BORACAY , Philippines – As crews made their way to the beach, a huge sigh of relief was heard as the North East tradewind has returned in the Boracay Cup.
All clear for the Racing Class but Martin Tanco’s Sydney 46 Centennial II was called over the line in the Cruiser/Racer Class.
Troy Yaw’s TP52 Ulumulu was denied the chance to change mainsail, as all skippers had to agree with the committee to look into the issue for next year’s staging of the annual event.
The IRC racers had to endure strong currents and pick their way through several tidal overfalls in the Carabao Channel in Romblon.
While Frank Pong’s Reichel/Pugh 76 Jelik and Geoff Hill’s Smith 72 Antipodes were able to stretch their lead on the long reaching legs, the three TP52’s engaged in close quarters.
Upon returning to the finish line, Pong’s Jelik claimed line honors and looked as if their substantial lead was enough to take the handicap glory.
They had to wait 43 minutes for Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa to finish and find out that Karakoa had piped them for first place by over five minutes.
Geoff Hill’s Antipodes slotted into third place leaving the TP52’s to fight it out for the remaining places among themselves.
The event is backed by major sponsor Standard Insurance, Cebu Pacific – the official airline, Tanduay Distillers Inc., San Miguel Brewery, Broadwater Marine, Sea Wind Resort, Sand Bar Beach Club, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa, Discovery Shores Boracay, Aplaya Restaurant and Pepsi Cola Philippines.