Even though the annual Walter J. Macfarlane Regatta is technically a series of exhibition races, the tradition and history associated with the event enhance the level of pomp and prestige that motivates outrigger canoe paddlers.

Lanikai Canoe Club’s senior men’s crew was one of many hard at work while throngs of spectators packed Waikiki Beach to enjoy Friday’s Independence Day holiday. Paddlers braved humid conditions, light and variable winds and mild surf that escalated as the day went on.

Lanikai’s experienced crew of Kekoa Bruhn, Jack Roney, Matt Crowley, Manny Kulukulualani, Andreas Gaeta and Jim Foti claimed the prestigious senior race for the fourth consecutive year, navigating the 1.5-mile course in 11 minutes, 27.51 seconds.

Lanikai was flanked by Kailua, Hui Lanakila and Hui Nalu for most of the race, and held off a late charge from the bright-yellow Hui Nalu canoe, which finished nearly four seconds later and secured the runner-up spot.

"This will give your club momentum if you win this race," said Lanikai coach Scott Freitas. "We’re in Waikiki; can’t do any better than this, right?"

The perpetual Walter Macfarlane Memorial Trophy and Senior Women’s Bowl were awarded to the victorious crews in the men’s (Lanikai) and women’s (Hui Nalu) senior races. Both winning crews were presented with the trophies in a post-race ceremony fronting Duke’s, which stands in the area formerly occupied by the Outrigger Canoe Club’s original headquarters. Following tradition, the winning crew members took sips of champagne from the cups topping both trophies.

Lanikai navigated the calm waters efficiently and rode the slight swells to an overall victory at the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association’s 71st Macfarlane Regatta for the fourth time in five years. OHCRA’s traditional Fourth of July event was held in the waters fronting the iconic Royal Hawaiian and Outrigger hotels as thousands of spectators looked on from the beach and hotel balconies.

"We were looking for a building block," said a relieved Freitas, who finally flashed a smile after anxiously waiting for the final point tally. "All season, we’ve been doing everything with smoke and mirrors. We’re always at a disadvantage because we don’t enter as many crews (as other large clubs)."

Lanikai’s victory represents the club’s first AAA Division (27-39 crews entered) title of the season with 173 points, while Outrigger (167 points), Hui Nalu (146 points) and Kailua (130 points) rounded out the large division.

"This is a good jumping point for us, we’ve been close all season," Freitas said. "We have to paddle a perfect race — we can’t afford to make any mistakes. All in all, it was fantastic."

Keahiakahoe claimed the AA Division (14-26 crews entered) crown with 59 points, while Hui Lanakila took the A Division (1-13 crews entered) with 34 points.

The event serves as the longest continually run outrigger canoe paddling event in the world. For the first time, paddlers and onlookers caught a glimpse of the koa steering blade Duke Kahanamoku used to help his team win the inaugural event in 1943. The paddle was on display under Outrigger’s club tent along with other historic trophies from the race. Outrigger and Lanikai have combined to win the last 21 Macfarlane regattas, with Lanikai claiming 12 victories in that time span.

The Macfarlane Regatta had no bearing on the organization’s cumulative point standings, which determine state championship berths. It is a favorite of many paddlers, as the course is set up perpendicular to the shore, and allows crews to catch ocean bumps as they race toward the finish line. Races were often won and lost based on catching the right wave at the right time. Many crews used the open steering exemption that allows experienced steersmen to paddle in as many races as necessary to help the club keep its paddlers and canoes safe.

One of the day’s exhibition events featured members of the armed forces competing in a special Independence Day race for bragging rights. Various clubs sponsored a branch of the military that in turn used that club’s canoe and an experienced steersperson. The quarter-mile exhibition featured eight canoes, and the Navy SEALs squad using Waimanalo’s canoe netted the gold.

OHCRA clubs have the weekend off and return to action July 13 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii-Kaneohe for the annual John D. Kaupiko Regatta. The Na ‘Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a organization returns to action Sunday at Keehi Lagoon for the Lokahi Regatta.