Last week, the BPI Signature Yacht Race Series 2025 lit up the waters of Palawan with thrilling races and a strong commitment to marine conservation. The Busuanga leg, a highlight of the series, brought sailors, adventurers, and environmental advocates together for an unforgettable showcase of sportsmanship and sustainability. One of the most anticipated events was the 128-nautical-mile offshore race from Punta Fuego Yacht Club to Black Island in Busuanga.
Met with strong winds, it was a stark contrast to the mild breezes that characterized the four inshore races held off Palawan’s pristine shores. The offshore leg was an exhilarating battle of endurance, strategy, and resilience that shattered previous time records.
Leading the charge was Karakoa, finishing with a record-breaking elapsed time of 15 hours, 39 minutes, and 5 seconds. Hot on its heels was Hurricane Hunter, clocking in at 18 hours, 13 minutes, and 7 seconds, followed closely by Despacito, crossing the line in 18 hours, 25 minutes, and 13 seconds.
Champions of the Sea
In the IRC Class, Selma Star skippered by Jun Avecilla of Subic Sailing clinched their fifth overall win, earning them the prestigious Doni Altura Memorial Perpetual Award, a coveted honor in Philippine sailing.
The Cruising Class was dominated by Allusive, while the Multihull Class saw TutuTango triumph with an impressive performance.
The competition not only celebrated excellence on the water but also embraced inclusivity, with crews made up of sailors of all ages, genders, and nationalities—a true testament to the unifying spirit of the sport.
Sailing for Sustainability
The race series, sponsored by BPI Private Wealth, partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to promote marine conservation and sustainability. Educational talks and activities emphasized the need to protect the Philippines’ marine biodiversity, while participants joined coral restoration initiatives to help revive damaged reef ecosystems.
“Sailing teaches us to work with nature, not against it,” shared a participant. “This race is a reminder of how fragile yet essential our marine environment is.”
The Journey Started with the Corregidor Races, followed by the Busuanga leg setting the bar high, the excitement now shifts to Boracay and Subic for the final stages of the BPI Signature Yacht Race Series 2025. Stay tuned as the sailors continue their quest for glory while championing sustainability and camaraderie.
Together, let’s keep the winds of change blowing strong!
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