MOLOKAI RACE RULES

INTRODUCTION

Molokai Hoe is produced and administered by the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Molokai Hoe Committee. Molokai Hoe is the property of the title sponsor and OHCRA, which hereby reserves all rights of any nature whatsoever. Any use of the race, its name, equipment or material associated herewith without expressed written consent of the title sponsor and OHCRA is prohibited.

ENTRY ELIGIBILITY

This race shall be open to all canoe clubs or organizations submitting an entry application and meeting the requirements of the Molokai Hoe Committee. OHCRA Race Rules will apply to this race unless herein modified. Merging of canoe clubs may be allowed. Each club or organization must submit a complete entry application on an official entry form provided by OHCRA. No entry will be accepted unless all the requirements herein are complied with. The Molokai Hoe Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any application.

A. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Must submit completed Entry Form Application by the specified deadline date.
• Must submit all Molokai Hoe Waiver Forms by 12:00 noon on the specified deadline date.
• Must attach HCRA Canoe Specification Form. This form must be received before canoes are shipped to Molokai. Non-compliance with this rule will result in refusal of transporting canoe to Molokai.
• Must pay entry fee before canoe is shipped to Molokai. The Race Director will assign the canoe shipping date for each entry.
• The Molokai Hoe Committee may refuse to accept any entries received after the deadline date.
• It is mandatory that the coaches of each participating crew attend the coaches meeting held the day before the race. The crew may be disqualified if the coach does not attend the meeting.

B. PADDLERS ELIGIBILITY

• The final selected race crew will consist of nine (9) male paddlers in open, 40+, and 50+; and twelve (12) male paddlers in the 55+. Minimum age must be not less than 18 years of age as of the day of the race. The Final Entry must be submitted no later than 12 noon on the Saturday the day before the race.
• It is the entrant’s responsibility to see that their paddlers are physically fit and capable of participating in a marathon canoe paddling event, If there is a question regarding a paddlers physical fitness, it shall be the entrant’s responsibility to provide a medical clearance form and obtain the Molokai Hoe Committee’s approval before the paddler enters the race.
• All crew members must be able to swim.
• Each paddler must sign designated liability and publicity waivers.
• Merging clubs: Paddlers from different clubs may merge to form a crew provided that each paddlers gets written permission to merge from their respective clubs designated representative an submits these same letters of permission to the Race Director for approval.
• All participants who are not a current member of an HCRA club will be charged an insurance assessment at the time of registration.

C. CANOE HULL, RIGGING AND EQUIMPENT

• All canoes (including rigging, iako , ama , hull shape-above waterline, at waterline, and below waterline) must meet current OHCRA Hawaiian design canoe specifications.
• Only koa canoes that have measured and certified under OHCRA Hawaiian design canoe specifications for koa canoes will be allowed to race in the Koa Division.
• Only non-koa canoes that have been measured and certified under OHCRA Hawaiian design canoe specifications for non-koa canoes will be allowed to race in the Non-Koa Division.
• No fins or keels will be allowed on ama in either division.
• The minimum racing weight of any canoe, excluding the ama, iako, and tying cord is set at 400 lbs. Minimum weight of hulls constructed before August 1, 1998, shall be no less than 350 lbs. The minimum weight of hulls built after August 1, 1998, will be no less than 385 lbs. Lead weights must be permanently affixed to the canoe to bring the weight to 400lbs. The added weight(s) must be evenly distributed between seats 2 and 5 and must be permanently affixed to the bottom of the seats to bring the hull weight to 400lbs. Only certified lead weights must be used and must be permanently bolted or screwed to the seats of the canoes throughout the entire race. Weights must not be removed during the race and must remain secured until the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee gives clearance. Adding weights to a canoe will be the responsibility of the entrant. The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee must certify all added weights.
• The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee reserves the right to weigh any canoe regardless of any other authorities prior weight certification.
• Canvas or other covering on the canoe is MANDATORY.
• No sails or other artificial means of propulsion are permitted on the canoe.
• No mechanical means of bailing water out of a canoe are allowed.
• No foot support or braces of any kind are permitted inside the canoe. Only non-skid materials are allowed.
• During the race each entry shall have its assigned identification symbol permanently displayed on the front manu of its canoe. The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee will assign this identification.
• An inspection of all equipment used in the race will be conducted at Hale O Lono Harbor prior to the race.
• At the discretion of the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee, any equipment that substantially differs from the existing traditional Hawaiian design is subject to rejection of said equipment.
• The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee shall have the final decision of approving or disapproving any entry, any canoe or any equipment.

D. PADDLES

• Paddles must be single bladed and shaped of wood only. However, the paddle used for racing may have a protective or supportive (strengthening) covering which may be fibrous, kevlar, carbon fiber, etc. The paddle may have an edging or prosthesis for protection on the bottom or sides. The paddle may have laminated (horizontally or vertically) synthetic materials (Kevlar, etc.) for strength and support. Extra paddles may be carried in each canoe during the race.

E. WATER SAFETY

• Each entry must provide U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD) for each person that boards their escort boat and each paddler in the canoe.
• Each entry is responsible for complying with all applicable State, Federal, and U.C. Coast Guard regulations and requirements.
• Each entry is responsible for assuring the each paddler, coach, helper and/or guest are water safe.
• Each entry is responsible for providing basic first-aid supplies.
• The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee reserves the right to place an official on any entrant’s escort boat.
• Each entry is responsible for providing adequate nourishment and liquids for all crew members on the canoe and each person, including the assigned official, on the escort/auxiliary boat.
• The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee reserves the right to disqualify any crew if the Race Director determines that the crew is not capable of participating in or finishing the race within a reasonable time.

F. SPONSORSHIP SIGNAGE

• Any signage used by the entrant must be pre-approved by the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee. The OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee reserves the right to remove any signage which is not in good taste or which sabotages the promotional rights of the title sponsors and the presenting sponsor. Use of conflicting sponsorship signage on canoes, escort boats, and the athletes themselves, shall be left to the discretion of the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee.
• Signage on a canoe must be between the two (2) iako of each canoe. Signage on escort boat may be any place except port side of bow where the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee requires placement of the assigned identification for each entry.
• There shall be no flags allowed on any escort or auxiliary boat on the race course.
• Race sponsor signage may be put on any canoe or escort boat used in the Molokai Hoe race at the request of the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee.
• Final determination for use of sponsorship signage will be left to the discretion and judgment of the OHCRA Molokai Hoe Committee.

COURSE RULES

A. START OF THE RACE

• All canoes shall be ready to start before the time set for the beginning of the race at Hale O Lono Harbor. The starting line for the race will be approximately 300 feet seaward to Hale O Lono Harbor entrance groin. The start of the Molokai Hoe Race will be conducted in the following manner:
• All canoes will assemble behind the starting line.
• The race will begin at 7:30 a.m.
• Any air horn or other sound device and the raising of the green flag will signal the start of the race, or other method as described at the coaches meeting.
• Any canoe over the starting line at the start will be penalized ten (10) minutes which be added to their official finish time.

B. COURSE

• The course shall be from the starting line at Hale O Lono Harbor, Molokai to the finish line at Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki Beach.
• A crew may follow any course to the finish line provided that it rounds the orange buoy at the channel entrance to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel before crossing the finish line.
• Specific diagrams will be provided at the coaches meetings. Entries are encouraged to visit the finish line area before the race.

C. PADDLERS AND RELIEF PADDLERS

• The final selected race crew will consist of (9) nine male paddlers open, 40+, and 50+, and 12 male paddlers in the 55+. Minimum age must be not less than 18 years of age as of the day of the race. These names shall be submitted to the assigned race official before 12 noon the day before the race and must have come from the Crew List Form.
• There may be no more than (6) male paddlers in any one canoe at any time during the race.
• Starting and relief paddlers may be used at the discretion of the coach.
• The first change of paddlers will take place, at the discretion of the Race Director, no earlier than La’au Point or thirty(30) minutes, or no later than forty-five (45) minutes. An official boat will signal the end of the time period as described at the coaches meeting.
• All canoes must pass between La’au Point and the “Maggie Joe”, the official boat that will be stationed at a set distance from La’au Point.
• The last change shall be before the channel marker off of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.
• Each canoe must finish the race with six (6) male paddlers in the canoe to qualify for placement and awards.

D. SWAMPING OR OVERTURNING OF CANOE

• If a canoe swamps or overturns after the start of the race, the canoe may be righted and bailed out and will be allowed to continue in the race. No mechanical devices will be allowed throughout the race to bail a canoe.
• Relief paddlers and additional qualified persons on an escort boat may assist in righting and bailing out a swamped canoe.
• The escort boat will standby and render any assistance to the swamped canoe but must not tow a swamped canoe in the direction of the finish line while the canoe is officially entered in the race.
• All escort boats must be equipped with bridle straps in the event that a canoe needs to be towed. Failure to have bridle straps aboard escort boat will result in a penalty.

E. ESCORT BOAT/AUXILIARY BOAT

• Each entry must have one (1) escort powerboat to accompany them throughout the race.
• Each entry may have one (1) auxiliary powerboat. The auxiliary boat assists in the retrieving of paddlers during the substitute changes. It is suggested that each entry have auxiliary boat. However, auxiliary boats are optional.
• All escort boats and auxiliary boats must have a Molokai Hoe ID number that has been issued by Molokai Hoe officials. If a powerboat does not have a Molokai Hoe ID number, they will be asked to leave the course.
• All escort boats must have bridle straps to tow a canoe and a 3x5 red flag that can be flown from the escort boat in the event of an emergency.
• All escort/auxiliary boats must provide a copy of the boats registration to the OHCRA Molokai Hoe race officials at registration.
• All escort/auxiliary boat(s) must meet the minimum U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
• All escort/auxiliary boat(s) must be equipped with a two-way VHF radio. Only Marine Band (VHF) Radio communication is acceptable. Any entry whose escort/auxiliary boat(s) does not have a working two-way VHF radio will NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. All escort/auxiliary boats must pass through the radio communication checkpoint at Hale O Lono Harbor on race day.
• It is recommended that all escort boats have a GPS on board.
• For safety purposes, all escort/auxiliary boat(s) must have a combined U.S. Coast Guard approved carrying capacity to accommodate a minimum of nine (9) male paddlers, one (1) race official, and any additional passengers along with the U.S. Coast Guard required equipment.
• It is recommended that all escort/auxiliary boat(s) carry a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance coverage.
• Liability Waivers for Escort Boat/Auxiliary Boats:
• A form furnished by OHCRA will be completed by the escort/auxiliary skippers with the information pertaining to his craft and turned over to the Molokai Hoe Race Committee. The deadline for submitting the name of an escort/auxiliary boat and its skipper will be no later than Noon on the Saturday before the race. Crews will not be entered without the completed forms.
• Escort/auxiliary boat skippers will be furnished with liability waiver forms to be signed by all personnel boarding their craft. Each boat skipper will turn these liability wavier forms over to the race officials before 6:00 am race day.
• A copy of the escort/auxiliary boat registration must be provide at the time of registration.
• Each escort/auxiliary boat must follow behind its assigned canoe throughout the race, except for swamped and overturned canoes. It can at no time come along side or ahead of the canoe except for during the transfer of relief paddlers, supplies, or in the case of an emergency, and it must make way without deliberately blocking, or causing interference, or wake to any approaching canoe.
• At no time will an escort/auxiliary deliberately cause a wake to assist their own canoe or interfere with another canoe.
• At all times, escort/auxiliary boats must maintain a safe distance from canoes and other boats.
• Canoes always have the right-of way over escort/auxiliary boats.
• Escort/auxiliary boats cannot block or cause a wake to approaching canoes.
• A Molokai Hoe Adult Waiver and Release of Liability and Promotional Rights form must be signed in addition to the boat waiver.
• Coaching and directing from the escort/auxiliary boat is permitted.
• Escort/auxiliary boats cannot be used to transport any articles to a canoe. However, any qualified person may pass refreshments of other articles to a canoe from the water, this person need not be one of the nine (9) male paddlers.
• Unsafe conditions due to an escort/auxiliary boat being overcrowded, or not meeting U.S. Coast Guard requirements or Molokai Hoe requirements, can be declared unfit or unseaworthy as an escort/auxiliary boat by the Molokai Hoe Committee. Said entries will not be allowed to participate.
• Minors are not allowed on escort/auxiliary boats. The Molokai Hoe Committee will have the final decision on the approval or disapproval of any vessel used as an escort boat or auxiliary boat.

CANCELLATION OF RACE:

• The race is subject to postponement or cancellation by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• The race is subject to postponement or cancellation by the Molokai Hoe Committee upon receipt of information of weather conditions of such nature, which would in their opinion render the running of the race unsafe.
• In case of the race being postponed or cancelled, the entries are responsible for returning all paddlers. Personnel and equipment to Oahu.
• All fees are non-refundable upon cancellation of any entry or cancellation of the race.

FINISH LINE

• All escort boats must do a visual “End of Race” radio check on the designated radio channel with the lead official boat before departing the race -course. No powerboats are allowed to enter the channel leading to the Hilton Pier without permission from the lead official boat.
• Relief crew members and crew members on the escort/auxiliary boat should follow the instructions of the pier personnel while unloading gear off of escort and auxiliary boats. Crews need to keep the pier clear and are asked to remove off loaded gear in a quick and timely manner to ensure everyone’s safety.
• The State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, and U.S. Army prohibit drinking of alcoholic beverages on the beach.

 

Download: Race Rule Form Here