MANILA, Philippines - The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Subic Bay’s premier luxury hotel, recently hosted the kick-off of the Subic Bay to Boracay Race sailing competition, held as part of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s effort to make it as the country’s sailing capital.
The event drew a crack international field with members of the participating teams and guests treated to a grand show of fire dancing and musical entertainment the night before the sail-off.
“This is in keeping with our thrust to make Subic Bay the center for sports tourism, for which sailing is an integral part. We want to make Subic the sailing capital of the Philippines,†said SBMA chair Roberto Garcia.
The sailfest, a 210-nautical mile ISAF Cat 3 Offshore reace to Boracay, featured three classes with Karaoka with skipper Ray Ordoveza, Zanzibar (Jonathan Mahony) and Standard Insurance Centennial III (Ernesto Echauz) disputing the IRC Racing Class crown.
Centennial II (Martin Tanco), Lethal Weapon (Bobby Benares) and Lighthouse Selma Star ROX C! Calibre (Jesus Avecilla Jr.) made up the IRC Cruiser Racing Class while Giant Cod (Nigel Masuembo), China Rose (Michael Raeuber) and NG 3 (Elmer Gualberto) headed the PY Class cast.
Sailing in the Philippines, particularly in Subic and Boracay, has gained popularity the last few years with top notch yachts from some of the world’s leading sailors vying for the Asian Yachtsman of the Year and the Yacht of the Year titles in the Asian Yachting Circuit.
The Lighthouse Manila Resort features 34 modern suites, an all-day dining mecca, a three-tier bar and a host of leisure and relaxation facilities.
For details on the upcoming Subic Bay regattas, visit www.facebook.com/subicsailing or email Sags@subicsailing.com.