ABW June 2018

ecognized these resident maritime skills and
developed the galleon Trade. Latin America became
connected to the rest of Asia through the Philippine
archipelago. In the modern world the Filipino
remains a world class mariner, part of a maritime
history linked by skills that keep the nation in the
forefront as a ‘Nation of Seafarers’.
In the modern
world the Filipino
remains a world
class mariner.
Sail Boats
Meanwhile, there is a new
and vibrant consciousness
in the archipelago revolving
around sail boating.
The largest local ‘Paraw’
sailing event is held
annually near Iloilo city
in Panay Island around
February, when over 75 paraws race and take
part in the local fiesta. These days alongside this
classical traditional sailing event has sprung up a
host of other sailing events:
‘The Hobie Challenge’ with 16 foot catamarans
sailing around different parts of the country
annually.
The ‘Subic to Boracay Yacht Race’ in February
through to March annually.
The ‘Commodore’s Cup’ in Subic
While the Puerto Galera Yacht Club host a number
of annual sailing and racing events.
There are several other events around the country,
which go to show that sailing is becoming a national
pastime.
This is evidenced by the Subic Sailing group which
offers sail training in all sizes of boats from the
small dinghies to larger long distance-capable
racing boats. The Puerto Galera Yacht Club has
had a fleet of sail training dinghies for many years.
Filipinos are increasingly now entering
international sailing races, and getting better and
better results.
Sailing is definitively becoming a national pastime.
Past, Present and Future
Overall, the link with the sea throughout the
Philippine Archipelago is a golden reflection of its
rich and influential and ancient Maritime Heritage.
World class mariners, and a blooming and rapidly
growing sailing fraternity are a sign that this is a
proud water based country.
Over recent years several replicas of the 1000 year
old Balangays have been built. Some went on an
epic 17 month cruise off to Malaysia, Singapore,
Thailand and to Cambodia before sailing home to
their home base of the Philippines.
This March 3 Balangays will be sailing to China
from Manila Bay en route to visiting the memorial
of a Filipino Sultan who used to trade with China
over 700 years ago.
The future looks bright for this Seafaring Nation
at many levels, and long may it grow … and
continue to flourish as a water country with a
Philippine Maritime Heritage deeply Sea Kissed
and Proudly Afloat.
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