Fancied Jelik tows field in President's Cup Regatta

AKLAN, Philippines – Top contender Jelik, skippered by Hongkong’s Frank Pong, drew the first blood as foreign entries dominated the first of the six sailing race series yesterday at the kickoff of the 17th President’s Cup Regatta at the wind-raked paradise of Boracay here.

Jelik, last year’s Manila-to-Boracay winner and 1997 President’s Cup champion, ruled the IRC Racing Class with a corrected time of three hours, 56 minutes, 55 seconds in the 30 Nautical Mile Point-to-Point Race of the event presented by Standard Insurance, Lexus Manila, Smart Infinity and supported by San Miguel Beer, Seair, Tanduay Rhum, Guerlain, Sea Wind Resort, Ermenegildo Zegna, Neil Pryde, Gatorade, Summit Water, Watercraft Ventures, with media partners, Manila Bulletin, Asia Pacific Boating, Calibre, Asian Yachting.com, Calibre Billionaire, Lifestyle Asia and Fragrant Harbour.

Asian Yachting Grand Prix points leader Hi-Fi of New Zealand, skippered by Neil Pryde, came in second in 3:48:10 while Filipino entry Karakoa, steered by Ray Ordaveza, took third place (3:56:58).

Perfect conditions marked yesterday’s race as competing boats sailed under strong winds. Sparking a thrilling duel in the IRC1 Cruiser Class where Paul Bankowski of Jaywalker prevailed in 2:49:34, a few ticks off seventh Manila-to-Boracay IRC1 champion X-452 Challenge, skippered by Martin Tanco (2:50:15).

In close third was Team Windshear Rudy Project with George Hacket (2:51:03).

It was also a close fight in the Performance Cruising Class where Rapparee XXX, handled by David McKenna, wrapped up the race in 3:01:03, 15 seconds ahead of Jell Mann’s Saipin of the Netherlands (3:01:18).

RP entry Freewheeler, skippered by David Wheeler, wound up third (3:15:22).

The four-day regatta, which will be a combination of Point-to-Point and windward/leeward courses, is part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix 2008-09 season.

More information: www.manilayachtclub.org / www.standard-insurance/sailing or call Zest Asia at 8177316.