Slalom race tests skills of Iloilo sailors

WAVE MASTERS “Paraw” sailors take on the challenging Slalom Race at Villa Beach, Arevalo, in Iloilo City on Thursday, testing their navigation and seamanship skills against the coastal winds. —IAN PAUL CORDERO

ILOILO CITY—The waters of Villa Beach in Arevalo came alive on Thursday as “paraw” sailors put their courage and expertise to the test in the Slalom Race, a challenging obstacle course designed to push navigation and seamanship skills to the limit against coastal winds.

The competition featured three categories based on vessel length: Category A (25 feet) with 17 participants, Category B (30 ft) with 16 to 17 participants, and Category C (40 ft) with six participants.

Training

Teams came from across the region, including the coastal areas of Leganes, Tigbauan, and Arevalo (Sto. Niño Sur and Norte), with a special delegation from Boracay.

According to race director Roberto Somosa, these sailors train year-round, fueled by a deep passion for traditional sailing.

Beyond the race, the festival noted youth development. Secondary students from local schools joined a paraw sailing training workshop, gaining hands-on experience under experienced mentors. The program is part of a partnership between the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. and the Department of Education to preserve the city’s maritime heritage.

A screening of Bugsay, a film honoring sailing icon Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, highlighted the festival’s roots, while streetdance performances interpreted coastal life and maritime culture, reinforcing Iloilo’s identity as a historic seafaring community.

Now in its 53rd year, the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival continues to combine competitive sailing, youth education and cultural preservation, ensuring the city’s maritime traditions are passed on to future generations.