Centennial V makes heads turn

MANILA, Philippines — Standard Insurance Centennial V got its baptism of fire and emerged victorious in the first 650-nautical mile Hong Kong to Puerto Galera Yacht Race.

The newest acquisition of top Filipino sailor Judes Echauz won the race in a record time of 85 hours, 33 minutes and 55 seconds last Sunday.

It was the first time that a Filipino-owned yacht won line honors in ocean racing from Hong Kong to the Philippines even as the Centennial sailing team has won several titles in the IRC Championships, including the Rolex China Sea Race and the San Fernando Race.

The four-day race took off from the Kellett Island Clubhouse in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong and covered 650 nautical miles all the way to Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. It’s the second longest Category 1 yacht race in Asia, next only to the Hong Kong to Vietnam Race.

The Rachel Pugh 75 yacht, redesigned by noted naval architect Kevin Dibley, was skippered by Echauz with two female sailors and other members of the Philippine sailing team.

Standard Insurance Centennial V ruled the inaugural race against 14 international entries, including Fred Kinmonth’s and Nick Burns’ GTS 43 Mandrake III, winner of the 2018 Rolex China Sea Race.