SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE -- Multi-titled Subic Centennial scored back-to-back wins over old rival and Hong Kong entry Hi-Fidelity in an exciting duel of Sydney 46s as the China Sea Inshore Series 2000 kicked off Saturday with the fleet enjoying ideal wind conditions off Subic Bay.
With Tom Hofsvenchiold as the skipper, Subic Centennial topped the first two races of the IRC division both at the expense of Neil Pryde-skippered Hi-Fidelity as the yacht with the Philippine tri-colors on its sails lived up to expectations due to its excellent track record at a 16-mile course near her dock.
Subic Centennial is aiming for a sweep of the summer's major events in Subic Bay after dominating the President's Cup Regatta 2000 recently.
Also making a big impression in both races was Triple V Centennial, manned by young boys from the Team Centennial who also participated in the China Sea Race 2000 as another Subic Bay Yacht Club entry, which checked in third in both races.
Hong Kong's Bewitched took the overall first for the day in the HKPN division of the China Sea Inshores Series 2000 which is co-organized by the Subic Bay Yacht Club and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
Bewitched, a Catalina 42 skippered by Glen Smith, finished strongly in both races, taking the first by more than a minute on corrected time over Windseeker.
In the Platu Class, Body Shot launched its bid by winning twice.
Gerry Daughton, chair of the China Sea Race 2000, was all praises for the first day of hostilities.
"We had two gorgeous races today and good winds, congratulations to the Subic Bay Yacht Club for the good food and good party. Big cheers to the club!," he said.
Judes Echauz, the rear commodore of the Subic Bay Yacht Club, welcomed the sailors participating in the China Sea Inshore Series 2000.
The field, most of which are veterans of the just concluded 20th China Sea Race 2000, returns to Subic Bay for more exciting events.