On Labor Day Weekend, Blood Red’s office in Cebu City joined Family Boatbuilding Weekend at the Megaworld Properties development on Mactan Island. 11 Oz Goose sail boats were booked to be built from scratch, using pre-cut pieces of lumber, epoxy, fiberglass and resin sealant, with the plan of putting the boat in the water and sailing it on the 3rd day. Could it be done? We set out to find out for ourselves over the course of 3 days.
Organized by the Philippine Home Boatbuilders Yacht Club (PHBYC) and Hyde Sails Cebu, the aim was to bring the sport of sailing closer to people in the Visayas Region, a region we personally know to be idyllic for short as well as long inter-island sailing trips, peppered with sandbars, friendly villages, and clear waters. With the boat materials costing less than a fancy brand new smart phone, and the boat-building beach venue practically at our doorstep, there was no reason for us to not join the event.
And so, Team Blood Red, the Family Boatbuilding edition was assembled. Ranging in age from 6 to 60, included were a family of artists, a handful of industrial designers, a professional sailor, and a bunch of teenagers on summer vacation. Only one in the group of 15 had any experience in building a boat, but the (PHBYC) members made sure they were all on hand to answers questions on how to make the process go as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even better, the designer of the Oz Goose sailboat was himself on hand, sharing tips and answering questions on assembly, finishing and rigging throughout the 3-day event.
On the 3rd day, did we get to sail away? Watch the video to see our progress and check out how our Labor Day weekend ended.