ABW June 2021-1

THE 5TH ANNUAL BUSUANGA CUP
ALBAY YACHT CLUB... A REBIRTH
SPEARFISHING IN THE PHILIPPINES
CRUISING AFTER CORONA 2
COMBING THE CORAL CARPET- PART 2
CELEBRATING WOMEN
CAN FISH FORM A HUMAN ATTACHMENT?
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
LIBERTY BITCOIN YOUTH FOILING WORLD CUP
Destination
BURGOS
PANGASINAN
LEOPARD 53 POWERCAT
JUNE 2021 Vol. X Issue 2
ACTIVE BOATING & WATERSPORTS
PhP200

POWERCAT
AN OUTDOOR OASIS COMBINED WITH A
REFINED INTERIOR
Succeeding the most popular powercat of all time
(Leopard 51 Powercat), this Leopard 53 Powercat
ushers in the 4th generation with a yacht that
features all the attributes that made her predecessor
successful, while reimagining what a powercat should
be. With the space, stability, and efficiency expected
of a catamaran combined with the comfort and luxury
of a motor yacht, she is crafted with style without
compromising on performance.
The Leopard 53 Powercat offers a modern interior
with the comforts of home as well as plenty of outdoor
entertaining space. Combined with the smart and
economical advantages of the catamaran design,
she is easy to maintain and operate, and is up to 50%
more fuel efficient than her monohull motoryacht
counterparts.
The interior’s atmosphere will entice, with cool tones
and modern finishes. Offered in a three or four cabin
layout, with the option for separate crew cabins. The
three-cabin owner’s version provided an at-home feel
with a large, walk around bed, a walk-in closet and a
double vanity.
The saloon offers large, panoramic windows, an L-shaped lounge to
port and a 2-person settee to starboard with an option to add an interior
navigation station. The flow is seamless with access to foredeck through
the forward saloon door.
The galley is outfitted with a domestic-sized refrigerator/freezer, Staron ®
worktop surfaces, 4-burner stove, microwave oven, sink and faucet, and
ample amounts of storage.
Exclusive dealer of
Leopard in the Philippines

SIGNATURE COMFORT AND UNCOMPROMISED PERFORMANCE
The Leopard 42 is the organic evolution into the new generation of our
award-winning line of yachts. We have created a revolutionary design that
has exceed expectations by offering far more than anticipated. This was
accomplished all while maintaining our signature balance of comfort and
uncompromised performance.
The exterior styling features continuous hull side windows, a continuous
hardtop, and what has quickly become our signature, an upper-lounge area.
The interior design brings more luxury and elegance to the Leopard sailboat
range. All bunks are now island berths that allow access from both sides.
With windows everywhere space permitted, the natural light is amplified.
Available in 3 cabin/ 3 heads and 4 cabin/ 4 heads, all cabins include their
own private en-suite heads. All heads include their own designated shower
area; a feature not currently found on catamarans in this size range.
In the saloon, we have added a generous skylight, as well and an additional
window in the aft starboard corner facing the helm seat. The forward-facing
L-shaped galley is sure to entice any chef!
Exclusive dealer of
Leopard in the Philippines

AN ELEGANT BREED OF CATAMARAN
Awarded Boat of the Year honors in 2017 and founded upon the ethos of continuous
innovation and feedback from cruising clients, the Leopard 45 sailing catamaran
represents astute value, elegant lines and satisfies blue water passion.
We are excited to announce that we are now offering the innovative hardtop lounge
on the Leopard 45. This lounge feature first launched on the award-winning
Leopard 50 and like her big sister, the lounge on the Leopard 45 includes a seating
area, a sunbed, and a table. Access to the lounge is provided by floating stairs
leading up from the aft cockpit, without disrupting the helm station. The helm station
remains well protected, and integrated into the cockpit and the rest of the boat.
The Leopard 45 Sailing Catamaran delivers uncompromised, exceptional
build quality throughout, new, sleek styling, a sensible and practical layout,
sailing comfort across all sea states, and features innovative technologies and
multiple entertainment areas.
Exclusive dealer of
Leopard in the Philippines

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEOPARD CATAMARANS
With versatility in mind, we bring to you the next generation of Leopard
Catamarans, the Leopard 50.
The Leopard 50 comes equipped with a flybridge that includes a lounge area,
table, sunbed and optional exterior speakers and shade awning. Access
is direct and provided by floating stairs leading up from the side deck. The
lounge of the Leopard 50 has the advantage of a traditional flybridge while at
the same time keeping the helmstation well protected behind the bulkhead,
well protected by a dedicated hard top, and with direct access and visibility
into the aft cockpit. While under sail, passengers can move about the flybridge
with ample headroom and never worry about interference from the boom.
The flybridge is also designed to maintain contact with the helm station, an
important feature found on all Leopard Catamarans.
The entire exterior styling of the Leopard 50 has also been revamped to
give the hull a more sophisticated look. In addition to the exterior options,
the interior offers multiple layout configuration with 3, 4 or 5 cabins, utility
room for live aboard and an extensive options list.
Exclusive dealer of
Leopard in the Philippines

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30+ Styles 30+ Styles 30+ & Styles & &
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2

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Sunbrella ® ® Horizon ®
redefines the the the boating experience.
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& Recovery & Recovery & Recovery
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3

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Well it is great to see a little bit of normality starting to creep back
into our everyday lives, for far too long the country has been held
at ransom over government stupidity in the handling of COVID
Pandemic.
I for one cannot wait for the sailing, swimming, boating and to be
able to enjoy the beaches and the freshness of the ocean while
having fun and enjoying your favorite water-sports, as they start to
be treated with common sense, the way it should be and let people
get on with enjoying life to the fullest.
So many people have suffered major losses at the hands of greedy
officials that did not know any better. So now is the time to put the
last year behind us and start to live a normal and full life.
This trip we visited a little gem in Pangasinan called Burgos, this is a
top spot to relax and forget what the pandemic has done. What with
crystal clear blue pristine waters, white sands and friendly people,
what more could a body ask for, with the added bonus of not having
the prices and stupidity of some other destinations. Ten times as
much fun at a far less drain on your budget, in addition this place
of beauty is only a 4 hour drive from Manila, making Burgos a must
place on anyones bucket list.
We are still investigating where and what place we will be promoting
in September, but rest assured it will be a place like Burgos that is
well worth visiting.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
The 5th Annual Busuanga Cup 6
Albay Yacht Club... A Rebirth 14
Cruising After Corona 2 22
Reef Haven Dive Center 28
Environmental Implications of 34
Spearfishing In The Philippines
Combing The Coral Carpet - Part 2 39
Celebrating Women Of The Coasts 52
And The Seas
Can Fish Form A Human Attachment? 60
Destination - BURGOS 64
The Hidden Gem Of Pangasinan
When Should A Marine Protected Area 80
Be Relocated?
The Bangka 82
The Roots And Growth of 86
Zambales Lifesaving Inc.
Sailing Tips - Marina Berths 90
Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling 92
World Cup 2021-2022
In the meantime stay safe while enjoying the pleasures that life has
to offer.
Barry Dawson Editor
Leopard 53 Powercat
Cover photo courtesy of RAYOMARINE
Destination - BURGOS, Pangasinan
Published quarterly by: ABW PUBLISHING
House 16, Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Publisher: ROSALIE M. BAIRD
Managing Editor & Production: BARRY DAWSON
Layout & Design: MAR SUBA
Contributing Writers: BRUCE CURRAN & JAMES WEBSTER
Contributing Photographers: TERRY DUCKHAM & JOHNNY MARTINEZ
Advertising: (046) 489-2087/ 0919-070-3751/ 0917-620-2711
Email: info@activeboatingwatersports.com
Website: www.activeboatingwatersports.com
Printed by: House Printers, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Active Boating and Watersports is a copyright© production
No part can be copied or reproduced without the express
permission of the publishers.
4
The views expressed and advertisements published in Active Boating & Watersports
are those of the authors and advertisers, and not ABW Publishing.
ABW Publishing does not accept any liability whatsoever for errors or omissions.

5

All crew members
were required to have
a negative Covid
Swab test, sadly
one crew member
of one boat
tested positive
eliminating one
of the boats.
Carino finishing at Black Island
6

The Fifth running of the Busuanga Cup, one of
the premier yacht races in the Philippines, was
challenged by light winds and COVID restrictions.
The race starts at Punta Fuego Resort with the
skippers picking their start times calculated to finish at
Puerto Del Sol in close timing with the other boats, and not
miss the party!
The challenge of running this event in difficult times
was met head-on by the Philippines Interisland Sailing
Foundation committee. All crew members were required to
have a negative COVID Swab test, sadly one crew member
of one boat tested positive, eliminating one of the boats.
5
The
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
Seasonal winds can be quite calm at that time of the year so
an allowance for motoring was devised. The cruising boats
were made to record their motoring times.
Then that time was multiplied by 1.5 before calculating
the final results. Some boats entered the race just for the
social activity in Busuanga, and decided before the race,
that they would be motoring. At the end of the day, a boat
that motored could not beat a boat that hadn’t with this
setup. This year all but one of the boats resorted to the iron
jib. The Subic Sailing boat kept true to the sport by taking
over forty-eight hours to finish the race. No one broke the
standing 2020 record of Balletrex finishing in just 21 hours.
th Annual
BUSUANGA
CUP
7

Hurricane Hunter running Race 1
Close Roam and Papaya
A good route to
Black Island
Donnie Altura Cup Race 1
Fleet at Pass Island waiting for
wind and Selmar Star
8

By popular demand a second day of racing was added to the
event as done in previous years, adding two shorter races to
the total number of events.
Selma Star running at finish
This year the races and following gala events were sponsored
by Marina del Sol, who put on a lavish albeit “social distancing”
awards party.
The glowing smiles
of the local school
officials and attending
kids glowed even
more brightly than the
spectacular trophies.
Before the sparkling
cut glass trophies
were awarded, the
Philippines Interisland
Sailing Foundation
made a generous and
well-needed gift to
the a local elementary
school of many reams
of paper and printing ink. With the modular schooling methods
now being used for safety, the gifts were greatly appreciated.
The happy smiles of the local school officials and attending
kids glowed even more brightly than the spectacular trophies.
The awards, including the coveted Doni Altura Memorial
Perpetual Trophy, were handed out under a warm star-filled
Wild Honey finishing downwind
9

RO Jerry at Maria del Sol
evening sky. The food, drink, and comradery were sublime.
Manchu Garcia was the host of the event while Albert Altura
distributed the awards.
The winner in the Cruiser Class: Papaya,
Rene Ticson at the helm, 2nd Karis, Henry
Haulk, and 3rd Frecinet, Daryl Calvert.
Moving to the Ocean Multi-Hull Class: 1st
Roam, Peter Wa, 2nd Poco Loco with David
Suten and 3rd Carino, Manchu Garcia.
The Racer/Cruiser Class saw Selma Star with Jun Avecilla,
2nd Hurricane Hunter, Albert Altura, and 3rd, Wild Honey,
James Villareal. Selma Star also picked up the coveted Doni
Altura Memorial Perpetual trophy. Being the only boat not
Being the only boat not
to fire up the iron jib
they held true to the
sport for forty-eight
hours of sailing time.
to fire up the iron jib they held true
to the sport for forty-eight hours of
sailing time.
A weekend of sailing, comradery, gala
parties, and good times left us all
looking forward to next year’s race.
10

11

Bluegame BGX60 – For The
Ultimate Ocean Enjoyment
The innovative BGX60 exceeds all expectations and offers
the deepest connection with the elements.
The BGX60 is a brilliant multi-purpose yacht
that combines an exclusive design with cuttingedge
technology, always delivering high performance and
outstanding seaworthiness, for unique moments on board.
A unique piece is hard to repeat. In Bluegame, we made it. The
BGX60 exceeds all expectations. This brilliant yacht embodies the
indomitable BGX spirit through a distinctive design combined with
a unique blend of comfort, style and innovation. With the new
BGX60 the unexpected at sea becomes a Collection.
The interiors are crafted by the expert craftsmen of the Iseo Lake
area, where a tradition of high quality boat building was settled long
time ago. Thanks to this craftsmanship the Bluegame yachts can be
personalized according to the personal taste of the owner, in respect
of the general layouts proposed by the yard. On the Bluegame
yachts owner and guests can find a large use of the most updated
house automation, to offer the best assisted living on board.
The Bluegame production is made under the most attentive
sustainability principles, using FSC certified woods supplying, the
total LED lighting, zero impact sustainable leather, formaldehyde
free furniture, for the higher respect of the environment either
during construction and use of the boats. The respect for
the environment is extended to participating to international
foundations engaged to protect the waters of the planet.
Bluegame boats have large and well protected sidewalks and a high
enough bulwark to let children and guests run around in complete safety.
Conceived for those who pursue a profound closeness with the sea,
this surprising power boat will make you experience the infinite
blue even when inside your yacht. The BGX60 is definitely worthy
of its place next to the BGX70.
Designed for long journeys, the BGX60 boasts excellent performance
at all times of the day, along with an extraordinary seaworthiness.
Wide spaces, maximum comfort, safety in all weather conditions and
livability are the distinctive features of the new BGX60.
SPECIFICATIONS Bluegame BGX60
Length
19m / 62.4ft
Draft (m/ft) 1.4m / 4.6ft
Max Beam (m/ft) 5.3m / 17.3ft
Displacement (tons) 35 tons
Engines
2 x Volvo Penta IPS 800HP / 900HP
Fuel tank (l) 3000 l
Fresh Water Tank (l) 780 l
Cruise Speed (kn) 27 kn
Max Speed (kn) 30 kn
Cabins 2-3
Guests 8
12

13

ALBAY YACHT
Words by ROY ESPIRITU
Photographs as Credited
14
An AYC Goose with two of
Albay’s famous landmarks in
the background, Kapuntukan
hill and Mayon volcano

CLUB...
HHistory Professor Danilo Madrin Gerona wrote
the following paragraphs in his book “Legazpi,
Spanish Citadel in the Heartland of Ibalon”:
“The picturesque shorelines of Legazpi, dotted with
commercial vessels, was given further artistic perspective
with the numerous colorful sails from
native and western vessels leisurely
maneuvering on the foamy waters of
the bay.
Many of these small vessels were
members of a sophisticated sailor’s
organization known as the Albay
Yacht Club. The Club was organized
in 1907 by five seamen and a number
of local enthusiasts who owned a
fleet of five recreation boats including
a yacht, a balandro or a certain kind of native boat, and
two sibid-sibid. The members included a Spaniard, an
Englishman and an American. In due time, the Club
apparently gained more membership.
The Club’s foremost project was the dredging of the mouth
of Sabang to allow numerous small vessels to easily
dock in the port. Recognizing the suggestions’ immense
The Club was organized in
1907 by five seamen and a
number of local enthusiasts
who owned a fleet of five
recreation boats including
a yacht, a balandro or a
certain kind of native boat,
and two sibid-sibid.
impact on the maritime trade in
the province, Governor Charles
Reynolds tried to obtain the
help of the local chapter of the
opulent International Chamber of
Commerce. But the project failed
to take off until 1915 when the
municipal government of Albay
revived the proposal.”
The Japanese invasion pretty
much put a stop to leisure sailing in
Luzon. After the war, the Albay Yacht Club was never revived,
and no one is around anymore who might know why.
15

Around 2005, a group of friends in Legazpi who had leisure
boats decided to call themselves the Bacacay Yacht Club named
after a scenic municipality in Albay between Lagonoy Gulf
and Albay Gulf well known for its picturesque coves, beaches
and islands. A great place for leisure boating as well as sportfishing,
the initial fleet of the Bacacay Yacht Club consisted of
only two paraws and a locally built sailing catamaran.
Martin Reynoso, one of the founders
of the Bacacay Yacht Club discovered
Professor Gerona’s book, and he and
the other sailors agreed to rename
their group, the Albay Yacht Club
(AYC), as a small group back then
and didn’t think much of it. In 2016,
one of the founders of AYC, Fernand
Imperial got involved in competitive
sailing and was participating regularly
in regattas organized by Subic Sailing. Fernand crews on
George Hackett’s racing yacht, the Misty Mountain.
Fernand was sold on
the idea, all he needed
to do was find nine
other people or groups
who would be game to
start a sailing scene in
Legazpi...
While sailing at Subic, Fernand saw small sailboats, wind
surfers and beach catamarans racing and new sailors
being trained on them. He thought this would be a great
idea to promote leisure sailing in Legazpi through dinghy
sailing with the hopes of replicating the sailing scene from
Subic, in his hometown. Fernand imagined the sailboats
would be a great sight in Albay gulf fronting the newly
developed Legazpi Boulevard. His skipper, George Hackett
recommended starting with the Oz Goose class, a sailboat
that was getting people’s attention and was considered the
fastest growing sailing dinghy fleet in the country.
The inclusive nature of the Oz Goose and its affordability
made it a very attractive starting point for the Albay
Yacht Club sailing program. Fernand coordinated with
the Philippine Home Boatbuilders Yacht
Club (PHBYC), the prime mover of the
Oz Goose growth in the Philippines to
find out how they could start a fleet in
Legazpi. He found out about the Family
Boatbuilding Weekends (FBW) that the
PHBYC organizes in different locations
to initiate sailing clubs and popularize
sailing for sport and leisure.
Fernand was sold on the idea, all he
needed to do was find nine other people or groups who
would be game to start a sailing scene in Legazpi, as the
minimum number of boats needed to conduct a Family
Boatbuilding Weekend is ten boats.
Fernand found several friends interested in the idea and
was able to convince the City of Legazpi to procure 3 of
the boat kits and assign them to the coastal Barangays;
they were even able to secure sponsorship from the local
Department of Tourism to sponsor the sails for these
Barangays lowering the procurement cost for the city.
John’s Goose being assembled
16

AYC members rigger their Geese to sail
Michael showing John
how to tack smoothly in a
Goose at the sailing clinic
AYC sailors being taught by
Michael Storer how to rig a Goose
A newly painted Oz
Goose at AYC boat yard
17

Some of AYC’s Geese line
up for inspection at the
AYC boat yard
John Saling in Albay Gulf
One of the AYC original sailing
bancas sailing in Albay Gulf
Members of AYC in John’s living room watchin sailing videos about
sailing technique during the sailing clinic conducted by PHBYC
Michael Storer of PHBYC giving a lecture in the AYC equipment hut
18
John G of AYC sailing on his pink Oz Goose
called Barbie’s World

Around February 2020, a commitment for 12 participating
teams was achieved and an event date was set. The Albay
Yacht Club would be assembling sailboats for the Labor Day
weekend of 2020.
Everything was set in motion for the future of the Albay Yacht
Club. Then, the pandemic hit, and the world slowed to a crawl.
With 2020 finally over, people were looking forward to the
New Year. With most of Legazpi starting to get back on its
feet after the 2020’s trifecta of weather carnage behind
them and the population getting back into the groove of
things, members of AYC took their time figuring out how
to put the boat kits together, with Internet connectivity still
sketchy in some parts of the city.
When the lockdown and travel restrictions were finally eased
later in the year, AYC and PHBYC were still very much game
to make the re-birth of the Legazpi Goose
fleet happen. Adjustments were made,
ideas were thrown around and it was
decided that the FBW would proceed in
the new normal.
Normally, PHBYC instructors go to the
locations where FBWs happen to prefabricate
the boat kits and provide personal
face-to-face instruction and assistance for
the participants, but because of the travel
restrictions into Bicol and the observance of health protocols,
this part of the job had to happen in a different way.
Pre-fabrication of the boat kits was done at the Taal
Lake Yacht Club (TLYC), in Talisay Batangas. With tourism
Fernand took the initiative and with the help of Johnny
Napay they assembled the first AYC goose, Johnny
recruited his siblings and assembled
Johnny recruited his
siblings and assembled
another boat and
another, and by March,
eight of the 12 boat
fleet were sailing.
another boat and then another, and
by March, eight of the twelve boat
fleet were sailing. Photos and videos
were being posted on the AYC
Facebook page and it looked like
the sailors were having fun. Some
were having trouble getting off
Puro beach which faces northeast,
launching directly into the wind and
waves during the Amihan season.
To help them out, a core group of the PHBYC members
went down to Albay and held a sailing clinic, providing them
with essential maintenance and rigging tips and training the
new goose owners how to get the most out for their fleet.
One of the original sailing bancas of AYC
shuttered in the area because of the pandemic and TLYC
not allowed to open, TLYC welcomed the idea of some of
their Yacht Club staff being recruited to assist in the pre-fab;
they knew what to do since they had done it before from an
FBW experience two years prior. In lieu of the personalized
instruction, a series of instructional videos were produced
along with a more detailed assembly manual.
Everyone waiting for the kits in Legazpi were excited for
the arrival of the kits so the boats could be built in time for
the start of Amihan (northeast monsoon) season starting
in late November. However, the 2020 typhoon season
had a different idea. Three typhoons, one of which was
categorized as a super typhoon (Rolly) devastated the
Bicol region. Each one, arriving just days after the previous
one, left parts of Bicol without power for months.
The colorful sails of AYC’s newly built fleet of Oz Goose
sailboats are now a regular feature on the Legazpi
Boulevard, adding color to the lovely blue waters of Albay
Gulf, a wondrous sight to see especially with the Mayon
Volcano’s imposing figure in the background. A vibrant
watersports community is on the rise in Legazpi. AYC
together with the Mayon Kayak Club are getting more
Bicolanos to appreciate and enjoy what the Albay Gulf has
to offer. Plans are even in the offing to hold the next Oz
Goose National Championships in Legazpi.
Should you wish to know more about AYC, look for the
Albay Yacht Club Facebook group to see the latest updates
as well as their photos and videos.
19

20

21

Cruising After
CORONA2
Words & Photographs by
BRIAN CALVERT

My prediction was
accurate again, the
strong winds of the
week before had abated
to a small ripple for our
voyage, leaving the race
boats ghosting along in
the light winds.
When we last left you, we were bound to stay in
one place due to the restrictions and costs to
go to our favorite destinations. There have
been a series of changes that have eased up
on both on the paper work and our wallets. The COVID
Swab Antigen tests in Puerto Galera have dropped from
to P 3500 for Filipinos and P 4500 for foreigners to a flat
P 1500 and have gotten much easier to attain. Our next
destination, Busuanga Island, and Coron also removed the
added mandatory quarantine upon arrival only requiring
testing done within 72 hours before arrival. All good news,
so off we went!
After having the tests done late, the night before, a strategic
move to have our best window for the 72-hour deadline, we
pulled out from the Puerto Galera Yacht Club mooring at 3
AM under moonlight. The passage down to the Cavite Pass
was done with a mild flowing sea and dazzling moonlight, we
passed the lighthouse just after sunup.
Our arrival would coincide with a large sailing race from Punta
Fuego, arriving in the same location. I have always said if you
want flat seas for a trawler passage; schedule it during a sailboat
race! My prediction was accurate again, the strong winds of
the week before had abated to a small ripple for our voyage,
leaving the race boats ghosting along in the light winds.
The first stop was the famed Apo Reef. This is a world-class
diving destination with a unique anchoring quality, total
protection from a massive albeit invisible reef. It was my plan
to rise early, do one quick dive with one of our passengers,
Priam and then depart. That plan hit a snag when we were
visited by some government armed officials shortly after the
anchor dropped. They were quite friendly and said we could

anchor to secure safe harbor but NO activities, NO diving. I
queried as to why and COVID was the answer. Now I am not
sure how two people who were tested negative, could infect
nor be infected by a bunch of fish, but hey, they had the guns.
The second leg commenced at daybreak
after a spectacular moonlight night at
the reef. We enjoyed glassy flat water
the entire way and arrived in Busuanga
Bay, midday. It was another heartfelt
homecoming experience. This was my
earliest destination and my first discovery
of the Philippines seven years ago. We have
spent time there yearly ever since then.
There were a few changes “in the Bay”, the only one resort
that was open, the Marina Del Sol, who had sponsored the
sailing event. MDS as it is called, provides secure moorings
for cruisers, the small charge is considered consumable in the
marina bar and restaurant. You either pay P 325 a night or
consume P 500 at the facility, all very fair and welcoming.
They have recently redone their swimming pool and is now
open for mooring customers.
The race finished, and the boats gathered for the celebrations,
(all covered in this edition). I will say, the good folks at Marina
Del Sol knocked it out of the park on handling the event,
24
Now it was time
for the real reason
people come here,
the wreck diving!
totally first-class and all done with adherence to safety in
mind from the pandemic.
When the party was over, all our Busuanga Bay friends greeted
us and caught up on gossip, “in the
Bay”. Now it was time for the real reason
people come here, the wreck diving!
History laid a golden egg on this area
when in 1944, a 125 Allied fighter/
bombers descended on the Japanese
fleet hidden in the bay, thinking it was
safe. Seven Japanese ships lay sunk on
the bottom in close proximity to each
other and all are at recreational diving depths, bonanza! I
have been diving these monsters for years and never tire
of the thrill of creeping through their broken hulls. I take
special joy in sharing this experience with friends and this
year was no different. This year I had an even more profound
experience, taking our son, and Priam on the wreck. I have
kept his diving to maximum of ten meters and onto the deck
of the largest ship; the Okikawa Maru is perfect, at just eight
to ten meters deep. I could see his big round eyes bugging
out with excitement as we explored the wreck. There are
few if any other divers on the sites this year, and the fish
population has exploded, with massive schools of colorful
reef fish surrounding us as we crept along the mangled ship.

SUBIC BAY MANILA CEBU BORACAY DAVAO PUERTO PRINCESA
0939-922-3238 0918-963-8148 0939-902-0494 0918-963-8155 0918-963-8151 0912-309-6305

With the party over, the sunken ships revisited, and old friends
caught up with, it was time to move on. We slipped the
mooring and headed south to another favorite destination, El
Nido. Frankly, I have always found El Nido to be wonderful but
overcrowded,. Ah, but not this year. As with all the tourist hot
spots, it has been hit hard with many closures. Most shops, dive
shops and restaurants in this
As with all the
tourist hot spots, it
has been hit hard
with many closures.
town are closed, the streets
are empty and many of the
buildings are in some state
of disrepair.
We arrived and dropped
the hook in Coron Coron
Bay, the usual cruisers anchorage. We found several of our
cruising friends who had withstood the year of the lockdown
right here and loved it. The restrictions were far more lax and
they had established great relationships with the locals, and
a widening social circle amongst the cruisers.
After an encounter with a local dive company, we were directed
to the tourist office to sort out the actual regulations. I met
with a tourist official who produced the text. Private boats
were not allowed to leave the anchorage. The wonderful
lagoons, usually packed with tourists, were not off-limits to
private yachts, nor could private yachts engage in any diving
or snorkeling. After some discussion with our friends who
had spent a year there, it appears these rules were randomly
enforced (if at all), but wanting to leave a clean wake, and
now aware of the rules, we did not want to test the waters.
With new memories of our favorite places now entrenched
in our minds we reversed our course and headed back to
Busuanga, and then eventually Puerto Galera where we
finished our cruising season.
Even with the travel restrictions we were able to visit some of
the finest places on earth, exquisitely beautiful anchorages,
jubilant camaraderie, and world-class diving and no crowds!
What a great season it has been.
26

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Reef Haven
Words by BRIAN CALVERT
Photographs as Credited
28

Abrightly colored, large Banca, named “Three
Sisters” came roaring up to the stern of the liveaboard
cabin cruiser ‘Further’ we were on, and
four beaming Filipina smiles greeted me as I tossed
in my dive gear and hopped aboard. This is how the day of
diving started.
coral. We were treated to several rare finds including a shy
large-sized octopus.
Divers all retreated in the big swells and we headed home,
full of stories and excitement. The dive boat dropped us off
at our respective yachts. Super easy and zero hassle.
Verde Island is one of the top dive
sites in the Philippines. The descent
requires a combination of skilled boat
handling and local dive knowledge.
A banca must ease into exactly the
right place to drop the divers in near a
rock pinnacle in a roaring current and
rough seas, the Reef Haven crew has
mastered it.
We did two dives at the site, both
spectacular; there was an abundance
of brilliantly colored fish and healthy
A banca must ease
into exactly the right
place to drop the
divers in near a rock
pinnacle in a roaring
current and rough
seas, the Reef Haven
crew has mastered it.
Reef Haven is a unique new dive center
in Puerto Galera specially catering to
the cruising yachts visiting the bay.
With a handy location at Muelle Pier,
near several of the cruiser hangouts,
it’s easy to make the arrangements
for the next adventure without ever
leaving the sight of your boat. On
dive day they pick you up right at your
yacht. This eliminates any land travel,
shuffling gear to and fro, and waiting
for the boat to be loaded, just hop in
and you’re ready to dive.

Reef Haven is also unique as it’s an all-female, all Filipinoowned
company. The proprietor, Julienne, is a perky young
lady who bubbles with excitement. She has a background
in the cruise ship/hospitality business and it shows with her
devotion to customer satisfaction and service. The difficult mix
of logistics, safety, protocol and simply to have a ton of fun
has been excellently mastered by Julienne. She combines her
conviviality with a passion for diving resulting in a contagious
standard shared by her entire staff.
30
I did several more dives with Reef Haven joining with crews
from four visiting yachts. We had days of exploring shipwrecks,
coral walls, the
She combines her
conviviality with a
passion for diving
resulting in a
contagious standard
shared by her entire
staff
famed “Canyon”,
“Hole in the Wall”
and more. We are
glad to have a dive
center that caters to
cruisers and makes it
so easy and fun. For
more information,
check out: https://
reefhaven.ph.

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32

33

Diver with a pole spear
Words by CCEF
Photographs as Credited
Spearfishing is one of the oldest types of fishing methods
used in the Philippines, and many rely on it as their main
source of livelihood. Over the years, the spearfishing
community has evolved along with changes in the
environmental regulations and management such as there
are more marine sanctuaries; fishers are switching professions
as tour guides and the banning of using scuba or compressor
equipment for fishing pursuant to the
Philippine Fisheries Code.
When the pandemic hit the Philippines,
many young professionals who lost
their jobs in the city, came back to
their coastal communities so they can
once again make a living spearfishing.
However, these changes have brought
about many unprecedented impacts to
the fisheries in Southeast Cebu, such
as coral breakages from spear-guns
and the loss of large key grazers such
34
When the pandemic hit
the Philippines, many
young professionals who
lost their jobs in the
city, came back to their
coastal communities so
they can once again make
a living spearfishing.
as parrotfish, which in the long-term can have dire effects on
the marine ecosystem. Last April, the Southeast Cebu Coastal
Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) is proposing to
regulate spearfishing by identifying spearfishing zones in
municipal waters and ban spearfishing during nighttime hours.
According to RA 10654 section 95, any form of commercial
fishing inside municipal waters and
fisheries management areas is prohibited,
including the use of active gear (any gear
that is used in pursuit of a target species).
Because of its method of pursuing fish
underwater, spearfishing and the use of
spear-guns is classified as “active gear”
and prohibited in municipal waters unless
spearfishing zones are granted by the LGU.
Proponents argue that spearfishing can
be a more sustainable fishing method,
because divers are restricted to shallow

Environmental
Implications
of Spearfishing
in the
Philippines
35

waters, divers are very selective and can target the size and
species of their catch without the negative impacts of other
fishing methods such as bycatch, bait, the entanglement of
marine animals from the discarded gear, and the damage to their
marine habitat (Smith and Nakaya, 2002). However, according
to research, spearfishing is a highly efficient at harvesting that
can select larger fish and can have a “top-down effect” by
catching the larger fish and alter fish assemblages (Chapman
and Kramer 1999, Matos-Caraballo et al. 2006). Because it is
done underwater, spearfishing is also more difficult to enforce
and regulate. Moreover, spear-fishers in the Philippines are
not required to register and acquire a license, again making it
difficult to identify spear-fishers who recklessly break corals in
pursuit of target fish.
At present, there is still a large debate among stakeholders and
researchers whether spearfishing is a more sustainable fishing
method. What is your take on spearfishing? Partner with us
on our next activities to help conserve the oceans! Send us an
email at info@coast.ph.
Spearfishing guide
showing how to spearfish
36

Badjao spear fisherman
37

38

Active Boating & Watersports
Lifestyle magazine was always
proud to be associated with
renowned author Bruce Curran who
sadly passed away April 17th 2020.
As a tribute to this very
talented writer we are
proud to announce
we have been
honoured with
the rights to
reprint the
entire book
as a series.
Hope you
enjoy part two.
39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50
ABW are proud to announce that you still have an
opportunity to own a copy of this masterpiece, as a
limited amount of copies is still available for sale.
For more information, you may visit/contact:
Website: Authortravel.com
Email: combingthecoralcarpet2020@gmail.com or
info@activeboatingwatersports.com

1948 to 2020
COMBING THE
CORAL CARPET
Revised
Edition
A Tribute to Bruce Curran, a Sailing and Biking Mate.
“Combing the Coral Carpet- Revised Edition”
Sailing tales and the Cruising Guide to the Philippine Islands.
A comprehensive coffee table book with over one hundred spectacular photos of the
Philippines that includes maritime history, seafaring tales, anchorages and facts & facilities
available along the water ways of the fantastic tropical islands of the Philippines with their
wealth of friendly people.
The new “Revised Edition” that updates the previous edition with new pages of updated and
extra information is intended to be available for delivery October 2020.
All proceeds from the book sales will go to Bruce’s three children; Edward Swayn, Shauna Indra
Salina and Edward Bali.
Bruce Malcolm Curran was born in Edinburgh Scotland on the 26 th of November 1948 and sadly
passed due to cancer related complications on the 17 th of April 2020 at the age of 71. Bruce will
be missed by many, but his memory, legend and legacy to everyone he’s shared the magic of
his time with, especially his children, will live on through his many books and writings.
Pre-purchase your copy of
“COMBING THE CORAL
CARPET-REVISED EDITION” via:
WEBSITE:
authortravel.com
EMAIL ADDRESS:
combingthecoralcarpet2020@gmail.com
PAYMENTS CAN BE
MADE THROUGH
MONEY TRANSFERS
OR PAYPAL.
Bruce had three main phases in his life’s Grand Journey:
‘Land Journeys’ that have taken him to 16 countries from England to Pakistan, Europe, the
Middle East and Africa on his Norton Commando 750cc motorcycle he named “Demeter”, the
Greek “Goddess of Life” which he first purchased brand new in the United Kingdom in 1971.
‘Water Journeys’ by sailing some 35,000 miles on a 40 year old - 37 foot wooden ketch which
was rebuilt in Sydney, Australia. Bruce sailed in this ketch for two and a half years starting from
Sydney sailing up to Darwin, then six and a half weeks non-stop to Mauritius Island, on to South
Africa, then to St Helena Island in the South Atlantic, and finally to Brazil.
This amazing adventure continued on into the Philippines when he first arrived in 1988. It was
love at first sight. Bruce often set sail from Hong Kong, where he was based for 10 years, to
explore the Philippines by water. He finally decided to move to Manila in 1997.
Bruce quickly realised that the only real way to experience the Philippines was by boat, and
he did so by sailing some 8,000 miles around his much treasured Philippines Islands. His
unquenchable thirst for adventure and learning never stopped as he was driven by the beauty,
diversity and people of the Islands of the Philippines which inspired him to write the best seller
“Combing the Coral Carpet” and the 2020 sequel “Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition”
He then progressed to what he called his ‘Head Journeys’ writing about his travels, adventures
and experiences of this magnificent thing called life.
“I like to see myself as having developed a keen ‘third’ eye that embroils me in life at all its
vibrant levels. My passion is writing about what I see and how I see. I aim to leave a legacy of
books, and one way or another see this as stamping my mark on the world as a legend!”
-Bruce Curran
Active Boating and Watersports, courtesy of Mr. Barry Dawson, are generously supporting
“Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition” through this article and advertisement free-ofcharge
in memory of Bruce.
The first publication of Active Boating and Watersports was in September 2010. One of the
most amazing characters involved was Bruce Curran who they’ve known as an author, a sailor,
biker, adventurer and philanthropist.
ORDER YOUR COPY
NOW FOR ONLY
$100 (P5,000)
As an avid supporter of Active Boating and Watersports, he was a regular contributor of
stories about the many amazing water adventures around the beautiful Islands and places of
the Philippines.
Thank you for your support to keep Bruce’s memory alive.
We trust you will enjoy exploring the exotic waters of the Philippines whilst being guided by
your copy of “Combing the Coral Carpet-Revised Edition”.
Bruce's Ad layout.indd 39
6/15/2020 12:20:05 P
51

Celebrating Women o
T
he whole world dedicated the month of March
in celebration of the vital role of women in the
development of our society. In honor of National
Women’s Month, we spoke to different women
across Cebu about their work on marine conservation and
their greatest learning in their field.
“For over 10 years, I’ve been assisting fish wardens
and coastal law enforcers in the documentation
and inventory of apprehensions. Because of CCEF’s
support and CLE trainings, our fish wardens have
scaled-up their skills in coastal law enforcement
and proper documentation. At present, our Fish
wardens have become more independent and
documentation has become much more organized
and efficient in Santander.”
Carmelina Gumilac
Fisheries Technician
Santander
52
“For my 3 years, I’ve been working closely with
the Fisheries Sector, especially with the Coastal
Resource Management. Ive been very active with
different Coastal Resources Assessments, Field
Works and Trainings because these ignited my
heart and mind about the world we all depend
on - the environment - that we’ve been abusing
and neglecting all these years. The vulnerable
marine/ coastal ecosystem had open my eyes
about protecting, conserving and preserving it for
our next generation. I am very grateful to CCEF,
for allowing me to share my advocacy with the
younger generations, that thru their programs and
projects.”
Sharmaine Diez
Technical Assistant
City of Talisay

f the Coasts and Seas
“In my 13 years as a fisheries technician, I learned
that it is important to protect and conserve marine
resources because it is our major source of protein
and food security. We must realize that we need to
conserve and preserve our marine habitats for our
own survival. “
Ann Tangpus
Fisheries Technicial
Municipality of Dalaguete
SCCRMC Secretary
My greatest contribution in my 4 years working as
a fisheries technician in Alcoy is improving the lives
of the fisherfolk. In Alcoy, we have projects made
specifically for fisherfolks through boat vessel
insurance, life insurance as well as other CRM
projects. We thank CCEF for their support and their
continued technical assistance to our LGU.
Cindy Plando
Fisheries Technician
Municipality of Alcoy
“As a certified freediver, I am an advocate in
protecting the ocean which is my second home.
Since I started freediving last 2018, I actively
participated in programs like coastal/underwater
clean ups and coral propagation in the Visayas.
Until I founded BAD Freedivers in South Cebu, I
am organizing and encouraging freedivers to do
monthly coastal and underwater clean ups as
a form of giving back to the mother ocean, and
protecting our HOME.”
Hannah Debuayan
Founder, BAD Divers
Municipality of Alcoy
SEAklab Alumna
53
Lester Lacutab

Celebrating Women of the Coasts and Seas
I got involved in marine conservation work when
I learned to scuba dive in 1991 and joined my
husband, Alan, to organize the “Saving Philippine
Reefs” (SPR) coral reef monitoring expeditions with
our first trip in 1992 to Tubbataha Reefs and islands
in the Visayas. I have ever since been supporting
the annual SPR trips to different locations in the
Philippines and then in 1998, we started the CCE
Foundation in our house in Cebu City. My concern
for the marine environment and the people who
depend on marine resources for livelihood has only
grown over the years and as a woman involved
in this work, it feels very natural and the CCE
Foundation has employed many women over the
years so there is certainly an important role for us!
Evangeline White
Co-Founder and Board Member,CCEF
Manager, Saving Philippine Reefs (SPR)
“I am proud to say that I have been part of the
pioneering efforts in marine conservation when
in 1984, Silliman University implemented the
first community based marine protected area in
the Philippines under the Marine Conservation
and Development Program where I served as
community organizer in Apo Island, Dauin
Negros Oriental and Pamilacan Island in Baclayon
Bohol. Since then, aside from my academe work
and recently, my government work as a social
work practitioner, I have devoted more than two
decades of my professional life doing coastal
management work with different donor funded
projects implemented all over the Philippines
working with LGUs, NGAs and especially with
the local communities, ensuring that every sector,
especially the men and women fishers, and other
marginalized sectors and organizations have a say
and benefit from conservation work done in their
respective communities. My involvement in CCEF
as a member of the Board for more than a decade
gives me a sense of fulfillment and ensures that my
advocacy for community participation in CRM is
sustained even when my current work engagement
limits my direct involvement in CRM work.”
Evelyn Deguit
CCEF Board Secretary
Asst Dept Head, PSWDO
Cebu Provincial Government
54

55

Celebrating Women of the Coasts and Seas
“I have been
freediving for
more than a
year now and
loving the sport
made me see the
wonders of the
Mother Ocean.
Along with it, I saw
how destructive humans can be: Throwing trash along
the coastline which affects the marine eco system in
a huge way. With my love for the sport and where
I do it, I found our family, the Southside Freedivers,
having the same passion: Cleaning the Mother Ocean
in our own little way of Marine Clean-ups through
freediving. Through this, we envision to radiate our
passion, raise awareness about the situation of the
Shorelines along South of Cebu and act on it.”
Hannah Pautanes
President, Southside Freedivers
Municipality of Argao
SEAklab Alumna
56
“I grew up in the
southernmost
island province of
Tawi-Tawi where I
had a chance to
enjoy the bounty
of our marine
resources and
pristine environment. Unfortunately, I also witnessed
how development, and illegal activities affecting our
aquatic ecosystem has led to habitat degradation.
Working with non-government organizations
(NGOs) broadens my perspective on environmental
conservation and recognizes how local government
units (LGUs) and community participation are vital
for successful environmental protection. As a woman
working in this field, I have committed myself to
protecting the ocean by supporting the LGUs in
coastal environmental protection programmes. I also
encourage our younger generations, particularly
women, to help us protect our environment for the
sustainable future.
Michelle Baird
CCEF Coastal Resource Management Officer
“The sea for me always evokes a poignant picture
of “home” as I grew up by the sea shores of
Medina, Misamis Oriental where my seabuddy
was a giant turtle. In 1984, my learning journey
as a professional started with the encounters in
the seascapes and landscapes of 7watersheds in
Central Visayas with World Bank. We embarked
on true-to-life experiments : community-based
resource management, nearshore fisheries with
artificial reefs, marine sactuaries and mangrove
rehabilitation. These prospered into environmental
governance with USAID with formulated CRM and
MPA plans, ordinances, MEAT and MPA networks.
What gives most psychic income and fulfillment
are seeing biodiversity return and lives of fisherfolk
improved. Now ongoing with CCEF are deepening
of interventions and expanding reach and younger
advocates!!! Also ongoing are improvements in
the fish industry and related value chains - where
business membership organizations like cebu
chamber find their roles in the lives of coastal
stakeholders.”
May Elizabeth Ybanez
CCEF Board Treasurer
Executive Director- Cebu Chamber of
Commerce and Industry

58

59

Can Fish Form A
Human Attachment?
Words by JAMES WEBSTER
Photographs as Credited
Koi fish
60

Most of us love our pets. Whether it be a cat, dog,
kangaroo or turtle we form lifelong bonds with
them and the pet forms an attachment to its
owner.
How many of us have thought of fish in the same way? Have
we even considered that a fish can form a similar connection
with its handler? Once thought of as a
trivial species with minimal intellectual
abilities, new science is emerging
that suggests that fish are not only
intelligent, but have the capabilities
to form a meaningful connection with
people.
Culum Brown, an Australian Researcher,
Professor at Macquarie University, and
the previous Editor for Animal Behavior
His studies have
conclusively debunked
the long held theory
that aquarium fish such
as gold fish only have a
three second memory.
and the Assistant Editor of the Journal of Fish Biology. For
years he studied the behavioral ecology of fish with a special
interest in learning and their memory. His studies have
conclusively debunked the long held theory that aquarium fish
such as gold fish only have a three second memory.
There have been many recent intelligence tests performed on
fish to measure their memory and Culum
Brown has described in detail a series of
tests he conducted on this subject.
Fish had to commit to memory a specific
pattern in order to escape being caught
in a net. After only 15 trials for the fish
to learn the escape route, and after
5 minutes of practice, the fish knew
exactly where to go in order to avoid
getting caught. The same fish were
tested again one year later and not only
did they remember the escape route to avoid capture but they
also improved their time to escape the net, totally disproving
the three second memory theory.
If a fish is able to remember how to evade net, and I find this
completely believable from my experiences as a fisherman
in Australia where at the same time every day for three days
before a fishing tournament I would drop a frozen bait bomb
at the same location and go home. On the fourth day, the day
of tournament, at that location I would have an abundance of
flounder, flathead and whiting to catch. They had committed
to memory where their next feed was coming from and shared
it to their mates. So if they can remember these things are, can
they recognize a person?
Dr. Cait Newport, a marine biologist at the University of Oxford,
with a long time history of studying fish navigation, learning,
vision and welfare, set about to prove it with the Archerfish
species.
61

Goldfish
Koi pond
Archerfish
Dog watching fish
The Archerfish is known for their practice of preying on landbased
insects and other small animals by shooting them down
with water droplets from their specialized mouths.
Dr. Newport in her study titled “Discrimination of Human
Faces by Archerfish” she sets about to conduct experiments
to determine a fish’s ability to recognize a
particular human face.
In the study a particular archerfish was
trained to pinpoint a photo of a human
face by spitting water at it. Most fish
completed their training after just a
few days. The fish was given a reward
for spitting at the correct face. When
presented with new faces, sometimes up
to 44 different human faces, the archerfish
spit at the correct face 81% of the time.
This is pretty impressive as the fish is not only able to recognize
a human face but can recognize the specific different features
of a particular human face. Not bad for a creature that is
supposed to have a three second memory.
This is pretty
impressive as the fish
is not only able to
recognize a human
face but can recognize
the specific different
features of a particular
human face.
Dr. Jessie Saunders, a veterinarian who specializes in the health
and care of pet fish, described an obvious difference in behavior
when observing a Koi fish pond. The fish will come over to their
recognized owner who offers a food treat or reward but when
Dr. Saunders walks to the Koi pond dressed in blue medical
scrubs the fish instantly associate the blue scrubs with medical
examinations and being caught in a net,
and therefore immediately retreat to the
back of the pond to evade their capture.
Another sign that fish are able to quickly
identify a friendly face.
Another Dr. Cullum Brown study
concluded that fish possess an even better
ability to recognize other fish in their
environment and establish attachments
to them for up to 12 days. Guppies, for
instance, are able to identify up to 15
different individual fish. They prefer to
be kept in a tank with their friends and react differently when
put in a tank with strangers. They are able to remember the
pecking order of those in their community, remembering both
the winner and loser of a fight and react accordingly to them.
There are some 300,000 identified species of fish, all with
varying levels of abilities particularly in intelligence and vision.
In most cases the answer to the question “Does My fish know
me?” the answer is an emphatic yes. Scientists that worked
on the archerfish study report the fish appearing anxious and
skittish if a stranger walked into the room, compared to a
loving spit of water at a familiar scientist’s face.
62
While it is difficult to form a meaningful relationship with a
pet submerged in water in a pond in the way you can with a
dog, cat, kangaroo or turtle, you need to remember that that
fish pet in your aquarium do form significant memories and
attachments to both their owner and their tank mates.

63

DESTINATION
BURGOS
The Hidden Gem of Pangasinan
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
Pangasinan is the third biggest province in the
whole Philippine Archipelago, derived its name
from salt or “asin” in the vernacular. Owing to
the rich and fine salt beds which were the prime
source of livelihood for the province’s coastal towns,
Pangasinan or “Pangasinan” which means “where salt is
made” came to be its name.
The province is crescent-shaped and occupies 536,818
hectares of land area which constitutes almost one-half
(41.8%) of the total land area of Region 1 and 1.8% of the
total area of the Philippines. Composed of 4 cities and 44
municipalities, it is bounded on the north by the Lingayen
Gulf, La Union and Benguet, on the north-east by Nueva
Vizcaya, on the east by Nueva Ecija, on the south by Tarlac,
and on the west by Zambales and the China Sea.
Owing to its diverse cultural heritage rooted in centuries
of glorious history and a way of life that is a delightful
combination of tradition, innovation and creativity, the
64

Owing to the rich and fine
salt beds which were the
prime source of livelihood
for the province’s coastal
towns, Pangasinan or
“Pangasinan” which means
“where salt is made” came to
be its name.
warm, polite, hospitable, hard-working and fun loving
2.65 million Pangasinenses (2007 census) enjoy the best
of Provincial Philippines where you find both the familiar
and unfamiliar world, abreast with modern technological
times, but with a preserved vast panorama of outstanding
natural beauty and unique attractions.
Pangasinan boasts beautiful stretches of white, sandy
beaches, verdant hills, scenic terrains, caves, waterfalls,
ancient Hispanic churches, miraculous destinations for
devotees, a vast coastline for fishing, water sports or
leisurely walking along the Lingayen beach where one
can get a glimpse of the world-famous Philippine sunset.
Being a gateway of sorts, the province is house to
major and minor telecommunication companies, bus
and transport services, regional and local publications,
radio stations, television networks , cable services,
hotel and restaurant chains, and a diversified variety of
manufacturing and merchandising establishments.
65

Cabongaoan Beach
BURGOS
The Climate
Like the rest of the country and the
world, 1998 was Pangasinan’s hottest
year with temperatures soaring
beyond the 40’s. The lingering effects
of the El Niño and the La Niña
phenomenon continue to affect the
local climate however, the presence
of a long coastline with attractive
beaches offsets the hot and humid
weather; sun-loving tourists affirm that Pangasinan’s
current climate is perfect.
Pangasinan boasts
beautiful stretches
of white, sandy
beaches, verdant
hills, scenic terrains,
caves, waterfalls...
pinoy.viajero
An Outstanding Gem
On the western part of Pangasinan,
along the coast of the China Sea lies a
little gem called - Burgos, perched on a
broad plateau.
Burgos was founded as an independent
town in 1830 by the early Ilocanos from
Paoay, Ilocos Norte headed by Don
Matias Guiang. As the settlement grew
thickly populated and extensive, Don Matias Guiang led
a petition to the Governor of Zambales to create a new
westernpangasinan597806565.wordpress.com
Pulencio-Flickr
66
Death pool
Cabongaoan Beach

67

BURGOS
town out of the settlement. The request was granted and
the new town was originally named San Isidro in honour
of its patron saint. Since there was another locality
named San Isidro along the Lingayen Gulf, the residents
added “Potot“ to the town’s name. This term is an Ilocano
adjective meaning “clipped”, “cut-off” or “disconnected”,
referring to the Amburayan River which during dry season
doesn’t have continuous water. This stream, therefore, is
discontinued and disconnected during summer months.
Confusion however continued and persisted as mail for
San Isidro de Potot was erroneously sent to the town of
San Isidro Labrador and vice versa.
To resolve the confusion, Mayor Don Anacleto Ruiz
changed the town’s name to Burgos in 1913, in memory
of Filipino martyr Padre José Apolonio Burgos, who
together with Padre Gomez and Zamora were executed
in the field of Bagumbayan on February 17, 1872.
The town of Burgos was ceded to the Province of
Pangasinan by virtue of Public Act No. 1004 dated
November 30, 1903 of the Philippine Commission.
The local residents of the amazing place are very friendly
and welcoming, they will make this feel like a home
away from home and make your stay in their province
memorable and very pleasant.
68

The town of Burgos is home of natural wonders like
white-sand beaches and falls; other natural attractions in
Burgos include the rolling hills in southbound barangays
of Sapa Pequeña, Sapa Grande, Concordia, Pogoruac and
Ilio-Ilio where herds of cattle in ranches roam freely.
To resolve the
confusion, Mayor Don
Anacleto Ruiz changed
the town’s name to
Burgos in 1913, in
memory of Filipino
martyr Padre José
Apolonio Burgos...
Local produce, like the
locally made Gallali
Farms fruit based
wines such as Dragon
Fruit Wine and Duhat
Mango wine. These
delicious wines are
real taste pleasers
and make an ideal
gift (pasalubong) for
friends and family
back home.
There are many arts and crafts in Burgos and items you
can bring back to your friends.
Cabongaoan White Sand Beach
Cabongaoan Beach has a long stretch of sugary white
sand which turns golden crystals when the sun’s out.
Cabongaoan Beach offers peaceful solitude; with its
Local wines
Cabongaoan Beach
69

Death pool with crashing waves
BURGOS
creamy white sand, unique trees all over the place and
the crystal clear blue ocean, offering an attractive picture
perfect view overlooking the pristine clear clean waters
of the beach, you’ll enjoy every
minute of the day being in this place
of beauty and serenity. Cabongaoan
Beach has another feature that
makes it a cut above the rest of
Pangasinan’s beaches, the so-called
“Death Pool”. This tidal pool on the
rocky side of the beach gets filled
with water when the waves crash
against it. It was featured in the
national television show Kapuso Mo,
Jessica Soho.
70
This tidal pool on
the rocky side of the
beach gets filled with
water when the waves
crash against it.
It is so relaxing to sit and witness the calming waves and
enjoy the sea breezes of the awesome white beach. Being
able to experience one of the best beaches in this area
is amazing and there is little wonder
to wonder about why I class it as
the hidden gem of Pangasinan . I
don’t say it is the best beach in the
Philippines, it is far from that but
it has this beautiful hidden charm
that is relaxing and inspiring to the
point it makes the ideal location for
starting to enjoy life and the beach
after the confined experiences
caused by the pandemic lockdowns.
There are numerous places to stay that will not break
the budget from backpacker resorts to something more
upmarket with plenty of creature comforts to make your
stay one of you most enjoyable memories. To top this the
locals are friendly and accommodating making your stay
even more enjoyable.
Besides Cabongaoan Beach there are many other beaches
along this beautiful coastline. You can hire a banca at
very reasonable price to take you along the coastline to
other coves and beaches like Paso Beach. Paralec Beach
or Butong beach and Nambatan Cove, all have white
sand and crystal clear pristine waters for you to enjoy.
The one thing you will notice is there is no debris, plastics
or rubbish polluting the waters or the coastline, which
can only increase your pleasure and safety. When not

71

Boracay sewerage
Sangbay Falls
BURGOS
enjoying the beaches you can enjoy other attractions this
unique place has to offer like
Sangbay Falls
Kapurpurawan Rock
The awesome view and
flowing water is inspiring
and what better way to enjoy
the falls than have cool
refreshing water cascading
down over your head.
Sangbay Falls is
located in Barangay
San Vicente. It can
be challenging for
some getting there
because of the
good 30 minute
walk from the
main road but the
rewards at the other end are well worth the effort. The
awesome view and flowing water is inspiring and what
better way to enjoy the falls than have cool refreshing
water cascading down over your head. To top off this
perfect day have a picnic under the shady trees and watch
the waterfalls in the background, personally, I could not
think of a more perfect way to spend your holiday.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
72
Nature, on its own, has the ability to create amazing
masterpiece over time. One is the likes of Kapurpurawan
Rock Formation, a delicately made natural art, beautiful
yet fragile, and is another jewel of Burgos. Standing

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
majestically on the coast of the town of Burgos, facing
the roaring waves of Bangui Bay, Kapurpurawan Rock
Formation was formed many thousands of years ago by
accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by the
forces of sea waves and wind, with the aid of gravity
and time. It is a very long process known in science as
sedimentation. The term Kapurpurawan is from Ilocano
word “puraw“, which means white, obviously because of
its color specially on broad daylight when the sun touches
the natural sculpture. It is an icon of Ilocos Norte, a
source of pride, one of the must see on your bucket list
of the province.
The best time to visit the Kapurpurawan is early morning
to avoid the harsh sun and the crowd. The rock formation
is approximately three kilometers from the main highway,
which means that one needs to trek along a ragged trail
or go horseback riding see it up close.
To date, due to vandalism and the fragility of the rock
formation, the local government has sealed off the area,
preventing tourists from climbing Kapurpurawan. But it
should not stop you from visiting the place. Just seeing it
in real life is worth the long trek and the effort of getting
there.
73

Do not miss the opportunity to see this awesome and
majestic sight of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
when in Burgos.
BURGOS
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
After over 100 years,
it still functions and
serves ships that
enter the Philippine
Archipelago from
the north and guide
them safely away
from the rocky coast
of the town.
Cape Bojeador
Lighthouse, also
known as Burgos
Lighthouse, is a
cultural heritage
structure in Burgos,
Ilocos Norte, and
was established
during the Spanish
Colonial period in
the Philippines. The
lighthouse was first lit
on March 30, 1892,
and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking
the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail
by. After over 100 years, it still functions and serves ships
that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and
guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.
The light marks the north-western most point in Luzon,
the most north-eastern point being Cape Engaño
Lighthouse on Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan.
74

75

BURGOSBORACAY
The 20 meter tall octagonal stone tower,is the most
prominent structure in the vicinity, can be seen from as
far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on
the east on a clear day. Contrary to popular belief, it is
not the highest-elevated nor tallest lighthouse in the
Philippines. But the highest elevated
still original and active Spanish era
lighthouse in the country. Corregidor
Lighthouse is higher at over 180
m, and among the Spanish Colonial
lighthouses, the tower of Cape
Melville Lighthouse is the tallest at
27 m. In Mindoro Strait, the recently
erected modern tower at the Apo
Reef Light Station rises to a height
Cape Bojeador is the
highest elevated,
still original and
active Spanish era
lighthouse in the
country.
of 34 m. The Cape Bojeador lighthouse was part of the
Spanish government’s 1857 master plan of illuminating
the Philippine archipelago, Plan General de Alumbrado
de Maritimo de las costas del Archipelago de Filipino,
administered by Inteligencia del Cuerpo de Ingenieros
de Caminos, Canales y Puertos. The project commenced
with the execution of the lighthouses in the northern
and western part of the Philippines and those around
Iloilo and Cebu. The 16.3 m tall Faro de Cabo Bojeador
was first lit on 30 March 1892.
76
The lighthouse was originally fitted with first-order
Fresnel lens. The intense earthquake of 1990 that hit
most of Luzon damaged the lenses and displaced the
mechanism alignment of the original first-order apparatus
making it inoperable.
The beam now comes from a modern
electric lamp that is powered by solar
panels. The light before was provided by
pressurized kerosene lamps very much
like “Coleman lamps”. In 2005, the old
pressure vessels and wicks for the light
could still be found in the shed.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was declared
a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004 and
a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the
Philippine Government.
Getting to Burgos
There are a number of options in travelling to Burgos
Bus, Van, and Private car. The distance is 274 km and
travelling time is approximately four and a half hours
depending on traffic conditions.

Where to Stay
There are a number of resorts to choose from in Burgos.
Most are situated at Cabongaoan Beach, approximately
30 minutes drive from the CBD, so you are right on the
beach. The resorts range from basic backpacker style,
for the budget conscious like Dels Beach house to
more upmarket resorts such as the beautifully designed
Corsibella Cottage Rental Beach Haven, with top facilities
and creature comforts.
Where to Eat
CORSIBELA
COTTAGES RENTAL
Beach Haven
Relax and enjoy this tropical paradise set on a
beautiful white sand beach
All the resorts have dining facilities for their guests and
walk in patrons serving a variety of cuisine to cater for
everybody’s taste buds. Whatever your fancy you can be
sure of finding something pleasing to the palette in this
hidden gem of a getaway.
In a nutshell Burgos is the type of beach holiday that
should be on everyone’s bucket list of things to do. You
can rest assured you will not be disappointed.
Active Boating and Watersports Magazine would like to
thank Mayor Ronald G. Ngayawan, his staff Councillor
Fred Christian Nacar and Councillor Mark Vincent
Ragasa for their invaluable assistance in helping with the
content of this feature. And for Mark in supplying our
accommodation, and making us feel at home. Also very
special thanks to Choroneliza (Sharon) Boniol-Lapez,
Municipal Tourism Officer-Designate, who went out of
her way to make sure we were very well taken care of
and provided us with much needed information as well
as arranging accommodation and tours.
Cabongaon, Ilio-Ilio, Burgos Pangasinan.
Mine hosts: Olivia & Jean Pierre
Phone: +63917-568-3954
https://www.facebook.com/corsibella.beachhaven.7
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78

BURGOS
L U Z O N
MANILA
MAP of BURGOS, PANGASINAN
79

When Should A
Marine Protected
Area (MPA)
Be Relocated?
Marine Protected Areas are useful tools for the
conservation and protection of essential marine and
coastal resources. When properly designed and well
managed, an MPA can meet
various marine and coastal conservation
needs by preserving these habitats for
important species and protecting specific
areas. Coral reef fisheries, in particular, can be
effectively managed through implementation
of “no take” areas on the reefs (Roberts and
Polunin 1993). An MPA site or area for a
network of MPAs is usually chosen for having
high productivity and biodiversity or because
it serves a special ecological function like a
spawning and/or feeding grounds for one or more marine species.
An ideal sanctuary is large enough to include sections for all the
critical needs such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and
other habitats, as they are interconnected and provide benefits
to each other (DENR et al. 2001; White 2001). In Sibonga, they
80
To date, Philippines
is estimated to
have over 1,500
nationally and locally
established Marine
Protected Areas.
have a 40.8 ha. of Marine Protected Areas close to ports and
rivers. Fishing and boating were visibly present in the MPA, which
indicates that the MPA is non-functioning. The Marine Protected
Area was susceptible to many disturbances
including noise, garbage, as well as siltation
from the rivers, which shows that the MPA is
not well designed or protected.
Because of heavy fishing pressure for
livelihood and almost no enforcement in the
area, many fishermen still come to Sibonga
for its bountiful fish catch. This is because of
the rich mangrove forest outside the MPA,
which serves as a shelter and nursery for small
and juvenile fish to grow and breed. During the assessment by
the CCEF (Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation)
of the MPA last March, we were able to find a suitable area to
relocate the MPA which includes a mangrove forest with patches
of seagrasses and is further from the river. By relocating the

Tulapos
Sibonga mangroves
MPA, the local municipality of Sibonga will be able to maximize
its natural resources and conserve the fish stock for future
generations.
CCEF is one of the pioneering organizations who established the
concept of Marine Protected Areas in Southeast Asia. Using the
MPA rating system, researchers are able to assess the weak points
and strengths of each locally managed MPA so they can truly
meet conservation needs. Today, the CCEF MPA rating system
has been modified by the University of the Philippines to the
MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT).
MPA MEAT is an evaluation tool used to assess the current
situation or status of MPA governance in terms of enforcement,
implementation, and maintenance using a series of structured
questions that are provided for each category to see if they satisfy
thresholds to pass each level. MPA MEAT levels are as follows: 1)
Level 1 = Established; 2) Level 2 = Strengthened; 3) Level 3 =
Sustained; and 4) Level 4 = Institutionalized. Using this tool, the
MPA Marine Support Network has established its biannual Para
El Mar MPA Awards to award the best managed MPAs and MPA
Networks in the Philippines. To date, the Philippines is estimated
to have over 1,500 Nationally and locally established Marine
Protected Areas.
Examples of exceptional MPAs are the top three MPAs, in:
Tulapos, Binoongan and Olang. In the past, these three MPAs
were haunted by several illegal fishing activities, and were also
devastated by typhoons, leaving many fishing communities
without income. Through the establishment of MPAs into their
communities, fish stocks were able to recover, and the women
were also empowered, starting their own food businesses and
generate income from the tourism attraction to the MPAs.
During the MPA MEAT assessment last March, CCEF found
that all three MPAs had successfully passed all the threshold
requirements of MPA MEAT level 3-sustained. The three
MPAs have had a remarkable improvement in terms to their
management body, enforcement, IEC, community participation,
and site development.
81

The oldest recovered boats
in the Philippines are
dated to 320 CE (Common
Era) and all were lash-lug
Austronesian boats.
Words by JAMES WEBSTER
Photographs as Credited
82

The Philippines, with a population of over 108
million, ranks among the major fish producing
countries in the world. The total volume of fishery
production per year has been as high as 4.65
million MT (metric ton) of fish, crustaceans, Mollusks and
other aquatic creatures. Much of it is consumed locally but,
as of the 3rd quarter of 2020, the principal fishery product
export value was approximately 15 billion pesos. It is also
the world’s third largest producer of farmed seaweed with an
average of around 1.8 million tonnes. The industry employs
some 1.6 million people.
Philippines aquaculture has been traced back to the 14
century but it wasn’t until the 1940’s that aquaculture
was recognized as an important industry and it has grown
rapidly since then. Marine fishing in the Philippines is now
more than an industry, it’s a way of life.
Fishing techniques changed very little from the 14th
century and nor did the fishing boats until the introduction
of outboard motors in the 1970’S.
The Bangka are indigenous watercraft of the Philippines
which were initially a small double-outrigger lash lugged
(sewn holes and later dowels („treenails“) to stitch planks
edge-to-edge onto a dugout keel and solid carved wood
pieces that form the caps for the prow and stern) dugout
canoe originating from the ancestral single-outrigger
dugout canoes of the Austronesian peoples, but since the
18th century, it has expanded to include larger lashed-lug
ships, with or without outriggers. Today Bangka refers to a
very diverse range of boats.
The oldest recovered boats in the Philippines are dated to
320 CE (Common Era) and all were lash-lug Austronesian
83
www.asisbiz.com

oats. The technique was used in the Philippines right up
until the 20th century when boats began to be built with
steel nails.
In pre-colonial times the building of Bangka involved
religious rituals, from the choosing of the trees for timber to
rituals before voyages. Newly built Bangka was imbued with
a guardian spirit through various rituals, usually involving
blood sacrifices.
Sailing traditions have mostly been lost since the introduction
of outboard and inboard motor in the 1970’s. Smaller boats
used mainly for fishing use sails but often may use gasoline
or diesel engines. Larger bangka usually use recycled car
engines and normally used for island hopping tours, diving
and sightseeing. Bangka, for the most part, are now made
with fiberglass which are lighter and more resistant to rot.
They are also much cheaper.
Fishers on banca boat
Island tour banca
84

85

Z The program was started
by Roger Bound, an Australian who
developed Rama Beach Resort in
Zambales in the late 1980’s, shortly after
the Eruption of Mt, Pinatubo, through
the resort owners association he had
formed to help put Zambales back on the
tourists map as a desirable destination.
ambales Lifesaving Inc. has been a leader in
Lifesaving training and sports since its inception.
As a past Surf Life Saving Australia member
who was both a lifesaver and competitor
in lifesaving sports, he saw that visitor
safety should be a priority and encouraged
members to have at least one staff member trained as a lifeguard.
As the President of the Botolan Tourism Council, he convinced
then Mayor Nerma Yap that all Botolan resorts should have
lifeguards, this led to an association with the Philippine
...despite him
volunteering to
continue to run the
program, the new
management of the
association decided
to drop the program.
Coast Guard (PCG) in training some 60 lifeguards in Botolan,
which lead to Mayor Yap knick-naming him as “the father
of lifesaving in Zambales”, as the program grew it started to
attract supporters such as RP Energy, who
supported the running of the first Surf
Lifesaving Instructors course conducted in
the Philippines, by Surf Life Saving NSW
(Australia) at his Botolan Resort in 2011,
they also assisted in other trainings and in
supporting the annual Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge, which was first run in 2012, this
event evolved over the years and since 2015
has been sponsored by Standard Insurance
Co. Inc. in association with Manila based
clothing maker, Tees and Prints who supply
the competitors and officials uniforms.
Things changed quire dramatically when Mr. Bound retired
from the resort industry at the end of 2013, despite him
volunteering to continue to run the program, the new
management of the association decided to drop the program.
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
The Roots
And Growth
Of Zambales
86
Lifesaving Inc.

87

The program lay dormant for almost a year, whilst looking
how it could be restarted, in March of 2014 the PCG, through
RA-9993 and memorandum circular
03-14 the PCG became the controlling
body of Lifeguards in the Philippines
and implemented that Lifeguards must
be trained by an “accredited training and
certifier” of the Philippine Coast Guard.
After initial meeting with contacts in
the PCG and discussions with some
other associates and lifeguards, in 2015
Zambales Lifesaving Inc. (ZLI) was
registered with the SEC and commenced
to work with the PCG and was after
exhaustive inspection of their training
methods and available equipment etc ZLI was the first to
apply and to be accredited after the instrumentation of
MC-03-14, thus was officially accredited as a PCG Lifeguard
training and certifying organization, with Accreditation
Certificate 2016-01.
The organization continued with the training of lifeguards and
in 2017 officially partnered with Surf Life Saving Far North
Coast Australia, so as to be able to access and update to the
latest techniques and training modules in Australia from Surf
Lifesaving Academy NSW who also in 2019 authorized ZLI to
be able to modify the program to better suit the Philippines,
this lead to the self assessment manual supplied to all
participants being produced in dual language (English and
Filipino) also all written materials such as exams etc.
Another program designed and run by ZLI is their annual “Swimsafe”
program, a free to the public Water Safety program for
children and their parents, which emphasizes “Reach or Throw”
but never go, basically it is an awareness program and teaches
about hazards that they may encounter at the beach, in rivers,
lakes and streams and waterfalls, how to spot them, avoid
them and safe ways of dealing with same, this is supported by
Lighthouse Marina Resort and Smile Concepts in the South and
Palmera Garden Resort and Ally Dot Com in central Zambales,
run each year before summer since 2015.
Annual “Swim-safe”
program, a free to the
public Water Safety
program for children
and their parents,
which emphasizes
“Reach or Throw” but
never go...
ZLI also continued to run the annual Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge each year which had started to attract not only
teams from Boracay, Cebu and other national teams, but also
88
attracted International teams from Sabah and Singapore,
this came about from ZLI sending a team to the Phuket Surf
Lifesaving Championships, finishing second overall in their
first two attempts and becoming outright winners in 2018
in not just the Senior Men’s event, but also took the Senior
Ladies event and both Ironman and Ironwoman.
In other areas of training ZLI was accredited by the Academy of
Surf Instructors (ASI) as their accredited organization for the
Philippines, for the issue of Water Safety and Rescue training
for surfing instructors in compliance with the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and the international bodies requirements.
Then came COVID-19: As we all know, everything came to a
grinding halt, for 2020 all of our programs, Swim-safe, Training
and the Annual Zambales Lifeguard challenge had to be
cancelled due to Government restrictions.
Late 2020 ZLI were granted permission
to do some training, with very strict
safety protocols in place, by early 2021
things had eased a little, especially travel
restrictions, however as most resorts
in Zambales were closed ZLI looked to
other areas that required support as their
resorts were open or beginning to open,
this resulted in training in Bataan, Cavite,
Pampanga, Pangasinan and Tarlac, plus
two sessions at our Botolan Headquarters.
ZLI, as is everyone else, hoping that things will improve
and restrictions ease, the biggest concern of ZLI is that as
resorts do start to open there is going to be a huge shortage
of available lifeguards, as many have let their certifications
lapse and also not maintained the physical fitness they
require for their job, not to mention that many have not
been out, especially for water recreation, so we are very
worried about a spike in drowning incidents.
ZLI is I think the only organization that offers a PCG approved
one day reassessment / refresher course for lifeguards they
have trained to renew their certification, but unfortunately
the allocated days have been poorly attended.
This is one reason that ZLI wish to get their Swim-safe program
running as soon as soon as possible as awareness is the very
best prevention that there is. Also Lifeguard training, lifting
of travel restrictions will mean more can attend training.
ZLI is also hoping that last year’s Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge can be run, along with Nipper’s Challenge, a
lifesaving sports event for children 5 and above, which was
started in 2019, sponsored by RDH Marine and Broadwater
Marine and was a huge hit with the kids and their parents.
As we believe that if one analyzes the last 15 months or so,
by far the most affected are our children.
So we at ZLI wish for a fast return to normal, not a new
normal, but the normal we knew before COVID.

89

Sailing Tips
Article
excerpts reprinted from the book
CRUISER HANDLING
by BOB BOND & STEVE SLEIGHT
You’ve always been interested to sail, but you know little about boat parts, the confusing techno-babble, and what
little you know is making your head spin in four different directions! Worry no more. This continuing series of articles
is for you: it covers tips regarding hardware present on most boats, as well as common sailing techniques, terms and
definitions, the names of the different pieces of hardware, and much more. This will keep you informed about most
things you will need before you begin your own sailing excursion. Be sure to consult with an experienced sailor and someone
knowledgeable about boats.
Marinas provide a great many pontoon berths in a small
area, often with good amenities ashore. As a result, they
are becoming increasingly popular.
However, the berths are very close
together and the marina can get
uncomfortably crowded in season. You
must therefore be able to control your
boat in congested waters if you are not
to cause havoc.
Some marina harbour masters stipulate
that boats should Arrive and leave
under power as space to manoeuvre is
limited. There will be occasions when
you can only berth or leave by making a three point turn, and
it helps if your boat handles well in reverse gear. It would be
foolhardy to try to berth a boat in a confined space if it has a
lot of windage and a weak engine. Your recourse would be to
Some marina harbour
masters stipulate that
boats should arrive
and leave under
power as space to
manoeuvre is limited.
come alongside an outside berth and warp the boat around
to the confined berth afterwards.
Among the many advantages that marinas
offer are the facilities and shops and
showers close at hand, and the fact that
most of them are located out of the tidal
stream. The same general principals apply
to marinas alongside berthing situations.
Handling a difficult berth
In some berths you may find that your
room to manoeuvre is so limited that you
have no chices but to warp your boat in or
out of the berth. This means using the lines attached to the
boat to lead it into or out of the berth, rather in the manner
that bargemen used to control their canal boats. It isn’t
possible, unfortunately, to lay down hard-and-fast rules –
Subic Marina
90

Marina Berths
you have to use common sense and work outfor yourself the
most logical method. A point to remember is that it is usually
easy to start the boat moving using lines, and rather harder
to stop once it has started!
An alternative solution to warping the boat is to use a spring
and the engine to get the boat out of the berth, particularly
when reversing out of a confined space or when a strong
wind is blowing.
Leaving
Before leaving a Marina Berth, you should have a good look
around to establish the best method of leaving. It is important
to check whether any other boats are in the process of
berthing or leaving. In case they interfere with your chosen
course. The next step is to consider the effects of wind and
tide if there is any, and your path out of the Marina. You
will have to move out at slow speed. Don’t forget the basic
rule of keeping to the right of the fairway once you are in
open water. If a boat is approaching you, and is clearly les
manoeuvrable than your own, common sense dictates that
you get out of the way.
Arriving
As a visitor to a marina you should first try to find out what
the regulations are, and where you are permitted to berth your
boat. If in Doubt, tie up at an outside berth and go along to
the harbour master’s office to enquire. As you may not be able
to see where you are berthing until just before you approach
the berth, the crew must be able to respond quickly to your
instructions. You may find it helps, provided you have enough,
to rig lines and fenders on both sides of the boat. Watch out
for ant other boats entering or leaving the Marina and give
way to less manoeuvrable craft. If you have any choice of
berth, take one where you can put the boat head-to-wind, so
that draughts don’t blow through the cabin.
Punta Fuego Marina
Marine dock
Arriving at a Marina
If your boat has a little prop walk, come in stern first (A), allowing the stern
to liew slightly upwind of the berth. If your boat is less easy to manoeuvre (B)
bring the boat alongside the end of the pontoon, head-to-wind, and warp
the boat into the berth, after securing bow and stern lines. On a windward
pontoon (C) berth bow first, approaching in neutral, and allow the wind to do
the work. With good control in reverse (D), come in stern first using forward
gear to stop. With less control in reverse ( E ), come in bow first. Get a crew
member to jump ashore quickly and secure the aft spring and stern line to
helo slow the boat down as you come in. Rig all lines in the usual way.
Leaving Marina Berth
If you have a simple berth to leave from (A&B), put the engine into neutral
before the lines are cast off, then let the boat drift clear of the berth. Motor
into open water. If there isn’t enough wind to take the boat clear, push the
bows off. The berth ( C ) is more difficult, as the boat is bow-on in a windward
berth. Either spring off the stern (!), or warp the boat out (2) so it can leave
bow-to-wind. With Berth D, you can motor straight out if the bow is pushed
off. With Berth E, you can reverse straight out if the boat has a clockwise prop
walk in reverse. Otherwise the crew could warp the boat out using the stern
line and aft spring, coming aboard when it reaches the end of the pontoon.
91

Liberty Bitcoin Youth
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has been thrilled
with the support that the Youth Foiling World Cup
has received from fellow sailing clubs around the
world and also from Persico 69F, whose innovative
boats were part of the attraction of this event.
However, due to the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong we
are saddened to no longer be able to host the event in Hong
Kong and have decided to move the event to a new location,
while keeping the dates and racing format.
With this in mind, Persico 69F, Federazione Italiana Vela
(Italian Sailing Federation), Foiling Week and RHKYC are
now working to hold the inaugural first Liberty Bitcoin
Youth Foiling World Cup in Italy from 19th February to the
12th of March 2021.
Words by RHKYC
Photos as Credited
92

Foiling World Cup
h Foiling World Cup
2021-2022
The intention is for the
second event to be held
at Lake Garda in July /
August 2021 and for the
third event to be held
in Hong Kong in
January 2022.
93

This inaugural event is the first out of a series of three events.
The intention is for the second event to be held at Lake
Garda in July / August 2021 and for the third event to be
held in Hong Kong in January 2022. The winning team with
the best total scoring, based on these three planned events
will be entitled to 1 Bitcoin, provided by Liberty Bitcoin
Fund (www.libertybitcoinfund.com).
The current market value of 1 Bitcoin is
US$19,320 (7th December 2020/as of
25th March, 2021 its US$38,638).
Yacht clubs from all over the World
are invited to participate, with priority
to be given to those teams which had
entered the Hong Kong event. There
will be a minimum of 12 and maximum
The winning team
with the best total
scoring, based on
these three planned
events will be entitled
to 1 Bitcoin...
of 18 teams in each of the individual events. Participating
teams in the first event in Italy will have the first right of
refusal, and also to join the 2nd event at Lake Garda in July /
August and the 3rd event at Hong Kong in January 2022.
Teams shall consist of 3 or 4 crew members and shall race
with both genders or all females onboard. Crew shall have
been born on or between 1 January
1996 and 31 December 2003.
The Notice of Race and entry form for
the Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World
Cup will be available in the next days
with a dedicated email.
For Liberty Bitcoin Youth Foiling World
Cup enquiries: yfwc@69fsailing.com.
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PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY
96

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PHILIPPINE YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY

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SUBIC BAY MANILA CEBU BORACAY DAVAO PUERTO PRINCESA
0939-922-3238 0918-963-8148 0939-902-0494 0918-963-8155 0918-963-8151 0912-309-6305
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P H I L I P P I N E S
YACHT PARTS, SALES and SERVICE
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