Phl sailors rule Taal Lake regatta

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sailing Association (PSA) sailed away with the Club Balai Isabel Round Taal Volcano Regatta and Governor’s Cup at the Taal Lake Yacht Club (TLYC) in Talisay, Batangas recently.

Alan Balladares and Richly Magsanay of the PSA ruled the 35km circumnavigation of the Volcano Island and two inshore races at Taal Lake.

The tandem of Joel Mejarito, and Rommel Chavez, also of PSA, bagged second place by topping two inshore races.

Meanwhile, Rex Puentespina and Art Pascua settled for third in the event which also featured home-built boats, optimists, streakers, dinghies and toppers.

Now on its 11th year, the regatta also served as the kickoff of the TLYC’s 2010-2011 sailing season which will include international competitions next year.

The two-day sailfest was hosted by Club Balai Isabel, a residential resort hotel in Taal Lake, which advocates earth-friendly water sports such as sailing and kayaking. It is also in the forefront in the protection and preservation of the ecosystem Taal Lake, an endangered body of freshwater.

Dubbed the “sailing mecca” of the Philippines by Lonely Planet magazine, Taal Lake is the home of the Philippine Hobie Fleet and is host to regular races.