on 2 May 2019
The inaugural regatta (Apr 25-30) held in Subic Bay, Philippines adds a new dinghy category and other water activities to the sailing festival
The Chairman’s Cup Regatta, co-organised by the Subic Sailing Club and the Philippine Sailing Association (PSA), was held over six days in late April.
Replacing the renowned Commodore’s Cup, the new event provided a new dinghy race category, which added Oz Gooses, Optimists and Streakers to the existing IRC, FarEast 28Rs, cruisers and keel boats. Windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand-up paddling were also newly included activities.
(Photo: Chairman’s Cup Regatta – Misty Mountain and Rampage)
The inaugural race series kicked off in Subic Bay of Olangapo City, which is well-known for consistent but tricky winds and stable water conditions, making it one of the best in the country for sailing. Sailing enthusiasts of all ages participated this year, fulfilling the organisers’ goals of fostering a new generation of Filipino sailors.
George Hackett’s Mills 43 Misty Mountain won the overall IRC Class, besting runner-up Noel Chan’s HH42 Rampage II and Jun Avecilla’s Beneteau First 36.7 Selma Star in third place. In the Cruising Class, Taal Lake Yacht Club’s Commodore Peter Capotosto’s Team Selma/TLYC took first place overall.
(Photo: Chairman’s Cup Regatta)
A total of seven teams competed in the FarEast 28R category, with Ernesto Echauz’s PSA Standard Insurance Centennial team and Emerson Villena’s PSA 2 team both taking First Place overall, ahead of Ridgely Balladares’ PSA 1 in second and Yukie Ikawa of Team Turquise Japan in third. Other teams from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong were also welcome participants and worthy competitors.
The event was complemented by the festive atmosphere of the sailing village at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, where forums honouring the country’s rich maritime heritage and promoting marine conservation were held. Speakers included Executive Director of the Subic Sailing Club Zedrik Avecilla, Tom Sheppard, Leonard Chin and Lister Hughes.
(Photo: Chairman’s Cup Regatta – FarEast 28R fleet)