuenue, loaded them onto the trailer and then kokua’d the other canoe clubs.

Well done Lain Esteban (Boys 16) and Deuce Kahanu (Boys 18) who steered their own crews!!!

Congrats to the Senior Women who won their event and drank champagne from the perpetual trophy. I heard the emcee say something about having to refill the trophy. They were gone a very long time!

Feather flag donation

Did anybody notice our beautiful new HN flag flying high during the Macfarlane 4th of July regatta?

Please give a big hand to Leo Gedeon and his family for generously donating this flag to our club.

Mahalo all,
Cathy Kam-Ho