2009 Standard Insurance - Lexus - Smart Infinity
Manila to Boracay Race
AY Race Report 1

Up and running
Last nights reception at the Lexus headquarters was one of the best race briefings this humble scribe has ever attended despite running the gauntlet in the hectic Manila traffic jam. It gave skippers and crew the opportunity to meet up and informally chat in a friendly atmosphere. Five minutes of race briefing and four hours of wine and dining is just what the doctor ordered. Concern about the newly formed Tropical Depression BISING off the eastern Siargao & Biliran Islands were put to bed as it dissipated due to terrain interaction upon crossing the islands.

The 2:00pm mass start got away in overcast conditions with a light 5 to 8 knots of South Westerly breeze just moving the yachts along. Frank Pong looked to place Jelik in the right spot mid line but pulled away at the last moment as he may have been a bit early. This allowed Ray Ordoveza's Excel 53 Karakoa aptly helmed by Steve Benjamin to hold firm and nail the start in front of Sam Chan's TP 52 Ffreefire skippered by Russ Parker close behind and Ernesto Echauz's Sydney 46 Subic Centennial helmed by Jamie Wilmot right on there hip to weather.

In the Cruiser/Racer Class George Hackett's J-35 Team Windshear Rudy Project nailed the boat end with Martin Tranco's X 452 Challenge overlapped to leeward as they crossed the line only seconds after the top racing class boats.

David Mc Kenna's Sun Odyssey 42 Raparee XXX was the first of the PY Class but had to tack away soon after as Richard Killip's chartered Ffreefire 70 luffed them up above there pointing angle.

There seems to be some doubt over the weather predictions. As the boats sailed off close hauled into the distance the heavy overcast conditions did not give any impression of improving. Only an hour and a half into racing a light rain storm covered the course and the wind had died completely. With 200 NM to go it looks like it is going to be a difficult afternoon and long night.

Boracay Race & Presidents Cup Photo Gallery at: http://asianyachting.com/photos/photo.htm?BoracayPC09

Online Manila to Boracay - AY Race Reports with photos can be accessed from:
Race Report 3 & Results: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/3.htm
Race Report 2: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/2.htm
Pre-Race Report: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/0.htm

Online President's Cup - AY Race Reports with photos can be accessed from:
Race Report 4 & Summary, Overall Results: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/8.htm
Race Report 3: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/7.htm
Race Report 2: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/6.htm
Race Report 1: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/5.htm
Pre-Race Report: http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayPC09/4.htm

AY Race Reports are proudly sponsored by the following advertisers.

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