Winds of Victory: The 2025 BPI Busuanga Cup Recap
January 23, 2025
The 2025 BPI Busuanga Cup, the crown jewel of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, once again captivated the Philippine sailing community. This prestigious regatta, now in its second season, was organized by the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP) in partnership with BPI Private Wealth and WWF Philippines. Held from January 9 to 12, 2025, it brought together the country’s finest sailing talents and treated spectators to exhilarating competition set against the stunning seascapes of Nasugbu, Batangas, and Busuanga, Palawan.
Celebrating the Winners
Congratulations to the outstanding winners who demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork across all classes:
IRC Class
- 🥇 Selma Star, skippered by Jun Avecilla (Beneteau First 36.7)
- 🥈 Karakoa, skippered by Ray Ordoveza
- 🥉 Hurricane Hunter, skippered by Albert Altura (Beneteau First 40)
Cruising Class
- 🥇 Allusive, skippered by John Quirk and Anthony Evangelista
- 🥈 Despacito, skippered by Pablo Lobregat (Beneteau Oceanis 51.1)
- 🥉 Captain Napoleon, skippered by Napoleon Paterakis (Beneteau Oceanis 41)
Ocean Multihull Class
- 🥇 Tutu Tango, skippered by Roman Azanza
- 🥈 Cariño, skippered by Monchu Garcia
- 🥉 Poco Loco, skippered by David Sutton
A special congratulations to Team Selma Star, captained by the legendary Jun Avecilla, for reclaiming their fifth Busuanga Cup victory and being awarded the prestigious Doni Altura Perpetual Trophy.
A Triumph of Precision: Beneteau’s Dominance
The 2025 BPI Busuanga Cup once again underscored the dominance of Beneteau yachts, as they showcased exceptional performance and reliability across multiple classes.
Leading the charge was Selma Star, a Beneteau First 36.7 skippered by Jun Avecilla. With unmatched precision and seamless execution, Team Selma Star secured their fifth overall championship in the IRC Class, cementing their legacy in the sport. Their victory was further highlighted during the Commodore Doni Altura Memorial Race, where their tactical prowess outshone fierce competitors in inshore and round-island racing.
Adding to Beneteau’s accolades was Hurricane Hunter, a Beneteau First 40 helmed by Albert Altura, whose strong performance secured a podium finish in the IRC Class. Meanwhile, in the Cruising Class, Despacito, a Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 skippered by Pablo Lobregat, and Captain Napoleon, a Beneteau Oceanis 41 skippered by Napoleon Paterakis, demonstrated the elegance and versatility that define Beneteau’s cruising line.
A Regatta to Remember
The Busuanga Cup’s two-part format provided a thrilling test of endurance, strategy, and teamwork. The first leg, a challenging 144-nautical mile offshore race from Punta Fuego Yacht Club to Black Island, pushed sailors to their limits. This was followed by the Commodore Doni Altura Memorial Race, a series of tactical inshore races requiring precise navigation and quick decision-making.
Beyond the competition, the event showcased the natural beauty of Palawan, concluding with the post-regatta Busuanga Rally & Safari, which included a visit to Calauit Safari Park and the unforgettable experience of swimming with dugongs.
The BPI Busuanga Cup also marked the beginning of the 2025 BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, with the next leg, the Boracay 200, scheduled for February 20–25, 2025. The season will culminate with the BPI Subic Regatta on March 27–30, 2025.
The Spirit of Europa Yachts
The continued success of Beneteau boats in the Busuanga Cup reflects the craftsmanship and innovation that Europa Yachts proudly represents in the Philippines. Whether it’s the offshore speed of the Beneteau First line or the luxurious comfort of the Oceanis range, Beneteau continues to deliver unmatched sailing experiences for every passion.
Your Invitation to Explore the Beneteau Advantage
As the exclusive distributor of Beneteau in the Philippines, Europa Yachts invites you to experience the craftsmanship, performance, and competitive edge of Beneteau’s world-class sailboats. Whether you dream of racing like a champion or embarking on a leisurely cruise, there’s a Beneteau yacht designed for you.
Relive the thrill of the 2025 BPI Busuanga Cup by watching the Regatta Highlights video from BPI Private Wealth. Immerse yourself in the excitement, and imagine yourself at the helm of your own Beneteau, conquering the waves and creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more and set sail with Europa Yachts today!
Want to experience sailing a Beneteau in tropical paradise Coron, Palawan? Check out our Beneteau Oceanis 48 yacht rental and embark on your dream sailing adventure. Visit: https://www.europayachts.ph/yacht-charter/