OPEN MAP HERE OAloha Spirit hana Wa’a, a North Bay outrigger canoe club, met on the banks of the Napa River on Saturday, March 9, for the annual blessing of their fleet. The event took place at the Napa Valley Yacht Club on Riverside Drive. Ken Graham, Commodore of the NVYC, recently announced an ongoing alliance with Ohana Wa’a in order to further realize their common goal of encouraging young people to develop an appreciation of the Napa River and of maritime activities. NVYC’s dock and the adjoining boat ramp will be available for Ohana Wa’a youth program activities throughout the summer. Ohana Wa’a President Tom Wong said the group’s mission is “to perpetuate the Aloha Spirit by treating one another, the ocean, and the earth with respect, and to strengthen our minds and bodies by sharing our passion for the ancient art of canoe racing with our children and our communities.” The club, he added, is open to people of all ages. The event was joined by Charlie Toledo, Director of the Suscol Inter-Tribal council, who offered a traditional American Indian prayer. She also commented on the importance of respect for our ancestors and the earth. Kahu Samuel Hart, Jr., from the Ke Alive and well on the Napa River Kai O’Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club of Monterey and a teacher of Polynesian traditions, blessed the canoes, the members, and the club. After the ceremony, approximately seventy-five enthusiasts gathered with coaches to view and discuss the many beautiful watercraft on display, ranging from stand-up paddle boards and single-occupant outrigger canoes to forty-four-foot outrigger canoes. The occasion was concluded with an al fresco lunch served on the deck of the NVYC. Participant Maggie Hohle, president of the Petaluma Small Craft Center, summed up the day by saying, “It was so refreshing to witness the cooperation between a yacht club and a Hawaiian outrigger canoe club for the benefit of the community.” The NVYC has plans for more events of this type. The next will be its Sunday, June 9 “Napa River Paddle Day 1.” The crews of all types of human-powered craft, including outriggers, kayaks and rowing shells, will be invited to launch their vessels elsewhere on the bay or river and then row or paddle them to the NVYC. The forty-four-foot canoes will begin their voyage to Napa from Vallejo. The participating clubs are looking forward to what they expect to be a festive and well-attended event. For more Ohana Wa’a information, visit www.ohanawaa.org. For NVYC information, visit www.nvyc.org. The After blessing of the fleet, “Napa River Paddle Day” set for Sunday, June 9
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