Sydney 38 Stella beats Farr 40 to win Presidents Cup Regatta

by Peter Capotosto on 1 Mar 2001 The regatta this year was held under a new, experimental format. It worked. In spite of many unexpected occurrences. In previous years, the regatta had always been at Easter to dovetail into the finish of the China sea Race, or the San Fernando, which are held on alternate years. This year, the timing of the San Fernando made any 'dovetailing' a useless exercise. The organizers were left with the possibility that they could have it any time they wanted.

After consulting with HK sailors, and touring the region, it was decided to hold the regatta at least a week after Chinese New year. The PCR committee wanted to ensure wind, so they set it in February as requested, and they set it there so that instead of timing it to be after the CSR or San Fernando, it would be right after the Asian circuit / RM, KC, Straits regattas.

And top boats came from the circuit to join the regatta. Just at the start of the PCR, a depression came through that threatened either 40 kts, or worse, no wind at all. Somehow, it seemed the gods liked the committee and the sailors. It rained before the practice race and the first race, and after the races too. But it didn't rain while the boats were racing, and the wind was adequate. And the parties were excelent.

Things turned out well on the passage race from MYC to Punta Fuego too. Sunshine was in abundance at the start and finish line, and though it rained the night of the party, the venue was big enough. The rest of the regatta was sunny, with an unseasonal south westerly most of the time. But it was better than 'good enough' to race in. And nobody complained.

The Venues were great. Punta Fuego showed the class it had, and Maya Maya showed off their Marina facilities, and what a good party they could throw. The band was really great, and the Polynesian feast sumptuous.

The Spinnaker run back to Manila worked out well, enabling everyone to get there in time for yet another party, one of the biggest parties MYC has ever had.

Open Racing Class

1st Stella - Fred Kinmonth Sydney 38
2nd DKFarr 40 - Johannes Waimer Farr 40
3rd Karakoa - Ray Ordoveza Custom 53
4th LGT Bank Centennial - Ernesto Echauz Sydney 46
5th Hi-Fidelity - Neil Pryde Sydney 46

Ocean Cruising Class
1st Hocux Pocux II - David Kong
2nd Maligaya - Andres Soriano III
3rd Intrigue - Ian Nicolson

Cruiser Racer
1st Jo de Ros - George Hackett
2nd Vivaldi - Doni Altura
3rd Lethal Weapon - Bobby Benares
4th Viking Express - Mineo Maruyama
5th Fast Exit - R. Eyre/R. Simpson
6th Rags - Allen Burrell
7th Zappler - Martin Kurer

Cruising Class
1st Kiri - Paul Pichler
2nd August Pearl - Philippine Navy
3rd Trio - Jose Aranaz
4th Enamorado - Armando Cazzola