Sailors set sights on 3 golds

SINGAPORE—The Philippine sailing team won’t settle for another gold-medal shutout similar to their Burma (Myanmar) experience two years ago.

The Filipino sailors arrived in this wealthy island city-state as early as May 20, more than two weeks before they officially set sail in the 28th Southeast Asian Games.

“I think we have a very good chance. We will be able to get at least three gold medals,” said sailing chief Judes Echauz.

Carrying out the determined bid are 13 sailors—headlined by the tandem of Ridgely Balladares and Richly Magsanay—during the June 6 to 14 races on the rough seas of the National Sailing Center and the calm waters of Marina Bay (keelboat).

Also part of the team are Rommel Chavez, Yancy Kaibigan, Rubin Cruz Jr., Lester Troy Tayong, Emerson Villena, Jerene Durana, Cyrin Guingona, Rheycilla Manaog, Rye Lee Caasi and Alaiza Mae Belmonte.

Echauz, president of the Philippine Sailing Association and board member of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said those gold medals would come from the keelboat and international 470 class events.

The Filipinos are hoping to end the gold-medal drought in the 20 sailing events calendared in the Games.

German Paz was the last Filipino SEA Games gold medalist (Olympic Class Neil Pryde RX:S) back in 2005 Manila.