The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) held a sailing demonstration of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) at the vicinity waters 25 nautical miles off Port of Manila on 15-September-2020.

PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr personally welcomed Philippine National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana and Philippine Navy (PN) Flag-Officer-In-Command, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo J Bacordo who witnessed the activity.

OCEA Country Director, Mr. Jacques Briand, requested PCG’s assistance in the conduct of a sailing demonstration to showcase the capabilities of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) to Secretary Lorenzana and Vice Admiral Bacordo who are planning on the further modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines..

The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) is the largest and most advanced aluminum hull offshore patrol vessel in the world constructed by the OCEA — the leading aluminum shipbuilding company in France.

This 84-meter vessel is designed to meet the demanding mandates of the PCG on maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection.

It is capable of transporting approximately 500 people at one time and performs beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed. It has a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots and an endurance of up to five weeks of non-stop operations. Above all, it has an excellent seakeeping ability and maneuverability, on top of the great comfort it offers for people onboard.

SOURCE: https://www.coastguard.gov.ph/index.php/11-news/3751-pcg-holds-sailing-demonstration-of-brp-gabriela-silang-opv-8301-in-manila-bay