ABW Dec 2017

Within the Philippine sailing calendar
there are many bewitching regattas
where idyllic scenery, elegantly graceful yachts
and a friendly competitive spirit are combined with
a robust joie de vivre. The Royal Cargo ‘All Souls
Regatta’ held each year at Puerto Galera is among
the best of them. Even before getting there, the
seaward approach to Puerto Galera via Verde Island
and the Batangas Channel is
one of the most photographed,
and most photogenic, sights in
the archipelago and all visitors
to the Philippines should
witness it at least once.
This year the ‘All Souls Regatta’
was held between October 29
and 31. For those yachties
who like to combine a spot
of benign sailing in delightful
surroundings followed by
more than a few drinks among
like minded companions will
do well to keep an eye on the
PGYC website for the 2017
regatta dates. And, just for
the sheer hell of it, throw in a
fancy dress costume or two to get the most out of
the Halloween party.
With a record number of entries the Puerto Galera
Yacht Club’s 2017 All Souls Regatta has been voted
the best yet, the Royal Cargo sponsored event
attracted entries from as far afield as Hong Kong,
Australia, Germany and France to name just a few
of the countries.
And, just for the
sheer hell of it, throw
in a fancy dress
costume or two to get
the most out of the
Halloween party.
The weather Gods smiled on competitors with
winds averaging around 15 knots. Albeit there was
some heavy rain storms which did not deter the
competitiveness of these well-seasoned sailors.
In keeping with PGYC tradition all racing was done
on a pursuit basis, with slowest boats starting
first. This worked to perfection with the fleet
finishing within a time frame
of approximately 30 minutes.
Major sponsor was the ever
faithful Royal Cargo, which
has supported the regatta for
many years.
Sponsor numbers were at an all
time high this year with several
newcomers that included
the government body,
the Philippine Retirement
Authority, sea plane agent
Air Juan, Hyde Sails, Papaya
Cove Yacht Charter Services,
and Rayomarine. Other major
sponsors included Broadwater
Marine.
The racing was divided into three classes, Multi
hulls, Racing division and Cruising division.
Competing this year there were six multi-hulls,
twelve in the cruising class and eight in the racing
class with Kareem Magill on sroka in a special class,
a total of twenty seven competing in this year’s
regatta, making it one of the top events on the
Philippine sailing calendar.
Words by
BARRY
DAWSON
Photographs
as credited
Soars to New Heights
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