2025 Manila Yacht Club First Saturday Race
by Karlo Emmanuel Lim Panahon 9 Oct 23:33 PDT
9 August 2025
2025 Manila Yacht Club First Saturday Race © Manila Yacht Club
A stirring revival is taking place in the waters of Manila Bay—something the Manila Yacht Club (MYC) sailors have long awaited.
For over two decades, the thrill of yacht racing has been absent at this historic club. Once a vibrant hub for monthly races among passionate members, MYC's racing scene faded as veteran sailors moved on, and for a time, competitive sailing seemed to have keelhauled itself into silence.
But the spirit of the sea is never truly extinguished. Recently, four seasoned skippers from MYC—veterans known well beyond the bay for their performances in prestigious races such as the BPI Signature Series and the President's Cup—got together to reminisce about the club's glorious racing heritage. They were determined to renew that legacy and reignite the competitive fire that once defined Manila Yacht Club.
Christ Cheng of Moonshot, James Villareal of Raw Honey, Albert Altura of Hurricane Hunter, and Mikey Soza of Joyride envisioned something special: the First Saturday Races at MYC. This initiative would not only revive the club's racing tradition but also serve as an essential training ground. With the BPI Signature Series set for November, the stakes were high, and the timing couldn't be better for these sailors to sharpen their skills and reignite old rivalries in friendly competition.
On August 9, 2025, the club's docks buzzed with anticipation as the four teams assembled for the inaugural race. Over breakfast and Skippers' Briefing filled with shared laughter and light banter, camaraderie flowed just as freely as the early morning sunlight that danced on the water's surface. This was more than a race; it was a reunion of spirit, skill, and passion for the sport they cherished.
Out on the bay, light Habagat 4-knot winds swept gently from Cavite, offering just enough breeze to test the sailors' mettle without overwhelming the fleets. Though a veil of haze lingered, the blue sky was breaking through clouds for the first time in weeks, promising a fresh start just as the race promised a new chapter in MYC's storied history.
With no dedicated race committee or specialized race gear, the skippers collaborated to chart a thrilling course that put their seamanship to the test. Starting at the northern breakwater gap, the fleet has to head southwest for 7 kilometers to the yellow special-purpose buoy serving as the windward mark. From there, they need to the southern breakwater gap, rounded to port the training ship moored near the US Embassy—the iconic M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, which recently made the news with the Atin Ito outreach to the WPS —and navigate back through the northern breakwater gap and the windward buoy before finishing at the southern breakwater gap. The course featured six challenging legs, demanding precision, strategy, and teamwork.
As the 1-minute mark echoed across the water, Team Moonshot sprang into action, darting through the starting line with 4 seconds to spare. Meanwhile, Raw Honey and Hurricane Hunter waged a tight duel, jockeying for position as they pressed toward the windward mark. The whispering breeze tested every ounce of the crews' sailing acumen, forcing them to master the delicate balance of wind and water.
True to form, Moonshot maintained their lead on the opening leg, while Raw Honey made a bold gamble, veering southeast, only to be caught in a slatting for a minute or two. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet soared forward, flying their spinnakers northeast, painting vivid streaks of color against the backdrop of Metro Manila skyline.
Mid-race, the skippers agreed to shorten the course to four legs due to lower winds, bringing the finish line to the northern breakwater gap after rounding the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca.
At the finish, Moonshot crossed first, followed by Raw Honey, Joyride, and finally Hurricane Hunter. After the final handicap adjustments, the official results stood:
- Team Moonshot - First Place
- Team Joyride - Second Place
- Team Raw Honey - Third Place
- Team Hurricane Hunter - Fourth Place
The racers exchanged congratulations and spirited stories, their enthusiasm undeniable. The overwhelming positive feedback fueled plans for the next race, scheduled for September 6, 2025. The four skippers eagerly anticipate a growing fleet of challengers joining the thrilling monthly race, ready to push the limits and ignite fierce new rivalries on the waters of Manila Bay.
With sails unfurled and hearts set on the horizon, the First Saturday Race has not only brought yacht racing back to Manila Yacht Club but has also rekindled a proud legacy, signaling the dawn of thrilling competitions yet to come. The waters of Manila Bay are alive once more with the exhilarating pursuit of speed, strategy, and sportsmanship. The race to the horizon has truly begun.