THEY only have a week to familiarize themselves with their equipment, but the Philippine sailing team is confident of having a good showing in the 23 rd Southeast Asian Games.

Up against the best and most seasoned sailors in the region, the nationals have no options left but to make the most of their time using the newly-arrived boats with only five days left before sailing competition begins at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.

"We're racing against time but the team remains upbeat and in high spirit," said national coach Ma. Remedios Fidel.

"Kahit medyo nagkakasakit na ang mga players natin dahil may inuubo at sinisipon na, tuloy pa rin sa ensayo. Kailangan kasing ma-break `yung mga boats na gagamitin natin sa Sabado," added the one-time SEAG (1991) silver medallist in the 420 class.

Fidel refused to pinpoint who are the officials responsible for the delay in the arrival, but she couldn't hide his disappointment over the current situation of Philippine sports.

"Nakalulungkot isipin na itong SEAG hosting ay programa ng gobyerno pero may mga ahensiyang hindi agad tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga atleta. Naghahari pa rin ang red tape," lamented Fidel.

Sailing representative Cristy Defensor claimed that venues and equipment committee chairman Richie Garcia informed the team as early as October that the New Zealand-made boats are already at the Customs' warehouse although it failed to be released earlier.

"Lack of documents daw. Ang nakakainis nito, `yung mga gamit ng mga foreign athletes nailabas sa Customs ng mas maaga at kami pa ang nag-ayos nun. With this, we have no choice but to practice alongside with our competitors using sub-standard boats which we rent at the club," said Defensor.

Nonetheless, the nationals refused to give up on their bid for the gold medal.

"Maghapon na kaming nasa laot pero hindi naming magawa yung adjustment na kailangan dahil walang hangin. Pero tuloy pa rin ang team sa ensayo, tutal malapit na. Todo na namin ito," said Fidel

There are 12 events to be disputed in the sport with events in boys and girls optimist, 420 class (boys, girls and open), 470 class (men and women), lacer )men), lacerradial (women), hobie cat, board sailing (Olympic and formula).

Members of the team are Marjorie Laud (optimist), Joseph Jayson Villena (420)

Melvin Delos Santos (420), Ridgley Balladores (470) Rommel Chavez (sailing), Joel Mejarito (sailing), German Paz (open), Reneric Moreno (open), Louie Perfectua (open)

Mark Gil Francisco (open), Rafael Buitre (open), Richly Magsanay (open), Emerson Villena , Lester Troy Tayong, Bobby Coveta, Geyland Coveta, Rena Jean Tarroja, Rucille Abayon, Rheycilla Manaog, Raquel Laud, Gloria Alicia Veloso and Leahnnie Tayong.

SEA GAMES PHILIPPINES [http://www.2005seagames.com.ph/]