Subic to Boracay race set

MANILA, Philippines –  All is set for the inaugural staging of the twin race to the resort island of Boracay – Subic-to- Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup – which will gather the top yachtsmen of the Philippines and Asia-Pacific.

The 200-nautical mile Subic to Boracay Race, the country’s longest regatta, kick offs Feb. 19 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) with some 15 boats taking part.

The race will introduce an interesting tactical challenge to navigators as the course will allow boats to pass on either side of Mindoro Island.

The western route up the Verde Island passage is known for its wind against wide conditions and the often windless area around Dumali Point. The eastern option will avoid this, but Mindoro’s 2,500-meter high mountain range could provide a large wind shadow behind the island and slow down the boats.

Boats will take between 20 and 48 hours to reach the famed resort island.

After the gruelling race, the Boracay Cup Series gets under way and will consist of four days of racing from Feb. 22-25. The sailing event will consist of two days of windward/leeward courses and two days of round-the-island courses.

Backed by Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez, Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Mayor John Yap of Malay, the tournaments will be a prelude to the Commodore’s Cup slated on April 26-30 at Subic Bay.

Sailing champ Frank Pong of Hong Kong will return to the Philippines with his award-winning Reichel Pugh 76-foot yacht to set the race record time anew, which is expected to be under 17 hours.

The two events are organized by SAGS (Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailors) and supported by Subic Bay Yacht Club and the Lighthouse Marina under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association.

According to regatta organizers former SBYC Commodore Ricky Sandoval and Lighthouse president Jun Avecilla, Boracay is acknowledged by competitors in the Asian Circuit as among the best regatta areas in the continent.

They said that the month of February provides consistent 10 to 20-knot winds, the island is the place to party and relax after a hard day on the water.

The event is also supported by Fairways and Bluewater, San Miguel Corp., Stradcom, Zest Air, Discovery Shores, Tanduay Rhum, Watercraft Ventures and Boracay Terraces.

For details log on to www.subicsailing.com