News From The Philippines

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES Enlarge Photo 6th SUBIC BAY TO BORACAY RACE and BORACAY CUP REGATTA Yacht racing is recognized as a gentlemanly sport, rich in tradition, passion and strong sense of community. The rousing success of acclaimed past racing events in the Philippines has brought the country and its sailing community great pride. Such an event is the upcoming Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) from February 27 to March 2, followed immediately by the Boracay Cup Regatta (BCR) on March 2-6, 2015. “Over the years, we work tirelessly with our sailing partners toward opening more doors for occasions in spreading the spark of sailing and enliven big boat racing pursuits in the Philippines,” so said the SAGS Co-Chairman and The Lighthouse Marina Resort President, Jun Avecilla. Sailing enthusiasts and Grand Prix race boats have been attracted to the challenges that these races bring. The shifting winds that sailors encounter in Subic Bay, as well as en route to the beautiful island of Boracay cause headaches for the unwary, opportunities for the observant and hard work for the crews. Nevertheless, challengers anticipate the excitement and uncertainty towards the finish line and reap the rewards from their two to three days of gruelling racing. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the official airline partner, is working hand in hand with the organizers to bring in international competitors, to make this regatta an even more thrilling one. “International events like this can put the Philippines on the map for sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the region. CEB welcomes the racers to fun Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Stakes are high as Capt. Marty Rijkuris, organizer of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit (asianyachting.com) keeps score of the regattas that count towards the much coveted AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year. The race to Boracay and the Boracay Cup are two out of the twelve races which are conducted across South East Asia, in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong that award points to the winners. The accolades are given at the end of the racing season in Koh Samui. Jelik (title holder of 2013 Yacht of the Year) owned by Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of 2013, Frank Pong, snatched the combined Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014 title from two-year consecutive champion Karakoa skippered by Ray Ordoveza in the IRC Racing Class. One of the best race management teams in Asia will be led by renowned International Race Officer Jerry Rollin for both events, ensuring a high standard and world class race conduct. Starting the race in Subic Bay provides the advantages of safe marina facilities and the wide expanse of Subic Bay for the start and this is more than matched by the windy conditions in Boracay that makes for an exceptional racing experience. Truly, sailing is more fun in the Philippines. The Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta is spearheaded by Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing, (also known as SAGS), Asian Yachting Grand Prix and Philippine Sailing Association, co-presented by PLDT Alpha, in conjunction with Resorts World Manila, Watercraft Venture Corporation and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. In cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay HATS & Visitors Board, Olongapo City, Department of Tourism, Province of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Philippine Coast Guard and the Regatta’s Official Airline Partner, Cebu Pacific. Major Sponsors include PLDT SME Nation, North Philippines Visitors Bureau, North Luzon Expressway, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Tanduay, ICTSI-Subic, Allphones, Ruckus Wireless, Pepsi Cola Inc. and Tourism Promotions Board Official Media Partners Manila Bulletin, Wondertower Creative, Asia Pacific Boating Hotel Partners are Sea Wind Resort, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Regency Beach and Spa, Discovery Shores, Terrace Hotel and Bayfront Hotel. Minor Sponsors Smart Satellite, Sand Bar Beach Club, Quiksilver, Autohub, Petron, Jack Daniels, PLDT Subictel, Broadwater Marine, International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, Phinsaf, Papaya Yacht Charter and Services, and San Miguel Brewery. Media Partners Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Calibre, Business Mirror, La Isla Magazine, Freeport Cable Inc., Batang Gapo News TV, Subic Times, Fragrant Harbo