Lack of sponsorship has forced the board of directors of the Royal Hawaiian Ocean Racing Club to cancel the 2002 Hawaii International Offshore Series.

Since the Kenwood Corporation informed the Club in 2001 that they would be unable to continue their sponsorship in 2002, continuous action has been taken to find a replacement sponsor. However, the horrendous events of September 11, 2001 coupled with the downturn in the world economy, have made it impossible to find a replacement sponsor.

The Hawaii International Offshore Series, known as the Kenwood Cup, has been conducted biennially in the even-numbered years since 1978. This is the first time in 24 years the event will not be held.

Cy Gillette, Commodore of the Royal Hawaiian Ocean Racing Club said, “I am very sad that we have to announce the decision to cancel the event this year. However, we plan to continue our sponsorship search as there is already some interest being shown to sponsor our event in Hawaii in 2004.”