This is the final stage of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a and the longest: 59km between Tahaa and Bora Bora. The winner of the second stage, OPT Va’a, quickly took the lead, closely pursued by Shell. The contest lasted all the way, with the yellow va’a steadily narrowing the distance to its rival.
Further back, the performance of Po Pora Te Hoe Mamu stood out. The crew fought all along, staying in the top 5, shoulder to shoulder with Huahine. An stage like a homecoming for the Pearl of the Pacific team’s crew.
Until the last minute, OPT and Shell battled. Despite the Shell team’s efforts, OPT widened the gap without letting up and crossed the finish line in 4 hours 8 minutes. A new stage victory for OPT. Last year, OPT finished 3rd with a time of 4 hours 18 minutes.
Shell finished 2nd in this final stage in 4 hours 9 minutes. The team secures a third consecutive overall victory in the Hawaiki Nui Va’a standings, and 11th since it began participating in the mythical race. “The most important thing for us is to win the Hawaiki Nui. We won this year and last year. It’s true that we fell behind today. (…) The fa’ahoro did not row the first day. He rowed today. I wondered if he would hold up, and he did, and we won Hawaiki Nui”, exclaimed Shell’s top boss, Albert Moux.
Relive Stage 3 of the Hawaiki Nui by clicking here.
