Centennial III wins with flying colors

BORACAY, Philippines – Centennial III settled for second place in Friday’s inshore races but went home with the biggest prize at stake – the overall crown in the Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Regatta.

Judes Echauz, the seasoned sailor, steered Centennial III to victory in the grueling Subic-to-Boracay race last week. A second place finish in the Boracay Cup gave him enough points to bag the overall title.

Echauz and his stable and sunburned crew went up the stage during Friday night’s awarding ceremony with all the bragging rights.

“Subic to Boracay was a very nice win because of the wind condition. It was like winning the China Sea Race. It’s very fulfilling. It’s a feat by itself,” said Echauz.

It’s the first victory for Echauz on board Centennial III, a 52-footer TP which he acquired from Hong Kong steel magnate and top breed yachtsman Frank Pong three years ago.

Just recently, Echauz, upon the advice of the Hong Kong billionaire, switched keels on Centennial III. It was a major change that gave Centennial III its first win after a handful of bridesmaid finishes.

“We’re happy with the change and immediately we saw the improvement. With this new keel we managed to hold on against the strong winds,” said Echauz.

Pong, one of the finest sailors in Asia, steered Jelik to victory in the inshore Boracay Ragatta Cup, beating Centennial III in the countback. But it was not enough to win the overall title.

Centennial III gained the momentum with the big win in the Subic to Boracay Race. In the battle for the overall title, it won over Jelik, Antipodes, Karakoa, Ragamuffin 90 and Ulumulu.

Jelik topped the inshore races, beating Centennial III, Antipodes, Karakoa, Ragamuffin 90 and Ulumulu.

In the Racing Class 2 event, EFG Mandrake reigned supreme, besting Centennial II of Martin Tanco, Selma Star of Jun Avecilla, Vineta and H-Trip.

EFG Mandrake of Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns took the overall crown in Racing Class 2, followed by Centennial II.

Ricky Sandoval, chairman of the SBBR organizing committee, applauded everyone who participated in the race, and hoped that next year it will only get bigger and better.

“We did not have the size (15 entries) but this was a quality field,” said Sandoval during the awarding ceremony.

Pong, the 2014 winner, was happy ruling the inshore races after falling short in the 210-nautical mile Subc to Boracay race. He was joined up the stage by 75 of his family members and friends, who jetted all the way from Hong for the event.