Bowman
- Mar 27, 2019
- 2 min read

Subic Sailing Wins 3rd Punta Fuego to Busuanga Race

The camaraderie among sailors is one of the strongest bonds between people. This is proven in every offshore sailing experience. After a grueling 30-hour race, the Team Selma Star - Subic Sailing finished strong, to become the back-to-back champion of the 3rd Punta Fuego to Busuanga Race successfully organized by Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation (PHINSAF) headed by Monchu Garcia. A total of 17 boats joined the race to the pristine islands of Busuanga Bay composed of three (3) classes (IRC, Cruising and Multi-hulls).

TEAM SELMA STAR: Jack Olis (GRINDER), Fernan Sarmiento (TRIM/HELM), Louie Collarin (MAST/TRIM), Miguel Magsaysay (GRIND/TRIM), Monchu Garcua (HEAD ORGANIZER), Jun Avecilla (SKIPPER), Marcus Avecilla (MAIN/ CO-SKIPPER), Seymour Saldavia (PIT), Zed Avecilla (BOW)

“It wasn't easy, a lot of hard work and pain but the moment you cross the finish at South Cay (Busanga) and set foot at the white beach the ordeals are erased by the warmth of new acquaintances, the band of sailors fraternity, friendship, camaraderie. These go through the awards ceremony and the rest of the night. I guess that's what really drives us to come back.” said Jun Avecilla, skipper of Selma Star - Subic Sailing Team and Chairman of Subic Sailing Club.

Belatrix, Ice 52 Yacht, finishing at South Cay, Busuanga. (Photo by David Sutton)

Team Belatrix with skipper Jun Villanueva and Team Selma Star with skipper Jun Avecilla

The Subic Sailing team was composed of Jun Avecilla and his two sons, Zedrik and Marcus, together with young sailors from the Subic Sailing Club, an organization dedicated to developing grassroots sailing. “As organizers of regattas, we saw the need to develop grassroots sailing. Because the number of boats joining regattas have declined through the years,” said Marcus Avecilla, Operations Director of Subic Sailing Club. “As early as now, we want to expose our young sailors to strong local competition. We are very proud of what our young sailors have achieved and this is what also inspires us to continue what we have started,” Marcus added.

“There is no doubt that the Filipinos are one of the greatest mariners in the world. But we need to support these kinds of sailing activities that encourage people to go sailing and enjoy the beauty of the Philippines, but most of all, support grass-roots program that ensures that the sailing in the Philippines will continue to grow,” said Zed Avecilla, Executive Director of Subic Sailing Club and newly appointed Vice President of the Philippine Sailing Association.