Hi-Fi gets high-fives for President's Cup overall crown

AKLAN, Philippines – After ruling Race 4, New Zealand bet Hi-Fi swept the last two races to emerge the overall champion of the 17th President’s Cup Regatta in Boracay yesterday.

Hi-Fi, skippered by Neil Pryde, beat Hongkong boat Jelik by Frank Pong and RP’s Karakoa by Ray Ordoveza in both races to claim the premier IRC Racing Class crown and the overall plum in this event presented by Standard Insurance, Lexus Manila and Smart Infinity.

In the Manila Bulletin Race 5, Hi-Fi raced consistently throughout and clocked one hour, 54 minutes 19 seconds. Jelik was second in 1:55:49 and Karakoa third in 1:56:39.

The tournament was 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.

With the title within reach, Neil Pryde went all out in the Standard Insurance Race 6 and finished the race in 2:03:55, thwarting the bid of Jelik (2:04:37) and erstwhile leader Karakoa (2:05.30).

Wins in the last three races sealed Hi-Fi’s title with a four-point lead over Karakoa.

Deposed champion Subic Centennial finished third while two Hongkong entries – Chris Mead’s Full Metal Jacket and Sam Chan’s Ffreefire – wound up fourth and fifth, respectively.

Team Windshear-Rudy Project won five of the last six races to claim the IRC1 Racing Class over Paul Bankowski’s Jaywalker and Martin Tanco’s X-452 Challenge.

Team Windshear ruled the Manila Bulletin Race 5 in 1:24:27.