Eye Popping Race Photos

Catch Avery Datol's pro shots of the last Manila to Boracay Race and The President's Cup Regatta. Sailors caught in a squall on the first day.

That's me, 2nd from right, cranking up the jibsail during a tack. Nice shot Avery.


Set at new venue, this regatta make hardcore sailors, who are usually grumpy after loosing a day's race, happy and somehow mezmerised at the tranquil beauty of the powder white sand beach and the laid back atmosphere of the island. No other regatta has this formulla. The organizers should take well note of the big potential of this unique sporting event.

Vespa sa Bora

This is Paulo. Boracay based, Italian and rides one of the only two Vespas in the island. His is a prestine Vespa PX150 with all the garnishings of a 1997 model. I spotted him by chance while taking a friend to a clinic (by the back road) who had a sailing related injury.

...on the beach. Injured Frank center, Joe and Chris helping him.

To see the other Vespa in Boracay go to Vespinoy forums. Also see related story by John Rana.

Big on Sailing

More than any sport, I am big on sailing. This summer, the season brings in the biggest sailing event in its history. And historic it is. For it only holds the record for the oldest trophy in the world.

It's the 32nd America's Cup season. It's been 5 years since the cup have been challenged. A match race of top sailors and cutting edge boat designs. Some say its a design race others a helmsman's race. But that's what makes it fascinating. Learn more about ACC in Understanding the Cup a bigginners guide.

From a series of races one Challenger boat will out manuever, literally, 11 contenders to face the Defending Champion, Swiss boat Alinghi and yet another series of one on one match races to determine the winner of this 155 year old mug.

Up Close Maiden HK

Hundred and fifteen feet in length, Frank Pong's Maiden Hong Kong is not your typical racing sailboat. I mean, take a look at the big disparity of a the 50ft+ Mandrake and Maiden above. Having the biggest IRC rating in the world, this boat is literally humongus and like a space ship on deck and down below, with the canting keel and all.


I had a chance to get on board Maiden before the start of the Manila-Boracay Race and posted some here. Enjoy the pics!

Screaming Regatta in a World Famous Beach

Another great regatta. Took this sneaky shot of Benj sailing low to pass Hi Fi up our stern. This was the 4th race of President's Cup, the regatta gave us fantastic close starts and strong winds exceeding 25knots. See more pics here.

Captain Marty has some great racing stories in Asian Yachting that'll give you a clearer picture of how this first ever bigboat regatta unfolded in front of Boracay . See you in 2009!