Sailing action returns to Punta Fuego

THE Punta Fuego Regatta, one of the country’s longest-running yachting tournaments, returned after a two-year pandemic hiatus and a postponement from its original schedule in January. The 19th edition of the Regatta was won by Subic Sailing Club-based Selma Star, a 37-foot Beneteau yacht of veteran sailor Jun Avecilla which ruled the IRC Class. Finishing as runner up was Belatrix, an Ice 52 sailboat helmed by Jun Villanueva and Sean Mitchell. Both yachts won top honors at the BPI Busuanga Cup 2022 held in February. Meanwhile, Hurricane Hunter of Albert Altura and international-award winning Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza settled for third and fourth places, respectively. Wild Honey led by James Villareal, Plus Ultra of Pablo Lobregat, and Isabelle of Tere Marcial copped the top three awards in the Cruising Class. Rounding up the winning circle was Twin Popsies jointly helmed by Dylan Tantuico and Gordon Luk, and Vincent Ruais’ MYG2 which shone 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,” said Club Punta Fuego general manager Edgar Krohn, in a press release. The regatta is spearheaded by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation, co-presented by Landco Pacific, and hosted by Club Punta Fuego.