PORT Hacking Outrigger Canoe Club heads to Hawaii this week for the 62nd Island Molokai Hoe.
The international event is this Sunday, October 12.
After their story appeared in the Leader on September 9, the Port Hacking team was chasing sponsors to help with travel and accommodation expenses.
Then out of the blue several local companies got in touch to help out with the funding.
Crew member Peter Williams said the team was very appreciative.
"We can't thank the sponsors enough," he said.
Electrical contracting company Dave Power Pty Ltd, the Police Bank, Lexus at Taren Point and Ford Civil are supporting the team.
The Island Molokai Hoe is the global marathon event of canoe racing with many international teams competing.
"Hoe" is Hawaiian for paddling; the 75-kilometre race will be from Molokai to Waikiki Beach.
"It will take our team about 5½ hours to complete; the main thing is that we finish," Williams said.
The nine-man crew is: Dennis Carrett of Cronulla, Peter Williams of Caringbah, Angelo Memmolo of Sylvania, Fabrice Grandou of Cronulla, Geoff Hunt of Como, Marty Lochrin of Caringbah, Graham Smith of Cronulla, David Money of Cronulla and Phil McDonald of Rosebery.
Darook Park, North Cronulla, is the team's training base.
Will it be smooth sailing for the Port Hacking Outrigger Canoe Club will go in Hawaii?
