Subic Sailing-Turquoise Team headed by Jun Avecilla won 3rd place overall in the One Design Beneteau 40.7 Class in Macao Cup International Regatta (MCIR) last January 10-13. It was participated by 10 countries composed of Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Russia, UAE, Canada, Singapore, Estonia and the Philippines. This event was in conjunction with the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area Cup which was also participated by another 10 teams from Macao, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou with over 300 sailors participating.
The Subic Sailing-Turquoise 10-man Team is composed of Zed and Marcus Avecilla, Seymour Saldavia, Philippine Sailing Association 470 SEA Games Medalist Emerson Villena and Lester Tayong together with the Japanese Turquoise Team composed of Yukie Ikawa, Yoshiya Sasaki, Kim Taesoo and Hiroki Maeda.
In line with the Macao Greater Bay Area development plan, the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Across Four Oceans Sailing Event Management, Marine and Water Bureau of Macao and Macao Sailing Association jointly organize these events as part of China’s effort and commitment in developing the sport of sailing not only in China but also in Macau which is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The organizers are looking to nurture marine sports in Macao, to enrich local sport events, and to support the work in consolidating Macao as the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
During the opening ceremony held at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Christine Lam, acting president of the Macau Sports Bureau which spearheads the prestigious Macao Grand Prix said, “This is the first time for Macau to host a large-scale international regatta, ushering in a new era for water sports in Macau at an international level,” adding, “It also plays an active role to facilitate the development of water sports.”
She also noted a great lineup of international top-notch sailors which includes French Sailing Legend, Lionel Péan, winner of the 1986 Whitbread Round the World Race which is now known as the Volvo Ocean Race. Other well-experienced sailors includes German skipper Albert Diesch, 6m World Champion Gold Medalist and his experienced League Sailors; Estonia skipper Alar Volmer, ORC World Champion; Russian Skipper Igors Bukovskis and his team of professional sailors who have experienced in several world championship events including the China Cup and the Giraglia Rolex Cup.
The four-day regatta was held in the waters around Hac Sa Beach. A total of eight races with geometric courses completed the series for the MCIR. Wind condition was fairly light to moderate with temperature of 15-17 degrees Celsius. Some teams found it challenging to compete in the city’s recent weather due to low visibility and light wind condition. As part of the event and in order to allow spectators “to appreciate the spectacular skills of world-class sailboat racers in close proximity on shore, and to experience the thrills of sailing and breaking the waves, six Nacra 17s staged an exhibition race everyday along the waterfront between the Macau Tower and the Macau Inner Harbour. There was also a Parade of Sail during the opening and closing days of the regatta, from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Macau Tower and back again.
Subic Sailing Turquoise Team, after a great first day performance with 6 points tied with Germany and France, dropped their position on the second day having difficulty with the super light wind conditions, but was able to catch up by winning 1st place on the 3rd da
It was a very tight competition up to the last race of the series which became a shootout between Germany, France and the Philippines for the overall title.
However, it was Team Estonia 100 and Russian Team Sukpai-Four Wind who got first and second place respectively after a very close battle between the top leading teams Germany, France and Philippines. As the dust settles, Team WYC Lake Constance (GER) won just by one point ahead of Marenostrom Racing Club (FRA) having a tied score with Subic Sailing Turquoise Team by the end of the series. Unfortunately, losing in the count back to France and grabbing 3rd Place Overall. “The competition was tough, and we started the last day with a slim lead which we worked hard to defend. This was good quality competition, and we are very happy to be the winners."
It was a great competition and experience for the Subic Sailing Turquoise Team and a great inaugural event for Macau. Congratulations to all the participants and organizers for a wonderful regatta.”We look forward to being back here next year for another tilt at the trophy,” said Jun Avecilla, skipper of the Subic Sailing Turquoise Team
Comentários