Napili Canoe Club’s Manini paddlers are doing well in the summer regattas.

LAHAINA – Just past the midpoint of the 2018 Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association (MCHCA) Inshore Regatta season, Napili Canoe Club is firmly established in third place with two events remaining as the state championship tickets become the focus for all clubs.

Club President Jeanne Gonzales, now into her 12th year at the helm of the Black and Gold here on the West Side, reported that the club has jumped out to a solid start into the top three of the MCHCA after a fifth place finish last year.

“Our 12 Girls, 13 Girls, 14 Boys, Junior Women, Sophomore Men, Open 4 Men, and 50 Men are all doing well thus far in the regatta season,” she said last week.

“We had a really successful day at our Dougie Tihada Memorial Regatta,” she continued. “The weather was really nice, and we always have such tremendous support from the community for the event. Nori Tihada, Kalei Kauhane, Junior Nakoa and Buff Nakoa led a crew that prepared a traditional menu around a donated pig for the special day.”

“It was really a successful day for fundraising for the club and for celebrating the founders and leaders of the organization. We send out our mahalo to all of the support we receive from all of the restaurants, hotels, businesses, and so many individuals that help us out. I so admire the Lahaina community for their support of all the youth athletics. It really shows the mana (spirit) of the people here.”

Gonzales also praised the club board of directors and the veteran coaching staff that mentors the 150 active NCC members.

“We really have a great group of leaders, and I am thankful of their effort and pleased to be able to work with them,” Gonzales said.

Joining Gonzales on the board are Vice Presidents Brian Carey and Theresa Marzan, Secretary Amy Gerber, Treasurer Carol Elterman and Advisors Denise Neary and Mary Lee Sakas.

The coaching staff is led by Joey Tihada, Steven “Da Bear” Keahi, Nori Tihada, Bubba Kukahiko, Kona Medeiros and Mike Rains. The keiki mentors include Colin Delos Reyes, Manny Portables, Al Nip, Kalani Tihada and Eugene Tihada.