BORACAY—Centennial III remained on track for a third straight title in the Subic Bay to Boracay Race- Boracay Cup Regatta as it continued to hold sway with two races left in the event now on its 8th year.
There was no let-up for the defending champion, which earlier won the 210 nautical-mile Subic Bay to Boracay, as its all-Filipino crew led by sailor master Judes Echauz, kept the no. 1 ranking after four races had been completed Friday at this world-famous island paradise.
A strong finish in the final day of the race that forms part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix season would make Centennial the first-ever boat in the history of the meet to win three consecutive titles.
The event ends by holding a long race around the island measuring 30 nautical miles.
“The sailors’ crew work were tested (Thursday) during the windward/leeward races. Scattered rain showers with 18-20 knots of wind from the North East made the race more interesting,” said Jun Avecilla, chairman of the organizing committee here. “The race continues tomorrow with a mixture of passage races around neighboring islands.”
A long shot of preventing Centennial III from completing history is Great Britain’s Antipodes, captained by Geof Hill, which currently occupies second place.
Karakoa, bannered by veteran sailor Ray Ordoveza, is currently at third spot, followed at no. 4 by Jelik, the one-time champion, which lost to Centennial III in the Subic Bay to Boracay race last week.
In the IRC Racing Class 2, Sabad of Bobby Benares grabbed the no. 1 spot from Black Baza of Anthony Root and Steve Manning, and Ramrod of Peter Sorensen.
Michael Brinkers’ Bella Uno meanwhile took first place in the Cruising Class Race 2 of the annual regatta grand prix sanctioned by the Philippine Sailing Association and backed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Watercraft Venture Corp., Seawind Boracay Resort, the Lighthouse Manila Resort and Subic Sailing Club.
At second place behind Bella Uno is Mermaid of Xiong Ting.
