Press Release
Oct 10, 2024
The BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series has officially launched its second season with the Awards Gala held at the Manila Polo Club on October 10, 2024. Themed "Race for the Future of Philippine Sailing," the event celebrated the accomplishments of the first season and set the course for an exciting year ahead for sailing teams in the Philippines.
At the launch of the Signature Yacht Race Series in 2023, leaders from BPI Private Wealth and the sailing community came together to celebrate the Philippines' premier sailing event, which aims to position the country as a top destination for international sailing competitions. (From Left to Right: Marc Nelson; Monchu Garcia, Chairman of Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation; Jerry Rollin, Race and Technical Director of BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series; Tere Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth; TG Limcaoco, President and CEO of BPI; Jun Avecilla, Chairman of Subic Sailing Club; Albert Altura, Chairman of Ocean Racing Club Philippines)
In 2023, the series sparked a movement to grow the local sailing community, promote sustainable tourism, and raise awareness about marine conservation. This year, the stakes are higher, but the mission is greater: to race for the future of Philippine sailing and protect the beauty of the Philippine seas for generations to come.
The 2024-2025 race calendar includes the following events:
- BPI Corregidor Cup: November 14 to 17, 2024
- BPI Busuanga Cup: January 9 to 12, 2025
- BPI Boracay 200: February 20 to 25, 2025
- BPI Subic Regatta: March 27 to 30, 2025
These races are expected to further cement the Philippines as a prime destination for world-class sailing and contribute to the ongoing conversations about our marine environment.
Season 1 Overall Winners
A total of 23 yachts participated in the first season, with four yachts completing all the legs of the series, which took participants to some of the most stunning sailing destinations in the Philippines. The highly coveted overall series perpetual trophy, a handmade art piece by renowned Filipino artist Michael Cacnio, was awarded to businessman Jun Villanueva, owner and skipper of Ice 52 Belatrix. Villanueva’s leadership and keen strategic insights led Belatrix to top the IRC Class and claim overall victory. Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa finished in second place, while Selma Star, a Beneteau First 36.7 skippered by Jun Avecilla, secured third place in the IRC Class.
In the Cruising Class, the overall champion was Papaya, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 skippered by Renie Ticzon. Beneteau Oceanis 41 Wild Honey, skippered by James Villareal, claimed second place, while Tere Marcial’s Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 Isabelle, skippered by Allen Yotoko, finished third.
The Ocean Multihull Category also saw fierce competition. Leopard 40 Carino, skippered by Monchu Garcia, emerged as the overall winner, showcasing the speed and versatility of multihull vessels. Fontaine Pajot 40 Tutu Tango, skippered by Roman Azanza, took second place, while Leopard 45 Poco Loco, skippered by David Sutton, rounded out the top three.
Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth, shared her thoughts on the growing importance of the series: “In 2023, we reignited the passion. We set sail toward our vision to grow the sailing community, promote the Philippines as a sailing destination, and raise awareness towards marine conservation. With all the issues surrounding our marine ecosystems, now, more than ever, we have the power to shape conversations that put our seas at the front and center by promoting a deeper love and connection to the Philippine seas.”
During the event, Marcial announced an upcoming BPI Wealth product—an investment fund that will support marine conservation advocacies and projects aimed towards protection of marine ecosystems.
The series is organized in collaboration with the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP), the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (PHINSAF), and Subic Sailing Club. In a joint statement, the organizers noted: “This series not only pushes the boundaries of sailing in the Philippines but also contributes to the growth of the sport and its influence on coastal communities. Together with BPI Private Wealth, we are excited to shape the future of sailing while supporting a more sustainable relationship with our seas.”
As the marine conservation partner, WWF Philippines underscored the importance of the initiative for the future of the country's maritime resources. Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF Philippines, said: “Our collaboration with the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series represents our shared vision of preserving the marine biodiversity that defines the Philippines. Through this event, we aim to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to protect our rich marine ecosystems.”
The BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series promises another season of thrilling competition and meaningful advocacy as it races toward a brighter future for Philippine sailing and marine conservation. For more information and updates, visit signatureyachtraceseries.com, or follow us on our social media channels:
- YouTube Channel: Signature Yacht Race Series
- Facebook Community: Signature Yacht Race Series
- Instagram Page: @signatureyachtrace_series
Taken during the thrilling competition among seasoned sailors in the International Racing Certificate Class at the BPI Subic Regatta 2024, the final leg and culmination of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series.
During the BPI Boracay 200 last March 2024, sailors battled with strong winds in the third leg of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race.
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