Selma Star halts Irresistible’s win run

Selma Star shone brightly under blue, clear skies around the Boracay waters Thursday, ending Irresistible’s streak by ruling the Oakley Race in Day Two of the 15th President’s Cup Regatta.

The First 36.7 of Jun Avecilla, with an IRC handicap of 1:039, topped the long event at 1:30:15 after placing second in the windward and leeward race behind Irresistible Wednesday.

Irresistible, Harry Taylor’s S&S 36 which also triumphed in the Manila-Boracay Race 2007, fared poorly this time, missing the Magic 3.

Sandoway of Klass Huisjes came in second at 1:31:53 followed by Happy Endings of Jonathan Mahony at 1:32:30. Meanwhile, topnotch yacht Centennial made her mark again, gaining the day’s top honors in the IRC Racing Class.

Also the winner of her class in the Manila-Boracay Race, the Sydney 46 of Judes Echauz clocked 2:06:24 for first place, ahead of Quantum Racing (2:08:11) and American Express Race winner Jelik (2:09:36).

China Rose made it two in a row in PY Cruising Class, beating Sweet Pea and Fast Exit.

With Irresistible having conquered the overall championship in the Manila-Boracay Race, the field is now only contending for the overall crown in the President’s Cup Regatta and the inaugural e-Standard Insurance Boracay Series title.

The e-Standard Insurance Boracay Series championship is put at stake since the Manila-Boracay off-shore race and the regatta in-shore events are combined for the first time.

Manila Yacht Club Commodore Amado Romillo believes the back-to-back events are helping the country attract foreign visitors.

"The Manila Yacht Club and its sponsors hope to continue the tradition of promoting tourism and sailing in the Philippines by organizing the event in this idyllic location," said Romillo.

The eight-day event is sponsored by e-Standard Insurance, Smart Infinity, American Express, Oakley, Suunto, Johnnie Walker, Fairways and Bluewater, San Miguel Super Dry, Sea Air, Clinique, Asia Pacific Boating, Fragrant Harbour, Asian Yachting, The Philippine STAR, Manifesto, Calibre Magazine and Crossover 105.1.– Nelson Beltran