SUBIC BORACAY RACE 2014 by MTVI

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

message HON. RAMON R. JIMENEZ, JR. TOURISM SECRETARY This year’s edition of the Subic-Boracay Race and Boracay Cup is a strong statement that nautical tourism is alive and well in the Philippines. With 4.7 million visitor arrivals in 2013 – even surpassing the previous year’s record of 4.3 million by 9.5 percent, I consider the Subic-Boracay Regatta & the Boracay Cup as one of the major contributory factors that give the Philippine tourism industry a big boost as tourists continue to demonstrate sustained growth amidst challenges. The Philippines, being an archipelago of 7,107 beautiful islands, is naturally a premier sailing destination. Both Subic and Boracay are among the crown jewels for sailing and other similar water-based recreational and sports activities. Despite last year’s devastation by Typhoon Yolanda that put the Philippines in the world map, these twin races help market the Philippines that it is business as usual and remains a fun destination for its many sounds and sights for adventure and sporting events such as sailing. I commend the organizers of these pretigious sailing events since they continue and help bring in more sailing enthusiasts and people to visit the country and to collectively experience the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. Thus, it is my singular honor and pleasure to offer my warmest greetings to the participants and organizers. Here’s wishing you all success in staging the twin international sailing competitions. Indeed, sailing is more fun in the Philippines! Mabuhay!

2014

INTERNATIONAL

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

message HON. FLORENCIO T. MIRAFLORES Governor, Province of Aklan

The Subic to Boracay Race and the Boracay Regatta complement the overall tourism arrivals in Aklan. This year alone, we expect ten international cruise vessels that are set to drop anchor at Boracay Island with 11,752 total passengers, making Aklan’s paradise resort one of the hottest cruising destinations of the world. Since October 2012, six cruise ships had docked in Boracay carrying a total of 7.762 passengers. Another four cruise vessels are scheduled to side trip in Boracay by 2015 with total number of 7,148 cruise travellers and another two in 2016 with 4,276 cruise passengers. Aklan is famous for Boracay, known for its white sandy beaches and is considered as one of the more prominent destinations in the world. We are also happy that two major airports, in Caticlan and Kalibo, offer frequent air travels to the province and afford tourists easier access to Boracay. To the Organizers, we thank you for institutionalizing the twin races and for making our place your favorite destination. To all the participants and guests in this year’s Subic to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014 Cup, welcome to the oldest province in the Philippines, Aklan! Mabuhay!

HON. GABRIELLE C. QUIMPO Vice Governor, Province of Aklan Let me welcome all guests and participants to this year’s edition of the Subic to Boracay Race and the Boracay Regatta. Now on its fifth year, the annual staging of this international yachting race has greatly contributed to the overall eco-tourism program in our province, most especially Boracay which remains today as one of the top five tourist destinations in the world. In behalf of the people of Aklan, let me extend my congratulations to the organizers, the Saturday Afternnon Gentlemen’s Sailing (SAGS) Club for once again staging the Subic Bay – Boracay Race which counts among the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit. The people of Aklan are grateful for your noble efforts to make it as a much-awaited sailing very year that contribute to the country’s common pursuit to make it as an important sailing Mecca in the Asia Pacific region. Once again, welcome to the great province of Aklan!

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

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message On behalf of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), I extend our warmest greetings and congratulations to the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing (SAGS) Club for once again coming up with the Subic Bay – Boracay Race 2014, which takes off on February 28 of the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay Freeport. I am especially pleased to note that the SAGS Club has succeeded in bringing back to the Subic Bay – Boracay Race. As part of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit that is also conducted in other countries and awards points to the winners of the much coveted Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year, this race will definitely boost the position of Subic Bay in the Asian sailing circuit. Likewise, allow me to welcome the participating teams from here and abroad who are set to face the waters of Subic Bay – an encounter that will surely be challenging yet most enjoyable. To paraphrase William Arthur Ward, one of America’s most quoted writers of inspirational maxims, may the pessimist in you never complain about the wind, the optimist in you always expect it change, and the realist in you readily adjust the sail! So head off or head up. As you ease your way to victory! ROBERTO V. GARCIA Chairman and Administrator

Once again, we are pleased to be part of the annual staging of the Subic to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014. This event is undoubtedly one of the major undertakings of the Philippine Sailing Association whose mandate is to implement a training and development program to promote sailing and other sailing-related activities in the Philippines. As the “National Sport Association” for the sport of SAILING in the Philippines, the PSA represents the interests of the sport at the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission level. It organizes the SEA Games team. It organizes the Sailing portion of the games such as the Subic to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014., when they are held in the Philippines. Thus, we thank the organizers for making us a part of these twin events that strengthen and boost the passion for sailing and other water activities. The PSA is involved in several training and racing programs to promote the sport in the Philippines, as well as represent the Philippines abroad. Most recently the PSA garnered a Gold Medal at the Coronation Cup in Thailand, and a Bronze at the recently concluded SEA games. The PSA has arrangements with several clubs, who support the PSA thru various training and racing progrrams. The Manila Yacht Club, The Cebu Yacht Club, and the Taal Lake Yacht Club fall into this category. In behalf of the PSA officials, congratulations to the main organizers, institutional sponsors and all the participants to this year’s most important international sailing event in the Philippines. Mabuhay! ERNESTO “JUDES” T. ECHAUZ PSA President

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

message Boracay always beckons, ably complemented by its unique and natural come on like its pristine cool blue waters, white sand beach and the warm and friendly people of Malay. That is why people always come back. Big international events like the Subic to Boracay Race and the Boracay Regatta Cup always come back to this wonderful place called Boracay. I share the joy of the people of Malay for the 5th staging of the Boracay Cup. This annual sailing event is among the most anticipated sporting sailing events in Boracay for local and international mariners, sailing enthusiasts and yacht owners. I understand that the Subic Bay – Boracay Race is counted among the sailing events of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit. This year’s staging of the international sailing event once again reinforces Boracay’s stature as an sporting venue for local and international sporting events. Accept my warm welcome and congratulations to all the participants, organizers, sponsors and sport enthusiasts to the 2014 edition of the Subic to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta. HON. JOHN P. YAP Mayor, Municipality of Malay

For the last three years, the Philippine Coast Guard takes pride of being part of the organizing committee in charge of the safety and well-being of the participants of the annual Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta. This is one international sporting event that also showcases PCG’s primordial mission, that is to enforce and encourage participants to follow the safety standards and procedures to avoid any accident while they are competing at the Philippine sea. The partnership with the event organizers have been remarkable to say the least as the PCG normally serves as a support group in carrying gears and supplies during the race. Our collective and spirited participation in these twin sailing international has resulted in earning goodwill and it has brought the Philippine Coast Guard to the consciousness of the sailing communities as a dependable partner in maritime safety and security. Thank you to the organizers for making for making us an institutional partner in this important and prestigious international sailing competition. Stay safe everyone! VICE ADMIRAL RODOLFO D ISORENA PCG Commandant

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

MESSAGE FROM THE SBBR BCR CHAIRMEN

We are pretty confident that participants of these twin sailing events will likewise embrace the international fraternity who have shown their care and support for the Yolanda victims and dedicate these events in friendship and camaraderie to the Philippines.

This year’s 4th edition of the annual Subic Bay to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta signals the growing popularity of the twin events and ushers in a new meaning in terms of its pre-eminence in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit. In more ways than one, its staging this year is symbolic of the continued resurgence of the Philippines in the aftermath of Super typhoon Yolanda, codenamed Hainan last November 2013 that brought untold miseries to the people in Central Visayas with over 10,000 reported casualties. Thus, the staging of these twin races will further foster our firm resolve to bring the Philippines back on its feet in the area of tourism since Subic Bay and Boracay will always be two of the best tourist spots and the best sailing destinations in the world. We are pretty confident that participants of these twin sailing events will likewise embrace the international fraternity who have shown their care and support for the Yolanda victims and dedicate these events in friendship and camaraderie to the Philippines. For this year, we wish to sincerely acknowledge the support of sponsors and the dedicated people who have made the 4th edition of the Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta a success. Thanks to the title sponsor, Standard Insurance, and Capt. Marty for their continued support throughout the years. Heartfelt thanks to the many nameless volunteers, race officials, race management team, off-shore and in-shore, events coordinators, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and the hordes of participants from all over the globe who enthusiastically joined these great regattas. Let’s have fun, enjoy the twin races, explore and enjoy the many other wonderful sights and sounds of the Philippine Islands. Good luck to all participants as they sail for six colorful days!

Commo. RICKY SANDOVAL Chairman, Organizing Committee

JESUS ‘JUN’ AVECILLA Co-Chairman

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

race subic bay - boracay FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 3

2014

STEERING COMMITTEE Chairman Judes Echauz Ricky Sandoval Jesus E. Avecilla Michael Jeremy Rollin Hon. Mark Lapid Cynthia Carrion Norton

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman Roberto V. Garcia DA Ruel Kabigting RADM Rodolfo Diwata Isorena Gov. Joeben Miraflores Vice Gov. Billie Calizo Mayor John Yap

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Chairman - Commo. Ricky Sandoval Co-Chairman - Jesus E. Avecilla Vice-Chairman/Finance/Trophies - Jeannie Sandoval Admin/Website - Zedrik T. Avecilla Logistics and Services Chairman - Dirk Van Straalen Asst. Chair Logistics and Services - Rollie Dollete SI Marketing Communications-Jie Combalicer SI Corporate Finance -Cristy Defensor Souvenir Program Chief Editor - Jeremy Simpson Souvenir Program/Press Release - Jozen Curva Capt. Marty Rijkuris Asian Yachting Registration/Secretariat - Pen Avila and Nesa Casaba

RACE COMMITTEE

Principal Race Manager - Jerry Rollin Race Management - Medy Fidel Race Officers - Jose Manuel Mantecon, Verge Bayani and Nonong Laban Logistics - Rollie Dollete Head of the International Jury - Tom Sheppard Members of the International Jury - Leonard Chin and Egil Wold Registration/Secretariat - Pen Avila and Nesa Casaba Philippine Sailing Association Crew

SCRUTENEERING COMMITTEE Jeremy Simpson Rikk Price Dirk van Straalen

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Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

schedule of events FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 0900-1700 Registration at The Lighthouse Marina Resort 1800 Skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Briefing at The Lighthouse 720 Bar Garden 1830-2230 Welcome Party at The Lighthouse Beachfront SATURDAY 1 MARCH 1155 Warning Signal for all Classes MONDAY 3 MARCH 1900 SBBR Awards Party and BCR Welcome Party in Boracay, Sea Wind Resort TUESDAY 4 MARCH All Classes 2 Windward / Leeward Races 1830 Daily Awards at The Sand Bar Beach Club WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH All Classes Long Island Race 1530 Paraw Race (subject to weather/race programme) 1830 Daily Awards (VENUE TBA) THURSDAY 6 MARCH All Classes 2 Windward / Leeward Races 1830 Daily Awards at The Sand Bar Beach Club FRIDAY 7 MARCH All Classes Long Island Race 1900 Final Awards Party at the Sea Wind Resort

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

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route

entry list IRC RACING CLASS

Jelik Frank Pong Antipodes Geoff Hill Centennial III Ernesto Echauz Ulumulu Troy Yao Freefire Sam Chan Karakoa Ray Ordoveza IRC CRUISER RACER CLASS

Centennial II Zanzibar Sorcerer Sabad Selma Star

Martin Tanco Jonathan Mahony Austen Chamberlain Bobby Benares Jesus “Jun” Avecilla Jr

PY CRUISING CLASS

Liannet China Rose Serenity 1

2014

Chui Shing Kin Michael Raueber Danny Batac

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

“Dinghy Racing for 50 footers” TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEREMY SIMPSON

hat’s how one international competitor described the Subic Bay Commodores’ Cup in 2010. There were 22 boats on the water - 8 of them over 50 feet, and with the flat water and shifting 12-17 knot winds, every race was a tacking duel with the big boats almost literally banging hulls while chasing the 45° wind shifts. Of course there are days with no wind, but as a rule, with its waters ringed by beautiful mountains, Subic Bay is large enough to cook up its own micro-climate that almost always results in useful local breezes being generated around midday that typically last all afternoon.

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

Subic Bay wasn’t always full of racing yachts. From the 1800’s it was full of boats because the Spanish turned it into a small Naval base. When the USA supplanted the Spaniards in the Philippines in 1898 they recognised the strategic value of Subic and the development started in earnest. Nearly a hundred years later, following the devastating eruption of Pinatubo, and, for the locals of Subic and Olongapo, the even more devastating withdrawal of the Americans, boats were few and far between on the water. Then in 1996 the China Sea Race from Hong Kong finished in Subic Bay instead of Manila Bay, for the first time. The Manila Yacht Club organized the President’s Cup inshore series to follow the blue water race finish and from then on it was realised that Subic Bay was the place to sail.

2014

DINGHY RACING FOR 50 FOOTERS BY JEREMY SIMPSON

SAGS has been the prime mover since the beginning and it now is maturing into a formal sailing club with Commodores, lots of them, and with a home at the Lighthouse Marina Resort. Even so, it took a while for regular sailing to make its mark until four like-minded local sailors, under the leadership of Peter Sharpe started racing round the cans in the Bay. Their organisation, if it can even be called that, was the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailors or SAGS. In the first ten years it lacked all recognisable labels or symbols of formality – there was no organisation, no leader, no dues, no funds, no nothing except a desire to get out on the water and sail, but in spite of that it grew, attracted interest and began to organize regattas, attracting international sailors and local sponsorship. SAGS has been the prime mover since the beginning and it now is maturing into a formal sailing club with Commodores, lots of them, and with a home at the Lighthouse Marina Resort Hotel. In the last few months SAGS has started a sail training programme on Flying Fifteens and Streakers. The Flying Fifteens have been donated by a number of organisations including the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. So far six have been refurbished at Watercraft Ventures and are in use regularly. SAGS shares the goal of the Puerto Galera Yacht Club to introduce young people to sailing so that they have the chance to crew on racing boats and earn a living in the racing and cruising world.

But yacht racing is the reason for SAGS. The first Subic Commodore’s Cup Regatta was held in 2008 over the Andres Bonifacio Day holiday weekend, and attracted boats from Manila and Puerto Galera. SAGS now owns a number of proprietary races including the Subic Bay Commodores’ Cup, and the very popular Subic Boracay Race - two of the twelve races of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix (AYGP) Circuit that includes races in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong that award points to the winners of the much coveted AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year that is organized annually by Capt. Marty Rijkuris. The next big race on the Subic 2014 calendar is to Boracay and it is named and sponsored by Standard Insurance whose Chairman Judes Echauz, heads the Philippine Sailing Association and also owns and races Centennial III, one of the main contenders for silver in Boracay in 2014. The Subic Boracay race – a race from beautiful Subic Bay to the paradise island of Boracay – followed by four days of racing in the legendary winds of the Boracay Cup, make these events a sailor’s dream fulfilled….. and of course, there’s more to it than just the yacht racing! As a cruising or racing destination, The Subic Bay Freeport boasts of marina facilities at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, a 40 ton travel hoist and boat repair facilities, a chandlery and a number of duty free supermarkets for storing ship. The area is a well-developed tourist destination with many hotels at all budget levels, hundreds of restaurants and plenty of places to visit and things to do during the day and in the evenings, including Ocean Adventure, the only open water Marine Mammal theme park in Asia. Above all this, the legendary hospitality of the Filipino people shines through everywhere. Let an international racing yachtsman have the last word “Just great! The most competitive Regatta in Asia – beautiful sailing in Subic as usual. Thanks.”

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

“Sailing provides a feeling of nirvana because of the bay’s tranquil waters which has captured the fancy of foreign navigators. In effect, you are sailing with nature and nostalgia at a very reasonable rate.”

A Sailing

We Will Go TEXT BY BERNARD SUPETRAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZED AVECILLA

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f you have had an amusing close encounter with a tiger or a sea lion, and you think you have seen everything at the Subic Bay Freeport, think again. Punctuated by naturally deep harbors, protected coves, lush underwater marine life, and tropical rainforests, its history revolves maritime exploration dating back to the pre-colonial period. Chinese seafarers, and other Asians, have visited Subic to trade with locals. It is small wonder that this beautiful body of water has become a most-coveted spot by foreign naval powers—from Spain to Great Britain and back, and from the United States to Japan and back. From the fisherman’s dinghy, Spanish galleons, steamships, sophisticated warships, and Hobie catamarans, Subic Bay has provided them all a safe haven. Hence, it is safe to say that one has not been truly in Subic if he hasn’t explored its waters which is steeped in a rich maritime tradition. For years since its conversion into a tourism enclave from an American naval base, sailing has been regarded by many tourists as an elitist activity—until now. “Sailing provides a feeling of nirvana because of the bay’s tranquil waters which has captured the fancy of foreign navigators. In effect, you are sailing with nature and nostalgia at a very reasonable rate,” says Zedrik Avecilla, marketing manager of The Lighthouse Marina Resort, a leading proponent of the sport in the Freeport. The nautical-themed boutique hotel offers cruises around Subic Bay and nearby coves, a unique adventure often relegated to the sidelines by tourists because of their preference for landbased attractions.

“We want to provide visitors not just firstrate accommodations, but also a taste of Subic Bay’s unique sailing experience where the mountains meet the sea aboard Selma Star,” he enthuses, referring to their sleek 36-foot racer yacht which has won in long-distance races both here and abroad. A typical one-hour cruise, he said, would be a romantic cruise around the mouth of Subic Bay, encircling Grande and Chiquita Islands, preferably towards dusk so guests can capture the postcard-perfect sunset. Subic Grande, where a resort hotel now stands, was an American naval outpost during World War II with armed with six-inch cannons which still exist today. Meanwhile, the latter is a small uninhabited island teeming with vegetation just a few hundred yards away from Grande.

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

A SAILING WE WILL GO • SUBIC BAY • ZAMBALES

Another hour of sailing and guests will find themselves in the idyllic cove of Silangin in Castillejos town in Zambales. Embraced by capes and tranquil waters, it boasts of an unspoiled mile-long beach of fine gray sand. Further up north to the South China Sea, lovers of sea and sun will discover the equally fascinating Nagsasa Cove which is just a short distance from Silanguin Cove. The inaccessibility of these coves has spared them from crass commercialism and have left them for those who truly treasure tourist gems such as these. Since they are virtually unreachable by land transportation, sailing aboard Selma Star is the only way to get there in style. An ultimate destination is San Antonio town which prides itself in the sought-after Anawangin Cove and Capones Island. The former is a secluded cove which is fast becoming a favorite beach hideaway because of its clear waters and powdery sand which approximate Boracay’s allure. Capones, on the other hand, is an uninhabited island punctuated by a charming Spanish lighthouse which guided ships along Luzon’s colonial-era sea lanes.

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

Cruising along the coast of Zambales rewards guests with awe-inspiring sights of rarely-seen cliffs and rock formations, as well as the bays emptying into the South China Sea which are teeming with rich fishing grounds. If luck strikes, visitors will cross paths with fishing vessels where they can buy fresh catch before they even reach the trading post. Lest we forget, Subic’s southern backdoor is Bataan peninsula which boasts of its own natural wonders. “If guests are creative or romantic enough, we can set up a dinner onboard or on a beach of their choice with matching butler. The options for enjoyment are actually as wide as the sea,” Avecilla proudly beams. If guests are up to the challenge, they be can given basic sailing lessons so they acquire this unique skill that will enable them to sail and compete anywhere in the Philippines. As a sailing haven, regular regattas are held in Subic Bay to enhance yachtsmanship for international competitions and foster camaraderie among sailors. It recently became a playground for grand prix keelboats from various countries as they competed in the prestigious Commodore’s Cup Regatta which is part of the Asian Yachting Circuit. Ancient explorers and colonizers have basked in Subic Bay’s shimmering waters for centuries. It’s about time we Filipinos enjoy it too the way they did—by sailing.

2014

PCG - SAGS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY

he Philippine Coast Guard represented by its Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo V. Isorena , Commodore Joselito F. Dela Cruz, Acting Commander CG Fleet, has committed their support for the Standard Insurance 5th Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014. A signing of the PCG â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAGS Assistance Agreement with Commodores Ricky Sandoval, Jun Avecilla of SAGS and Commodore Judes Echauz, Chairman of Standard Insurance was recently held last 10 February 2014 at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters. The PCG will provide a vessel to ensure the safe passage of the participants in this 200 mile race. They will also issue notices to mariners in the vicinity and provide assistance in case of emergency. With the Regatta drawing international attention, the PCG will be at the forefront of this undertaking in promoting its role in the safety of life at sea in our island nation.

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Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

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Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

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2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

2014

Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

4th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta

2014