Out at sea where a flurry of colored sails adorned the water’s deep ocean-blue, or ashore where onlookers buzzed with excitement as they watched sailors coax unrelenting winds to lead them to victory, all hands were definitely on deck for the 11th Punta Fuego Regatta from January 19 to 20 at Club Punta Fuego (CPF) in Nasugbu, Batangas.
a fail-safe venue for sailing is a place where natural conditions are great for races and leisurely activities that await the sailors, their crew, families and friends are even better; which is why they enjoy holding the annual regatta in CPF. He also shares that if residing in the Philippines has taught him anything, it’s that Filipinos have excellent natural sailing ability.
“Wherever I have to be, I am a Filipino. I may be British by citizenship, but I represent the Philippines…and we do not only have the top sailing destinations, but have the best sailors as well.”---
Jerry Rollin, Race Committee Chairman and an International Race Officer appointed by the International Sailing Federation.
The two-day race around the Punta Fuego peninsula had three divisions determined by the watercraft used in the tournament: Keelboat, Hobie, and Optimist.
the Hobbie
Topping the Keelboat division was “Irresistible,” manned by seasoned sailor Harry Taylor and his crew of four. The vessel bested three others namely Santi Picornelli’s “Strawberry Hill,” David Wheeler’s “Freewheeler,” and Dale Godkin’s “Princess Arietta.”
the Optimist
The tournament’s leg for medium-sized boats called Hobies, had three subdivisions: Hobie 16, Hobie Bravo, and Hobie Master.
the Keelboat
Out of 10 participants, all of who are training with the national team, 14-year-old Fernan Sarmiento placed first in the Optimist class.
