Dalanon’s star rises in 12th Punta Fuego Regatta

MANILA, Philippines - Last year, he sacrificed losing the ultimate prize but won the hearts of many. This year, there was no denying that he would finally get what is rightfully his.

Janno Dalanon more than made up for the lost opportunity last year as he ruled the Optimist Class for the first time in the 12th Punta Fuego Regatta during the weekend at the Punta Fuego Yacht Club.

The 14-year-old member of the Philippine Sailing team finished only at sixth place last year when he opted to save Rex Puentespina, an older sailor competing in the Hobie 16 Class during the race. His gesture won him the adulation of the crowd and the Principal Race Officer award.

“Masaya ako na finally nanalo rin ako,” said the young sailor, who is a two-time bridesmaid finisher in the 12-year old annual competition before finally getting the elusive crown this year.

“That’s what sailing is all about. You enjoy it, you get better and better. You come from the back and you end up in front,” said principal race officer Jerry Rollin of Dalanon’s rise from last year’s setback.

The young sailor, who is a son of a tailor in Parañaque City, started in the sport when he was around eight to nine years old upon the influence of his uncle, who drives a yacht as a job.

“May potential talaga ang batang yan. Ang problema nga lang ay ‘yung exposure kasi minsan lang sila nakakalabas para mag-compete sa ibang bansa,” Dalanon’s coach Carmelo Apdo told Philstar.com.

Dalanon made his first sailing abroad when he placed 12th out of 65 participants in the Hong Kong Optimist National Championship last December.

“Actually, si Dalanon umangat na sa Class A yan. Kung may mga laban sa ibang bansa, priority na yang batang yan. Hinog na siya sa sailing,” said Dalanon’s proud coach.