Hi-Fi shares overall lead in Pres Cup

AKLAN, Philippines – New Zealand’s Hi-Fi, skippered by Neil Pryde, regained top form when it ruled the point-to-point 30-nautical mile Seair Race 4 to gain a share of the lead for the overall crown yesterday in the six-race series of the 17th President’s Cup Regatta in Boracay here.

Frank Pong’s Jelik from Hongkong actually took the lead at the start but Hi-Fi quickly gained ground to wrest the lead and win the IRC Racing Class.

Hi-Fi wrapped up the point-to-point race in four hours, seven minutes, 52 seconds to turn back RP bet Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza (4:11:21). Subic Centennial by Ernesto Echauz, which ruled the Lexus Race 3, checked in third (4:12:09).

Following the win, Hi-Fi gained a share of the lead with Karakoa after the drop-one race rule came into effect.

But the title hunt remains unpredictable going into the last two races, which defending champion Subic Centennial hopes to sweep to snatch the overall plum.

Skipper George Hackett and his Team Windshear Rudy Project went on with their third-race winning streak in the IRC1 Racing class after beating Martin Tanco’s X-452 Challenge and Claudio Altura’s Vivaldi with a time of 4:01.59.

The event is presented by Standard Insurance, Lexus Manila, Smart Infinity and supported by San Miguel Beer, Seair, Tanduay Rhum, Guerlain, Sea Wind Resort, Ermenegildo Zegna, Neil Pryde, Gatorade, Summit Water, Watercraft Ventures, with media partners, Manila Bulletin, Asia Pacific Boating, Calibre, Asian Yachting.com, Calibre Billionaire, Lifestyle Asia and Fragrant Harbour.

The X-452 Challenge, which was disqualified in Lexus Race 3, bounced back with a runner-up finish with a time of 4:03:12 while Vivaldi took third with 4:05.12.

Freewheeler, skippered by David Wheeler, marked its first win when it prevailed over rivals Jelle Mann’s Saipin and David McKernna’s Rapparee XXX in the Peformance Cruising Class.

Freewheeler chipped in 3:01:40 for the big win against Saipin and Rapparee XXX that wound up the race in 3:02:27 and 3:09:18 respectively.

For more information, please visit the website www.manilayachtclub.org/www.standard-insurance/sailing or call Zest Asia at 8177316.