Second stage of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a this Thursday. The 48 senior crews taking part set off on the water around 9 a.m. Shell Va’a, winner of the first stage, has changed crews for this new race between Raiatea and Taha’a. A 27-kilometer course, the shortest route of this Hawaiki Nui.
Team OPT also altered its lineup. Objective: climb back in the standings after its 3rd place on Wednesday. The rowers gave it their all. After only a few minutes of racing, the crew moved into the lead, with EDT and Shell Va’a at its heels, about a hundred meters behind.
A close call just minutes from the finish. While Shell and EDT Va’a were dueling several meters behind OPT, the yellow va’a of the shell-clad team nearly brushed a red buoy. More fear than harm. Shell Va’a came out unscathed.
The OPT team crosses the line after 1h56 of racing. “We managed to come back. We rowed hard today,” rejoices Teriitua, who is celebrating his birthday this Thursday. A victory as a gift. Shell Va’a arrives second, 1 minute 30 seconds behind. “We knew that Team OPT would give it everything. (…) We will try to come back tomorrow. We will review it with the coach,” confides a rower.
EDT Va’a finishes third, Enviropol fourth. Second on the first stage, Po Pora Te Hoe Mamu finishes this time 5th, almost five minutes behind OPT. “It remains positive,” says a rower from the team. “Tomorrow, we will try to reach Matira in the best possible way.”
