I’ve watched this video many times. You have to marvel at how the Filipino sailors chased by larger Chinese ships outmaneuvered them, and then offered assistance, to further emphasize their superior seamanship.

Interesting to see how the lighter ship bow was totally crushed by the armored warship, yet maintained integrity as if by design. I mean it’s not unreasonable to expect puncture abeam instead of that crumple zone in a bow.

These Keystone Cops of the sea have been doing this stuff for years, and now digital media is helping expose one of the world’s biggest flashpoints. The contest has to do with controlled access to these waters being part of defending Taiwan from China. And the same region hosts $5tn of annual trade, meaning both high military and commercial stakes for anyone dominating the games.

It also reminded me a bit of this other high stakes competition crash on the water that just happened, which I’m sure few really care about.

Moments like this are when I miss being on the water the most.