SUBIC BAY – Defending champion George Hill’s Antipodes claimed the line honor’s in the 2nd Subic Bay around Verde Island Passage Race but Centennial III, skippered by veteran sailor Judes Echauz, nosed out the Hong Kong entry in the corrected time.
Despite many wind directions and speed changes over the 200nm course, Antipodes made at 13: 28:18, with an elapsed time of 25:28:18 in the IRC I Racing Class. Last year, record time set by Antipodes was 22:54:9.
Never out of sight of each other, Centennial III finished at 13:53:53 and eclipsed Antipodes in the IRC I stakes by 13 minutes.
Centennial III led the way down to the Verde Passage but after a tacking duel approaching Verde Island Antipodes made its move and held on for the long run back home.
A long wait before Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa crossed the finish line with 29:23:40 for third place in the 2nd SBVIP, presented by Standard Insurance Inc., and being supported by Tanduay Rum, Broadwater Marine, Nano Fixit and Lighthouse Marina Resort.
“It was very tiring and technical race in close company with Antipodes. But we held on and happy to take the overall IRC I title,” said Echauz.
Despite having to anchor for a while, George Hackett’s Mills 43 custom Misty Mountain came in third in the IRC overall stakes and claims first place in the IRC II class.
Bobby Benares Beneteau 44.7 Sabad slots into second place while Albert Altura’s Beneteau First 40 Hurricane Hunter retired on their first outing.
