PSA shifts focus on small boat racing

After a rewarding campaign using longer boats armed with gigantic sails, the Philippine Sailing Association will try to find success in small boat racing in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

PSA president Ernesto “Judes” Echauz said a comprehensive program has been designed for the national team.

It is primarily intended for the development of sailors in the junior and elite ranks in time for the Games to be hosted by the Philippines.

“We will prepare far better for the 2019 Games since it’s not only improving certain individual athletes but the team as a whole,” said Echauz.

The country’s sailing chief got inspired and motivated after a successful 2017 for Standard Insurance Centennial, a TP 52 class racing yacht that represented the national team in various continental regatta races and installed Echauz as one of the revered yachtsmen in the continent.

With Echauz leading the way, the Filipinos fished the overall title of the IRC A Class in the 11th China Cup International Regatta in Shenzhen, China, late last year, besting over 1,500 sailors.

Standard Insurance Centennial also bagged its third consecutive title in the DBS Marina Bay International Match Racing Cup in Singapore and the IRC Class Zero title in the Hong Kong to San Fernando, Philippines Race.