VINTA REGATTA ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL: RACE AND AFTER @ OCTOBER 2011

The Regatta de Zamboanga 2011 was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. I decided to come back midmorning because I also wanted to watch the race.

The Regatta de Zamboanga started in 1974. That is what I learned as I was watching the races. I saw the Department of Tourism Region IX Director, Mary June Bugante in the podium area.

.I also saw friends who came to watch the races.

The rescuers prepare the buoy and markers.

Here are the beautiful sailboats plying the sea...

off they go... in linear fashion...

The rescue group observes as the race goes on...

the vintas from afar as the folks enjoy swimming... note the beautiful waves ashore and the smooth sea beyond

as the vintas turn back to shore... 

a very ideal sunny day for the Regatta

the Carmelite monastery at the R.T. Lim Boulevard

the boatmen paddle their way to win!

the Sta. Cruz Island at the background

the Great Sta. Cruz Island in the horizon

Many people watched the event, while a lot also enjoyed their time swimming and just relaxing over there.

Happy kids enjoying the waves...

Soon after the races, here are some of the scenes we witnessed.

we are done!

Time to return the numbers of the sailboats...

       time to keep the sail...                                                                                          

and we see love overflows.... 

aftercare...

ice drop available for the hot and sunny day!

Of course, Angry birds have to be present!

We also saw our Congresswoman Maria Isabel "Beng" Climaco preparing for a segment of her television show with the regatta as her background.

Congresswoman Beng Climaco... Vaya con Dios

The day is done and off goes the racers.

An activity such as the Regatta de Zamboanga enlivens a quiet city and there we see people of all walks of life together.

the Carmelite monastery at the R.T. Lim Boulevard

Viva Zamboanga Hermosa... indeed, Beautiful Zamboanga!

VINTA REGATTA 2011 ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL: ASSEMBLY @ OCTOBER 2011

I was so happy I was able to experience the Regatta 2011 in this year's Fiesta Pilar.

I just came from the airport and we passed by the R.T.Lim Boulevard very well aware that the Regatta was today.

There was no traffic this early.

It was still 6 a.m. and so the vintas were all lined up. There were no numbers assigned yet.

view from the other side of the R.T.Lim Boulevard

Some came a bit later and arrived without the sail. 

The small boats without the sail are the more common everyday sight rather than with the sail on. Then, as soon as they landed on shore, they prepare their bright sails.

"we would like to join, too!"... with some fishing boats in the background.

this is the boat without the sail...

the boatmen join the rest of the group...

preparing their sails

The vintas are so colorful and beautiful.

notice the waves at the shoreline...

the vintas at the shoreline of the R.T. Lim Boulevard

the vintas are now assigned their numbers for the race...

Some folks continued on with their exercise, strolling or jogging in the newly renovated R.T. Lim Boulevard.

These days, the runners are now safer with the more uniform pavement.

the new sidewalk at the R.T. Lim Boulevard

There are also vendors selling seaweeds, crackers, taho, drinks and whatever...

distributing the seaweeds "Lato"

Samals and Badjaos selling "Latô" (seaweeds)

Taho for sale

There were families who had a picnic there.

There were people, especially kids, who just wanted to play and swim.

Of course, folks came over to watch the regatta.

And a lot also came to cover the regatta and also just get photos of the regatta.

It was fun just being there!