Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

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.

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.”

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.

For more information and updates, visit www.signatureyachtraceseries.com, or follow us on the event social media channels:

YouTube Channel: Signature Yacht Race Series

Facebook Community: Signature Yacht Race Series

Instagram Page: @signatureyachtrace_series

Media Contact: Joey Silvestre, mjpsilvestre@bpi.com.ph

Related Articles

SP80 kiteboat reaches a top speed of over 58 knots
100 km/h barrier is smashed in Leucate The SP80 kiteboat has reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h. This new personal best makes SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded, behind Vestas Sailrocket II and its 68.01-knot top speed. Posted today at 10:04 am
Italian SailGP Team acquired by investors
The consortium includes Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway SailGP has today announced that the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, has officially been acquired by a consortium of accomplished investors and sports industry leaders, including Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway. Posted today at 8:53 am
Armstrong Foils: On tour - Home of Armstrong II
Join America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders on the tour of NZ's Far North Join three times America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders Olivia Jenkins, Naumi Eychenne, Bowien van der Linden, Cash Berzolla, and Reo Stevens, on the Home of Armstrong Tour II, as they explore NZ's Far North. Posted today at 4:46 am
America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? America's Cup gets underway in Rome with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton apprears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body. Posted on 26 May
Italian PM welcomes America's Cup in Rome
Prime Minister Meloni set out a bold vision for the regeneration planned around AC38 The magnificent setting of the Casino del Bel Respiro, commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1644, in the grounds of Villa Pamphilj, was the outstanding and historic setting for the formal presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. Posted on 26 May
Kai Marks Dasent completes 38.1nm fundraising sail
Raising Funds for Union Island Secondary School and Vincy Sailing On Saturday, May 24th, 14-year-old sailor Kai Marks Dasent completed an impressive solo sail from his home St. Vincent to Union Island, covering 38.1 nautical miles in 6 hours and 3 minutes, with an average speed of 6.3 knots. Posted on 26 May
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta preview
Sørvind to debut at this edition, in Sardinia The Mediterranean superyacht racing season will kick off on 27th May with the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised annually by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 2008 and supported by title sponsor Giorgio Armani since 2022. Posted on 26 May
J/105 NE*NE blitzes Elite Keel Regatta
Tim Russell's super hot and quick NE*NE team rolled to a fairly easy win The San Francisco YC hosted its annual springtime favorite event, the Elite Keel Regatta- for a huge fleet of twenty-six J/105s. Posted on 25 May
Edlu Distance Race at Larchmont Yacht Club
One of the "must-do" events on western Long Island Sound Last weekend, Larchmont Yacht Club held its EDLU Distance Race, the first of the major offshore races that take place on Long Island Sound all summer long. Posted on 25 May
Winning Sails for Every Sailor & Every Program
Beer cans or the big leagues, North Sails perform From one design sails to custom inventories, trust the experts at North Sails to elevate your performance. Posted on 25 May
North Sails Loft 57 PodcastDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_cruise BOTTOMZhik 2024 December