Centennial dedicates China Cup triumph to fallen sailor

MANILA, Philippines — Once again, the Standard Insurance Centennial of top Filipino sailor Judes Echauz bagged top honors in the IRC A Class of the 12th China Cup International Regatta in Shenzhen, China.

Echauz, who is also president of the Philippine Sailing Association, raised the trophy and dedicated the victory to PSA secretary-general and fellow sailor Donnie Altura, who passed away recently.

The Standard Insurance-Philippine Sailing Association team skippered by Emerson Villena completed the twin kill for Pinoy sailors by ruling the Asian Sailing Federation Far East 28R class.

“These championships are dedicated to our secretary-general Donnie Altura,” said Echauz during the awarding ceremony of Asia’s top regatta, which attracted 200 yachts this year.

Standard Insurance Centennial, which often carries the Philippine colors, beat Shawn Kang’s Lighthorse Alpha+ on a tiebreak.

In another tiebreak in IRC A2, Tiffany Koo’s Hero Racing edged Soto40 Seamo Racing skippered by Guo Ji Lan.

Ocean Link-Dalian Maritime University Sailing Team of Mu Shijia ruled IRC B by winning all but one race. In the IRC C, Nick Southward’s J/109 Whiskey Jack reigned supreme.

Joining Echauz on stage during the awarding ceremony were team manager Stephen Tan, who received the Champagne Trophy from China Cup president David Zhong, and co-skipper Allan Balladares.

It was the second straight year the two Standard Insurance entries triumphed in the coveted China Cup. This year’s races took place at Daya Bay in Shenzhen from Nov. 8 to 12.

Over 1,600 sailors from 200 teams and over 30 countries competed, making this year’s event the biggest of them all. The China Cup is regarded as the most prestigious event across the Asia-Pacific region, and has been awarded as the Asian Regatta of the Year five times.