Paraw Regatta registration underway

Local sailors who wish to register and join the Paraw Regatta 2005 sailing competition can do so until the February 19 deadline.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF) executive committee chairman Manuel Villa   said the competition is open to all seaworthy native outriggers or paraws solely dependent on wind for power or motion. The IPRF is the organizer of the annual boat race held at the Iloilo and Guimaras Straits .     

Villa said the registration fee is P50.00 for category “A” paraws and P75.00 for category “B” outriggers. Entries will be categorized based on paraw specifications.

Category “A” will be for paraws with waterline length ranging from 16 feet and below, and strictly using indigenous materials. Category “B” are for outriggers having a waterline length of 16.1 feet up to 22 feet, with the hull strictly made of wood although the use of aluminum will be allowed. Category “C” is open to all types of sailboat, regardless of waterline length, body design, and sail materials used.

Categories “A” and “B” are further classified into painted and unpainted paraws.

Interested participants or their authorized representative may file their entries at the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Capitol; the Iloilo City Tourism Office, City Hall building; the Guimaras Provincial Tourism Office, and the Department of Tourism Region VI office at Bonifacio Drive, City Proper.

Villa urged foreshore residents to join this year's Paraw Regatta, which he said will definitely be bigger and more colorful than past editions. (Adora Bandorio/PIO)