Could this finally be Hui Lanakila's year?

The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association club has remained a threat to win the Na Wahine O Ke Kai—considered the world championship for women's distance canoe paddling—in the past few years and has the right mix and mind-set to hit paydirt today as 67 crews cross the 41-mile Ka'iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu.

Three-time defending champion Team Bradley, comprised of paddlers from across the state, won't make it easy. Lanakila coach Raven Aipa realizes that unseating Bradley will be a tough task, but his crew is as confident as it has been after winning the Dad's Center and E Lau Hoe distance races over Bradley as tuneups.

Hui Lanakila also notched the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association women's senior title in the state championship regatta last month.

The club finished fifth in 2004, second in 2005 and 2006—including a loss by less than 20 seconds in the latter—and placed fourth last year.

“;I'm hoping we win this thing, just to settle everything already,”; Aipa said. “;We've been there a few times. We've come close, but just not enough. Hopefully this year we can just go over that hill.”;

The first crews, which were to leave Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai at 7:30 a.m., will arrive at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village at around 1 p.m. today. Conditions were expected to be favorable with light swells.

The 10-person Hui Lanakila crew consists of Jessie Eames, Mikala Bradley, Arlene Holzman, Michelle Arnold, Sarah Vandevanter, Denise Darval-Chang, Jaimie Kinard, Malia Kamisugi, Pauahi Ioane and Cheryl Skribe.

Waikiki Beach Boys of the Oahu Hui Wa'a circuit are also a title contender.

When asked of Team Bradley's ability, Aipa gave a deferential nod toward the champs.

“;Aw shoot, those guys are so awesome,”; he said. “;To me they're definitely the favorite team, even though we've beat them in a couple of races. But it's their spirits—when it's a big game, they know what to do, how to perform, so you can never count them out.”;

Four clubs—Lanikai, Outrigger, Hui Lanakila, and Puakea Foundation—are entering koa canoes. Race director Hannie Anderson said she was pleasantly surprised with a count of nine 50-and-over crews, and the overall crew count in difficult economic times.