The Micronesia Cup is a regional va’a outrigger race held alternately in Guam, Palau and Saipan.
THE Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation is inviting the public to the 24th Micronesia Cup, which will take place from Oct. 18 to 20 at the Crowne Plaza Resort beach.
The Micro Cup is a regional va’a outrigger race that is hosted alternately by Guam, Palau and Saipan.
This year, the teams from Guam, the CNMI, and the Marshall Islands will compete in the men’s, women’s, juniors and masters divisions.
There is no fee to watch the event.
The teams from Guam include Animun Tasi, Bihun Tasi, Haggan Jrs., Maneran Galaide, Napu, PFM, Poksai Canoe Club, Puti’on Tasi, and Taotao Galaide.
The Marianas Outrigger Club, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and Saipan Paddling Club comprise the CNMI teams.
The Marshall Islands will be represented by the Majol Canoe Paddling Club.
The V1, V6, and V12 categories will feature 500-meter and 1500-meter sprints. There will be V6 and V1 distance races as well.
The V1 500m sprints will be held on Friday at 10 a.m., followed by the V12 500m sprints.
Saturday features a 7 a.m. canoe blessing with 500 Sails. Sprints in the V6 500m and 1500m categories begin at 7:30 a.m.
On Sunday, the distance races will be contested by V6 and V1 paddlers.
Loriann Rabe, a member of the event’s organizing committee, said the distance course for V6 will begin at Crowne Plaza and then head south, with a turnaround point at Chalan Kanoa.
Onsite vendors include Poki Yaki, Local Girls Lemonada, Caravan of Food, Baban Bishu, ChungiThai Mini Catering, Ginen i Tasi, Nature Treasures, Saipan Surf Company, and NMI Artistry and Designs.
Rabe said the event is a long time coming.
“The 24th Annual Micronesia Cup will finally take place on the shores of Saipan … after a long wait of 12 years, two major typhoons, and the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said. “We are thrilled to once again host the largest outrigger canoe event in Micronesia, as part of the annual rotation between Guam, Palau and the CNMI. Don’t forget your sunblock — good times are ahead! The NMNPSF looks forward to seeing you all there.”
The event is sponsored by Tan Holdings, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Crowne Plaza Resort, IT&E, Bud Light, Ghost Energy, Marianas Visitors Authority, The Athlete’s Foot, Turn Key Solutions, Paradise Reality Saipan, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and Micronesian Brokers Inc.
An event livestream will be available on Instagram at @nxtlvlcnmi
