The Official Story:

'The Saipan Outrigger Canoe Club extends its thanks for organizing a fantastic race and for providing memories of our most adventurous paddle yet. SOCC sent its own crew of seven, and received reinforcement from “Rog” of HKOCC, and Jyrki of Lantau Island OCC/HKIPC, en route to a respectable (in our opinion) fourth-place finish in the men’s division. Coming from an island where it rarely dips below 30º C, we expected frostbite and hypothermia. Coming from an island where there’s only one operational ferry, we feared being smashed to bits. Coming from an island with crystal blue water, we anticipated flesh-eating bacteria. Yet, we navigated Hong Kong harbor intact, we are all rash-free, and the only numbness experienced was suitably induced by post-race brews. Cheers to Jyrki and Rog, you guys are hereby deemed honorary SOCC paddlers for life (for what that’s worth), and many thanks to RHKYC for hosting a great event!' --SOCC  

Before the race. Freezing!