Karakoa takes helm in Subic

SUBIC Bay – A big afternoon windshift enabled Karakoa to grab the lead after two more races Thursday in the 11th President’s Cup Regatta.

Karakoa, with helmsman Steve Benjamin’s guidance, made it to the finish line in the Open Division’s fourth race — an eight-nautical mile windward-leeward course, in one hour, 18 minutes and 22 seconds.

Ray Ordoveza’s crew made it just as the 18-knot westerly winds coming from Grande Island’s direction died down and an easterly breeze from the beaches of Barreto started picking up.

The shift caught Subic Centennial’s team flatfooted and slowed them down as they unfurled their spinnakers while rounding the windward turn off Grande Island.

They finished 25 minutes and 13 seconds behind Karakoa, which stayed in the overall lead with nine points. Subic Centennial stayed second with seven.

Earlier, Karakoa took the third race with ease, checking in 1:36.00, 41 seconds ahead of Subic Centennial in this event supported by the Manila Yacht Club, Subic Bay Yacht Club and the Philippine Sailing Association.

George Hackett’s Jo de Ros coasted to easy first place finishes in the third and fourth races of the Cruiser-Racer A Class with elapsed times of 1:33.09 and 1:04.27.

David McKenn’s Rapparee II hung on to the top spot in the Cruiser-Racer B side after beating Rags and Yasdip.

A big rivalry loomed in the PY Cruising Class after a new boat skippered by Jesus Avecilla Jr. -Frantic, protested the win of Paul Pichler’s Kiri. The protest committee, headed by Mark Haswell, ordered a re-run of the race.

Richard Morris’ Salina stayed in hot pursuit of Jo de Ros in second spot with its two second place finishes.

The races are sponsored by SKYinternet, Globe Handyphone, Tag Heuer Sport Vision, PAGCOR, Absolute Distilled Water, Carnival Hotels, David’s Prestige, Ralph’s Wine and Spirits, Manila Bulletin, Neilpryde, Lone Star Light, Princess Cruises, Standard Insurance, San Miguel Corp., Coca Cola, Tanduay Rhum and Shell.