Pong, Jelik face acid test in Subic-to-Bora race

MANILA, Philippines - Fifteen elite sailors from Asian countries, led by defending champion Frank Pong and his 75-foot boat Jelik, vie for supremacy in the sixth Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) beginning today.

Pong, the 2013 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of the Year, and local competitors will test their skills in tackling the 210-nautical mile race that will be made more challenging by the shifting winds of Subic and the treacherous Verde Passage on the way to the scenic island of Boracay.

This will be followed by the Boracay Cup Regatta from March 2 to 6.

Participants that are dock in Subic port include Malaysia’s Ulumulu skippered by Troy Yaw, Singapore entry Zanzibar commandeered by Jonathan Mahony.

Hong Kong-based Vineta, a Marten 49-designed, lead by Helmuth Hennig, with Standard Insurance’s Centennial III, TP 52 Davidson-designed together with two-year champion Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza.

Aside from bragging rights, also at stake in the two races co-presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise are precious points for the much coveted Asian Yachting Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards, with captain Marty Rijkuris of Asian Yachting Grand Prix circuit serving as the main judge.

The four-day event is held in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Department of Tourism, Philippine Coast Guard, Municipality of Malay, and Cebu Pacific.