2025 BPI Boracay 200: High Seas, High Stakes, and Unforgettable Firsts

The 2025 BPI Boracay 200 unfolded with intense competition as sailors braved strong winds and challenging seas. The third leg of the second season of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series not only tested sailing limits but also reinforced BPI’s commitment to sustainability and financial empowerment.

Building on its reputation as the Philippines’ premier sailing event, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series brings together top sailors from across the country and showcases the unmatched beauty of Corregidor, Busuanga, Boracay, and Subic Bay as world-class sailing destinations.

From February 20 to 26, the 2025 BPI Boracay 200, organized by the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP) brought the thrill of the Subic to Boracay Race back to life, covering a demanding 200-nautical mile race course. Sailors navigated iconic landmarks such as Grande Island, Mariveles Point, Fort Drum, Verde Island, and Tablas Strait contending with complex currents and shifting winds in a test of navigation, racing tactics, and endurance.

Leading the fleet to victory was Karakoa, skippered by Francis Ordoveza, setting a new record elapsed time of 25 hours, 29 minutes, and 19 seconds, claiming Line Honors for the BPI Boracay 200 Subic to Boracay leg as well as the First Place on corrected time in the IRC Class.  

After three grueling inshore races made for close-quarter battles around Boracay and neighboring Carabao Island with winds clocking 30-40 knots, Karakoa continued its winning streak emerging as the Overall Winner in the IRC Class, thus claiming the ultimate prize - the 2025 BPI Boracay 200 Perpetual Trophy designed by Michael Cacnio.

Rounding up the winners, Allusive, owned by John Quirk and skippered by Anthony Evangelista from Puerto Galera, secured overall victory in the Cruising Class, while Cariño from Punta Fuego, skippered by Monchu Garcia, took the top spot in the Ocean Multihull Class.

“The BPI Boracay 200 is always a thrilling experience, and there’s nothing quite like sailing into the island to kick off the race,” shared Peter Capotosto, Principal Race Officer who is also the Commodore of Taal Lake Yacht Club. “With world-class sailors competing, it’s a privilege to witness their skill in navigating the waters and winds. The regatta’s unique structure adds to the excitement, especially at the start, where competitors converge at varying speeds, creating a dynamic scene unlike the static starting lines seen in other sports. It’s an exhilarating spectacle that truly sets the tone for the competition.”

The 2025 BPI Boracay 200 saw increased participation, growing from nine yachts in 2024 to 13 in 2025, including five new entrants: Maelie and Cariño for the Ocean Multihull Class, and Shangri-La, Neptunus III, and Despacito for the Cruising Class. Moreover, the presence of an international jury, Leonard Chin from Malaysia, Mark Pryke from Australia, Ewan McEwan from Singapore, and John Quirk from New Zealand further underscored the regatta’s growing reputation in the sailing community. The regatta was supported by Peter Baird’s Lost in Asia as the Race Committee boat, providing an effective platform for race management.

“Despite unpredictable weather conditions, we are thrilled to celebrate another successful leg of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series. ORCP’s partnership with BPI Private Wealth has been pivotal since the series began, and we look forward to seeing it grow even stronger,” said James Villareal, BPI Boracay 200 Regatta Chairman for 2025, ORCP Trustee, and Skipper of IRC Class competitor Raw Honey. “Together, we are elevating sailing in the Philippines, continuously innovating and improving to uphold the regatta’s legacy for years to come”, Villareal adds.

This year, the BPI Boracay 200 introduced two initiatives showcasing the regatta series’ commitment to financial inclusion and environmental stewardship. A financial wellness session, led by BPI Foundation, brought together race participants to share practical money management tips, supporting BPI’s mission of financial empowerment.

Environmental responsibility also took center stage. In partnership with WWF-Philippines, BPI together with the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines conducted the first-ever coastal clean-up activity for the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series. BPI executives participated in the clean-up, along with representatives from the Malay, Aklan local government unit, sailors and guests. The initiative collected over 40kg of non-biodegradable waste, reinforcing the urgent need to protect the island’s ecosystem and maintain its natural beauty for future generations.  

“When we created the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, we envisioned more than just a competition—we saw an opportunity to bring together a community that shares a passion for sailing and love for the country’s beautiful waters,” shared Maria Theresa Marcial, BPI Wealth President and CEO. “Watching this series grow, not only in participation but in purpose, reaffirms our commitment to advancing the sport while promoting sustainability and financial well-being. We are pleased to help build a legacy that uplifts our communities and preserves the beauty of our sailing destinations for the next generation.”

With the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series continuing to set new standards, all eyes are now on the final chapter of the series, the BPI Subic Regatta happening on March 27 to 30, 2025 hosted by The Lighthouse Marina Resort.