Yacht racing—a sport not as commonly heard of in the country like basketball or volleyball, is starting to gain more and more fans, thanks to efforts of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series. In a recent regatta, we were whisked away to Subic, to experience the event firsthand.

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The BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series is the country’s ultimate sailing event which gathered the best sailing teams in the Philippines in a display of skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship. Throughout the yacht race series, participants navigated through various stunning seascapes, showcasing the natural beauty of Corregidor, Busuanga, Boracay and Subic Bay while testing their mettle against fellow competitors. The series saw the participation of 22 competing yachts and 6 spectator yachts.

BPI Subic Regatta IRC fleet

After a thrilling journey spanning four exhilarating legs, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series culminates with the much-anticipated BPI Subic Regatta 2024, set against the picturesque backdrop of Subic Bay. The BPI Subic Regatta, organized by Subic Sailing Club, under the umbrella of the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines is the fourth and final leg of the yacht race series. A total of nine yachts participated in the regatta.

Jun Villanueva’s Ice 52 Belatrix claimed the BPI Subic Regatta perpetual trophy after emerging as the overall winner in the IRC Class. Belatrix topped four out of six action-packed inshore races held over 4 days of intense competition around Subic Bay. Villanueva takes home a custom art piece by Michael Cacnio.

Belatrix skippered by Jun Villanueva won the IRC overall at the BPI Subic Regatta

BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco and BPI Wealth President and CEO Tere Marcial awards Belatrix Skipper Jun Villanueva the BPI Subic Regatta Perpetual Trophy by Michael Cacnio

Misty Mountain skippered by George Hackett won 2nd place in IRC Class and Centennial II skippered by Martin Tanco, a first-time participant in the series, bagged the 3rd place. Hong Kong boat Rampage 008 skippered by Noel Chan also joined the fleet after finishing the esteemed Rolex China Sea Race 2024.

In the Cruising Class, John Quirk’s Anthea won 1st place overall, while Renie Ticzon’s Papaya 2 won 2nd place.

“When we launched this yacht race series, we had a three-pronged vision that served as our north star: to grow the sailing community in the Philippines, to promote the Philippines as a sailing hub, and to support marine conservation. We take pride in the tangible impact we have achieved across each of these pillars. As we conclude this remarkable sailing season, we remain steadfast in our aspiration to advance BPI's commitment to sustainability, aspiring for lasting progress and positive change,' noted Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth.

BPI Team at the BPI Subic Regatta

True to its commitment to promote environmental and marine conservation, the series partnered with WWF Philippines and featured the rich marine life and biodiversity in the race locations, while producing informational content on sailing for healthier seas. WWF Philippines also participated in the series of Sustainability Talks organized by Subic Sailing Club, the Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, and BPI Private Wealth which featured other sustainability and conservation advocates from BPI, MAD Travel, Sentinel Upcycling, EcoShift, EcoNest, Alon and Araw Club, Maharlika Carbon, GreenSpace, and BlueStem Philippines.

“We partnered with BPI Private Wealth in the Signature Yacht Race Series to expand the community of ocean conservationists. Sailors are natural allies. They are a firsthand witness to the beauty of our oceans, and when you are faced with such beauty, you would want to protect it”, shared Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF Philippines.

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Aside from engaging local and international boats to participate in the series, Subic Sailing Club, in partnership with BPI Private Wealth, also hosted Sailing 101 sessions for new and aspiring sailors in a bid to grow the sailing community in the Philippines. The sessions featured the basic rules of sailing discussed by World Sailing International Judge from Sydney, Australia, Mark Pryke, and a hands-on sailing experience for participants.

“As we reflect on the past four glorious days, we are reminded what our passion for yacht racing and beyond competition is about – friendship, camaraderie, unity and having fun. We exchanged memories of thrilling races, shared laughter, and formed bonds. We express our sincere gratitude and thanks to BPI and BPI Private Wealth for bringing us these prestigious regattas. We also thank our International Jury chaired by IJ Leonard Chin from Malaysia, IJ Mark Pryke from Australia, IJ Jerrold Ng from Singapore, NJ Jack Wu from Taiwan and NJ John Quirk from New Zealand and Puerto Galera. Our profound thanks also goes to Albert Altura, Chairman of the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines, race officials led by Principal Race Officer Jerry Rollin, and all the sailors for their collective efforts and dedication. May the spirit of racing inspire us all, both on and off the water,” shared Jesus Avecilla, Chairman of Subic Sailing Club and skipper of Selma Star.

The series winners of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series will be determined by the combined scores on corrected time of the racing teams throughout the four legs. The series overall champion skipper and boat name will be etched on the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series perpetual trophy custom made by Filipino artist Michael Cacnio. The winners will be recognized in a separate award and closing ceremony.

For more information about the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, visit www.signatureyachtraceseries.com

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