7 countries vie in regatta, Presidents Cup regatta

A more exciting showdown of champion yachts is brewing up with a powerhouse cast of almost 30 entries confirming their participation in the seventh Manila-Boracay Regatta and the 17th Presidents Cup flagging off Feb. 14 at the Manila Yacht Club.

Seven foreign countries – Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia – are competing in the event organized by the Manila Yacht Club and sponsored by Standard Insurance and Smart Infinity with the support of Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Asia, Seair and Sea Wind Resort.

This gives top Filipino entries led by Ernesto “Judes” Echauz a tough challenge for the national and international titles up for grabs.

Echauz hopes to continue to winning streak after the impressive win of the “Subic Centennial” in the Rolex China Sea Race. Also hoping to power up the country’s title bid are “Karakoa” skippered by Ray Ordaveza, “Jo de Ros” skippered by George Hackett and “Selma Star” of Jun Avecilla. 

* Leading the foreign challenge are Hongkong’s Frank Pong, who will be bringing of his prized boat “Jelik”; Neil Pryde and his yacht “HiFi”; “Quantum” which will be skippered by Australian Ray Roberts; “Freefire” of Hongkong national Sam Cham; and the “Full Metal Jacket” of New Zealander Chris Meads.

* Among others are Ireland’s RappareeXXX skippered by David McKenna, Swiss Roland Buser and his boat Stella and Klan Huisjes aboard MS Salona.

* “It is quite an important race, not only in terms of sailing, but has become a huge tourism drawer for the country,” said Martin Tanco, head of the Sailing committee.

Participants will leave February 14 for the 7th Manila To Boracay Regatta while the 17th Presidents Cup Regatta will be staged February 18-21 maneuvering on Boracay’s strong winds and choppy waters.