BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series wraps up a thrilling second season with the BPI Subic Regatta 2025

Subic Bay, Philippines – The BPI Subic Regatta 2025 officially closed the second season of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series with an electrifying display of intense competition and sportsmanship. Organized by the Subic Sailing Club under the umbrella of the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP), this premier event took place against the stunning backdrop of Subic Bay on March 27, 2025 to March 30, 2025.

Over four thrilling days, sailors braved shifting conditions, from scorching heat to powerful gusts, navigating windward/leeward and around-the-cans courses that tested their strategy.

With winds averaging 15 to 20 knots, gusting to over 40 on the last day of racing, every moment required the right read of wind speed and direction, anticipating every puff and every gust, and the most demanding trimming of sails that tested crew endurance and resilience.

Participation is higher this year, with 12 competing boats across three classes—an increase from nine yachts in 2024 - a testament to the regatta’s growing popularity and a clear sign that Philippine sailing only continues to grow and thrive.

To help attract international sailors,  the regatta was supported by an International Jury, comprising Leonard Chin from Malaysia (Chairman), Mark Pryke from Australia, Ben Harding from Hong Kong, Jack Wu from Taipei, and John Quirk from New Zealand.  

An international jury is responsible for hearing and deciding all protests, requests for redress and other matters arising from the regatta, ensuring the highest standards of fairness and professionalism. Simon James, International Race Officer, led the race management team, ensuring seamless execution across all race days.

Tight competition defined the highly technical Subic regatta with timesheets showing very small differences between boats on corrected time. In the International Rating Certificate (IRC) Class, Belatrix,  an Ice 52 skippered by Jun Villanueva, defended last year’s title, clinching the overall win and claiming the BPI Subic Regatta Perpetual Trophy designed by Michael Cacnio.

The Cruising Class saw Lyons 47 Allusive, owned by John Quirk and skippered by Anthony Evangelista, deliver steady top finishes to claim overall victory in its class.

In the Ocean Multihull Class, Maëlie, a 48-foot Outremer skippered by Romain Barberis, dominated with consistent performance in its class across all four days.

The BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series continues to drive the revitalization of yacht racing in the Philippines. This season attracted a total of 21 teams, with five yachts completing all four regattas—the BPI Corregidor Cup in November, the BPI Busuanga Cup in January, the BPI Boracay 200 in February, and the BPI Subic Regatta as the grand finale.

Beyond the thrill of competition, BPI Private Wealth remains dedicated to championing sailing as a platform for environmental advocacy and coastal community engagement.

“This season has been a testament to the growth momentum of Philippine sailing, with each regatta pushing the competition to new heights,” shared Maria Theresa Marcial, BPI Wealth President and CEO, and a sailor herself. “Beyond the thrill of racing, we remain committed to fostering a deeper respect for the seas and ensuring long-term growth of the sport. Together with our partner organizations, ORCP, Subic Sailing, and PHINSAF, we look forward to an even more exhilarating third season—one that will bring greater challenges, fiercer rivalries, and a continued commitment to excellence both on and off the water.”

Stay tuned—another thrilling chapter in Philippine sailing is on the horizon.