You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Legazpi coastal barangays in 2020. With their sponsorship<br />
more or less secured, naming the event using DOT Region<br />
V’s tagline, “Exciting Bicol” made amazing sense, and thus,<br />
the Exciting Bicol Oz Goose National Championships was<br />
slated to happen on the upcoming long weekend at the<br />
end of February <strong>2022</strong>, People Power weekend.<br />
A Notice of Race was issued in December 2021 and Goose<br />
sailors from Batangas, Subic and even Butuan expressed<br />
interest in participating. To upgrade the level of competition<br />
in the regatta, an invite was sent out to young athletes<br />
trained by the Philippine Sailing Association (PSA). These<br />
competitive sailors who train at the sailing center in Manila<br />
have not had an opportunity to sail competitively or even<br />
sail at all, since lockdowns started in 2020. Because the<br />
event could not get an official PSA sanction due to IATF<br />
regulations, the athletes needed to participate in a personal<br />
capacity. An Internet fundraiser was quickly organized for<br />
them through the Storer boat plans group<br />
and Oz Goose Internet<br />
community to<br />
help fund their<br />
entry and<br />
charter<br />
fees.<br />
Despite the Omicron surge that gave the organizers a little<br />
anxiety, online pre-registration was a confidence booster,<br />
allowing the event to quickly fill the 31 boat target. Sailors<br />
from Batangas, Subic, Manila and Legazpi signed up. The<br />
Butuan contingent however were not able to because of<br />
Omicron fears.<br />
Sponsorships were obtained for logistics, accommodations<br />
and even internet connectivity. AYC and PHBYC worked<br />
hand in hand to make everything necessary to accomplish<br />
all the tasks. It was difficult, but serendipity found a way.<br />
To get the Puro sailors ready for their first regatta Mik,<br />
Myself and TLYC race officer Jason went down to Legazpi<br />
to give a crash course in right of way rules, boat handling,<br />
start sequences and race officiating. Jeff Morris, their new<br />
coach, was also there to help ensure that their training<br />
regimen goes on after we leave.<br />
Sponsor count was growing, long time Oz Goose supporter<br />
Hyde sails sponsored the four race marks that were to be<br />
used at Nationals, Financial, Logistics and back end support<br />
were provided by Imperial homes, Kress provided funding<br />
support as well as a prize for the top winner, while Toyota<br />
Albay provided monetary sponsorship in exchange for an<br />
opportunity to Market their new vehicle to participants and<br />
the regatta audience. The City of Legazpi<br />
sponsored the welcome dinner and<br />
the Legazpi Oceanfront Hostel<br />
which is located beside<br />
AYC, and is owned by<br />
an officer of the club<br />
provided quarters<br />
for the<br />
Words by ROY ESPIRITU of PHBYC<br />
Photographs by STOLENSHOTS<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
l al Championships15
Change language