A cold and rainy weekend for all the sailors who participated the Independence Day Regatta held last June 9-10, 2018.
The month of June is normally the start of the typhoon season but this is not a hindrance to the Subic Sailing Club members as they were ready to get wet and was able to push through with the race!
There were only three (3) boats who are brave enough to go out and sail at the first day of the race all the way from Punta Fuego Yacht Club, skipper/owner Jun Villanueva of the Ice52 “Belatrix”, was the biggest in the fleet. Then a new comer in the racing scene coming from Manila Yacht Club, a Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 “Wild Honey” with its skipper/owner James Villareal together with his brother Victor. Last but definitely not the least is the Beneteau First 31.7 “Selma” skippered by Peter Wa with other veteran sailors Maria and Jo Hagedorn who had their foulies ready to take on rain and strong winds.
“And squalls we did get! From no wind to gusts hitting 30 knots on the average. And at one point, we were beating to the first mark buoy #3, the wind blew to 40 knots with swells at least three meters high!” said Marcus Avecilla on board with Belatrix.
After getting battered with gusts blowing at 30 knots “Selma”, having no reefing lines on their racing mainsail, they were forced to retire to avoid any damage on the boat. While “Wild Honey” on the other hand, later on decided to retire just before getting to the first mark. It was only “Belatrix” who finished the race on the first day.
The next day, the weather got worse. Since safety is paramount, the race committee headed by Troi Amaba from Philippine Sailing Association, decided to cancel the race. But then to push through with the awarding that took place at El Filos (Event venue sponsor), one of the newest restaurant in town serving Filipino, Mexican, and Western Cuisine.
The 1st place went to Belatrix, the only boat that officially finished the race. While plaques of participation were given to Selma and Wild Honey.
“They said that ‘A Smooth Sea Never Made a Skillful Sailor’, We hope everyone had fun despite the bad weather.” said Commodore Jun Avecilla, Co-Founder of the Club. “The typhoon season has begun. A season for wet and wild racing!” he added.
Subic Sailing Club would like to thank the following sponsors:
Pocari Sweat Networx Jetsports Lighthouse Marina Resort El Filos Watercraft Venture
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