BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Series 2024-25

by BPI Media 22 Oct 2024 23:21 PDT

BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series 2024-25 © BPI

It was so good the first time round - so here we go again! The BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series officially launched its second season with an Awards Gala held at the Manila Polo Club on 10 October 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, set against a spectacular backdrop of photographs from the inaugural 2023-24 edition of the Signature Yacht Race Series from the lens of renowned marine and yachting photographer, Guy Nowell.

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 consists of the following events:

BPI Corregidor Cup: 14-17 November 2024 BPI Busuanga Cup: 9-12 January 2025 BPI Boracay 200: 20-26 February 2025 BPI Subic Regatta: 27-30 March 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 overall series perpetual trophy, a handmade art piece by renowned Filipino artist Michael Cacnio, was awarded to Jun Villanueva, owner and skipper of the Ice 52, Belatrix. Villanueva’s leadership and keen strategic insights led Belatrix to top the IRC Class and claim overall victory ahead of Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa in second place. Selma Star, a Beneteau First 36.7 skippered by Jun Avecilla, secured third place in the IRC division.

BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series 2024-25 - photo © BPI

Overall Cruising 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. Roman Azanza's Fontaine Pajot 40 Tutu Tango, 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 a 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 centre by promoting a deeper love and connection to the Philippine seas.”

BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series 2024-25 - photo © BPI

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 organised 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 organisers 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 mobilise 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.