Sailing action is back in southern Luzon’s sailing mecca with the recent staging of the Punta Fuego Regatta, one of the country’s longest-running and most-awaited yachting tournaments.
Spearheaded by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (PHINSAF), co-presented by Landco Pacific, and hosted by Club Punta Fuego, the 19th edition of the Regatta returned after a two-year pandemic hiatus and a postponement from its original schedule in January.
“The successful return of the Regatta despite the many challenges is a clear sign of the return to normalcy of sailing events due to the improving health situation in the country,” says Club Punta Fuego general manager Edgar Krohn.
He expressed optimism in the holding of smaller races and related events as sailing is regarded as among the safest pandemic-era sports based on government regulations.
PHINSAF president Jerry Rollin added that the Regatta sailing event is a big boost in promoting the country as a sports tourism hub.
“The Philippines is an undiscovered paradise for sailing as it is an environment-friendly sport and is safe to do even during the pandemic. With thousands of beautiful islands, friendly people, moderate wind and seas, it has the potential to put the archipelago on the map as the best in the world,” he said.
Topping the annual race was Subic Sailing Club-based Selma Star, a 37-foot Beneteau yacht of veteran sailor Jun Avecilla which ruled the IRC Class. Finishing as runner-up is Belatrix, an Ice 52 sailboat helmed by Jun Villanueva and Sean Mitchell.
Both yachts, which tangled in several regattas in the past, won top honors at the BPI Busuanga Cup 2022 held in February.
Hurricane Hunter of Albert Altura and international-award winning Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza settled for third and fourth places, respectively.
Wild Honey led by James Villareal, Plus Ultra of Pablo Lobregat, and Isabelle of Tere Marcial copped the top three awards in the Cruising Class.
Rounding up the winning circle are Twin Popsies jointly helmed by Dylan Tantuico and Gordon Luk, and MYG2 of Vincent Ruais, which shined in the Ocean Multihull category.
This year’s Regatta is supported by Etihad Airways, Admiral Hotel Manila, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Niyama Wellness Center, German Club Manila, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Element Boutique Hotel, Rambla Restaurant, Asia Yachting, Marina Del Sol Resort and Yacht Club, Azumi Boutique Hotel, Hilton Clark Valley Resort, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Dusit Thani Manila, Sledgers, Wine Drop, Fundador, Unioil and Balipure. Club Punta Fuego is managed by AHG (Anya Hospitality Group).
Situated in Nasugbu, Batangas, Club Punta Fuego is a Fisher Island-inspired (Miami, Florida) premier membership residential resort which blends modern elements, nature’s beauty, and the timeless charm of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture.