THE Subic Sailing Club-based Selma Star topped the IRC Class to win top honors in the recent 19th Punta Fuego Regatta for a fitting followup to its victory at the BPI Busuanga Cup 2022.
Captained by veteran sailor Jun Avecilla, the 36.9-foot Beneteau yacht outsailed Ice 52 Belatrix helmed by Jun Villanueva and Sean Mitchell in the waters of Nasugbu Bay.
Hurricane Hunter of Albert Altura and international-award winning Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza settled for third and fourth places, respectively.
One of the country’s biggest sailing tournaments, Punta Fuego Regatta returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and was postponed from its original schedule in January.
The two-day event was headed by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (Phinsaf) and co-presented by Landco Pacific and hosted by Club Punta Fuego.
Wild Honey led by James Villareal, Plus Ultra of Pablo Lobregat and Isabelle of Tere Marcial finished top three in the Cruising Class.
Rounding up the winning circle was Twin Popsies, jointly helmed by Dylan Tantuico and Gordon Luk, and MYG2 of Vincent Ruais which sparkled in the Ocean Multihull category.
“The successful return of the regatta despite the many challenges is a clear sign of the return to normalcy of sailing events due to the improving health situation in the country,” Club Punta Fuego general manager Edgar Krohn said.
Phinsaf president Jerry Rollin said that the event is a big boost in promoting the country as a sports tourism hub. AP