Manila-Boracay race up tomorrow

The Standard Insurance Manila-to-Boracay Race (SIMBR), arranged by the Manila Yacht Club and held under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Association, sails off at 6 p.m. tomorrow for Boracay island, marking the second year of this 203-nautical mile race considered the longest and most challenging Philippine sailing event.

Overall winner of the inaugural SIMBR last year was Maligaya, skippered by Andy Soriano, which won line honors and set a record for the 203-nautical mile race in 23 hours and 35 minutes. Hong Kong yacht Mandrake placed second three hours behind and Subic Centennial II came third 11 minutes later. Lhayas won the Persistence Award for finishing the course in 62 hours

Ernesto "Judes" Echauz, Standard Insurance president and Subic Centennial II skipper, recalled Centennial "surfing with spinnaker sail up for six hours at speeds hitting 18 knots before reaching Boracay."

Strong winds 25-35 knots prevailed on the east coast of Mindoro and 30-45 knots winds at the Verde Island Passage forced six of the 15 yachts to turn back and seek refuge at Puerto Galera, added Echauz, whose all-Filipino Centennial crew set a 4,100 nautical-mile record in a circumnavigation attempt from Subic Bay reaching Fiji in 28 days, 16 hours averaging 16 knots.

Competing are 16 yachts — Balangjai, Centennial II, Challenge, Free Fire, Freewheeler, Infinity, Jelik, Karakoa, Lethal Weapon, Maligaya, Salina, Sandoway, Selma, The Judge, Trio and Vivaldi.

Awards night will be Feb. 14 at the Seawind Resort in Boracay for the top three winners in three categories.

For race details, check out the official Website www.standardinsurancecom.com/sailing.