Echauz eyes three SEAG sailing golds

MANILA, Philippines - The president of the Philippine Sailing Association is setting a high standard for Pinoy entries in the 28th SEA Games in Singapore in June.

“I think we have a very good chance in sailing in this SEA Games,” said Ernesto “Judes” Echauz over the weekend.

Echauz skippered Centennial III to victory in the recent Subic to Boracay Race and immediately looked forward to the SEA Games.

“I think we have a very good chance in the keel boats and 470 class. We will be able to get at least three golds for sailing,” he said.

As PSA president, the chairman and CEO of Standard Insurance is making sure the country is represented well in Singapore.

The last time the Philippines won a sailing gold in the SEA Games was in 2005 when the country hosted the biennial event.

German Paz ruled the Olympic Class Neil Pryde RX:S event while his teammates notched a silver and three bronze medals.

In the last three editions of the SEA Games, the Philippines couldn’t win the gold, bringing home three silvers and a bronze.

Echauz is hoping things would change in the June 5 to 16 SEA Games where Singapore, as host, is expected to reign supreme.

There are 20 gold medals to be staked in sailing and windsurfing.

“Yes, Singapore is good in sailing,” said Echauz, recalling that in the 2005 SEA Games the Singaporeans bagged seven of the 12 golds disputed.

Along with Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics, Echauz serves as deputy chef-de-mission to Julian Camacho for the Philippine delegation.

“We have a very good chance. And what’s important is the training to be conducted,” added Echauz three months to the Games.

He said they plan to bring along a foreign coach soon just to give the Filipino bets the additional tools heading to the SEA Games.

Echauz said it’s not cheap to bring one in since hiring a good coach costs at least $5,000 for a week’s stay.

But he’s glad that the Philippine Sports Commission will shoulder the expenses.

“We will get one from New Zealand and it will cost us $5,000 to $7,000 for one week of training,” said Echauz.

The standards are high in sailing.