Subic Centennial captures Inshore Series

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE -- Subic Centennial claimed the overall title in the IRC division despite losing to Hi-Fidelity in the fifth and final race on Monday that lent a thrilling finish to the China Sea Inshore Series 2000 off Subic Bay here.

It was a race Subic Centennial can afford to lose as it went to the finale holding a sizeable lead after a decisive twist in the fourth race on Easter Sunday that saw Hi-Fidelity being disqualified for certain infringement.

Subic Centennial ended up with an impressive performance of three first places and two runner-up finishes out of the five races held for the China Sea Inshore Series 2000 co-organized by the Subic Bay Yacht Club and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Triple V Centennial completed a 1-3 finish for the powerhouse Centennial Sailing Team, placing third for the fourth time in five days to go with its second-place showing in Race 4.

"It's always nice winning at home, this is something we've worked hard for," said Judes Echauz, rear commodore of SBYC.

Echauz lauded the crew headed by skipper Tom Hofsvenchiold and also credited the syndicate led by commodore Vic Vic Villavicencio for its all-out support.

Subic Centennial had earlier topped the President's Cup Regatta 2000.

The final overall standings had Vivaldi taking fourth place, Wizard winding up fifth, Outrageous finishing sixth, Kiboko seventh and Body Shot eighth.

British entry Winds of Time completed a come-from-behind victory in the HKPN division while Body Shot, skippered by George Hackett, took the Platu division crown unbeaten in four races.

Winds of Time, skippered by John Brodin, placed third and fourth in the first two races before winning the last three in a mighty comeback that enabled it to beat Hong Kong's Bewitched for the title.

Third place went to Margarita, skippered by Mickey Zosa.

SBYC was very well appreciated by the participants for the race management as well as the logistical support including the awarding ceremonies.