Boracay interlude

BORACAY, Aklan – The fastest edition of the Manila to Boracay race finished in grand style here, as the international and local crews of skippers and sailors celebrated overcoming the challenges of weather.

The 220-nautical mile boat race took off from the Manila Yacht Club middle of last week, amid deceptively calm seas.

“We were a little bit concerned about not having any wind at the start,” admits Judes Echaus, organizer of the race and president of the Philippine Sailing Association. “But after about an hour, hour and a half, things really picked up, and in some places reaching as fast as 25 knots.”

Some stretches along breathtaking route – particularly around Verde Island, were particularly challenging. The wind was so strong that one of the boats broke its mast, and two others retired. But overall, the strong winds and scenic route helped some boats break their own records.

Jelik, owned by Hong Kong businessman Frank Pong, won the IRC class and overall honors. Pong and crew broke their previous record of over 19 hours and 40 minutes, shaving it down to 19 hours and less than a minute. Pong has been so enamored of the race and its destination, that he named one of his boats Boracay. Jelik also won the Hainan race in 2002.

One of Pong’s secrets is that most of his crew are Filipinos, whom he recruits from all over the country. The team also includes a Frenchman, Chinese and a member of the Malaysian Olympic sailing team.

“It’s really something you have to love,” Pong told The STAR. “There is a lot of work to be done to keep improving a boat, as well as the regular maintenance. You’re always trying to find out what is weak, and make it stronger. Sometimes, what is strong becomes a little weak, in some way. You have to find the balance. If you look at it as a chore, don’t do it.”

Pong even had his crew bring their families to Boracay, as a sign of his support for them.

The organizers, media and participants found a home in the fabulous Sea Wind resort right on the beach. The pristine surroundings and rich accommodations made the trip worth it. Then again, nobody needed an excuse to come to Boracay.

“Sometimes, I don’t know if it’s the race itself or the destination,” a smiling Pong quipped. “Any reason to come here, I suppose.”

The awarding ceremony itself was graced by the top local officials of Boracay, as well as a Who’s Who of the Philippine sailing community, and was hosted by the men of ABS-CBN News Channel’s Hardball: Boyet Sison, Jinno Rufino, and yours truly. After the event, many of the participants explored Boracay and celebrated the end of another adventure. Many were welcomed to Beachcomber bar, partly owned by Manolet Llige.

Next year’s edition dovetails with the President’s Cup, making each event even more exciting. The Manila-Boracay race begins Feb. 14, immediately followed by the President’s Cup, which carried a different name supposedly until then-President Fidel Ramos saw the boats at Subic Bay Yacht Club and suggested that the event be re-named.

That will be another great adventure.