2024 RSHYR: First ever all-Filipino crew in the Sydney-Hobart classic
by The Pinnacle Gazette 24 Dec 2024 22:00 PST
26 December 2024
The Centennial 7 crew with Ernesto Echauz at the front © CYCA | Salty Dingo
Leading the charge is veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz, who will skipper the yacht Centennial 7, formerly known as Celestial. This brings with it significant excitement and pride among the crew, comprised of members from the Philippine National Sailing Team and the Philippine Navy. Echauz has been a tireless champion of Filipino sailors for a long time; sift through the crew lists and you will find Filipinos, but this time it's a full crew with the national flag on their shirts, standing up to be counted. Centennial 7’s entry stands out as one of only six international entrants among more than 100 vessels this year, which adds to the anticipation surrounding the event.
"We never expected we’d be able to join [the race]," Echauz remarked, highlighting the essence of this moment for him and his crew. The ability to participate and compete at this prestigious level is both exhilarating and fulfilling. The veteran sailor expressed the dream-like quality of their opportunity, saying, "We went through the paperwork, and the most important thing is to be able to get the whole crew, 15 Filipinos.”
One of the significant turning points for this crew was the acquisition of the Centennial 7. Originally, the team encountered difficulties when attempting to ship their own boat from the Philippines to Australia. This is where the previous owner, Sam Haynes, played a pivotal role. Haynes, who claimed the overall handicap victory last year aboard Celestial, decided to sell the winning boat to Echauz, which helped make this dream come true.
Echauz emphasized the importance of Haynes' decision, noting, "We acquired Celestial right away because we were told it’s ready to do the Sydney to Hobart." The seamless transition between ownership allowed the crew to focus on preparations instead of logistics, which can often be time-consuming and demanding.
Centennial 7 carries not only the hope of its crew, but also the pride of the Filipino sailing community. Each member brings their expertise and commitment to excellence, reflecting years of dedication and preparation for this prestigious race. This is more than just participation; it is about showcasing Manila's burgeoning talent on the world sailing stage.
With just days to go before the start, the crew of Centennial 7 was focused on thorough preparations, fine-tuning their strategies, and building camaraderie as they gear up for the challenges of the race. The time spent together, from training to racing preparations, has forged strong bonds among the crew members, making this experience even more meaningful.
Unlike any previous entries, this team is distinct not only because of its makeup but also due to its potential to etch their names in the annals of the Sydney-Hobart race history. They bring their unique experiences and stories, creating what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this year’s race. Entering the race with seasoned veterans at the helm, the crew is hopeful they can perhaps compete favourably and represent the Philippines with honour. “It’s a dream come true for all of us,” says Echauz, expressing gratitude for the chance to sail alongside his compatriots. He is no newcomer to long-distance racing, having competed numerous times in the Rolex China Sea Race, winning it outright in 1998 and 2008, and taking Line Honours in 2023.