Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echauz admits that it’s going to be rough for the Philippine sailing team to the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, there are no keel boats (in this SEAG),” said Echauz yesterday as he lamented the exclusion of the match racing keelboat in the Aug. 19-31 sportsfest.
Ridgley Balladares, Rommel Chavez and Richly Magsanay took the gold in match racing keelboat during the 2015 SEAG in Singapore. Aside from that, two silvers were brought home in the male 470 and fleet racing.
Echauz admits winning one gold in Malaysia will be hard but not impossible since the 470 is still going to be contested and promising Rubin Cruz is entered in the Men’s Laser Standard.
Malaysia is dangling 20 golds but Echauz swears taking one will be good enough given the exclusion of the event where he Philippines ruled in 2015.
Leading the charge in the 470 are veteran Emerson Villena and Lester Tayong.