BPI Private Wealth sets sail for Season 3 of the Signature Yacht Race Series with a renewed call to protect the seas

BPI Private Wealth officially launched the third season of the Signature Yacht Race Series, its flagship sailing event that unites passion, prestige, and purpose through a shared commitment to protect the seas that define the nation’s identity.

First launched in 2023, the Signature Yacht Race Series has evolved into one of the country’s premier four-leg sailing events, bringing together sailors, enthusiasts, and advocates of the sea as they race across some of the Philippines’ most breathtaking destinations: Boracay, Busuanga, Subic, and Corregidor.

This season carries the theme Do More for the Philippine Seas, a call to action that amplifies BPI Private Wealth’s advocacy for marine conservation and sustainable sailing. Beyond the thrill of competition, the series continues to serve as a platform that inspires awareness, responsibility, and collective action toward ocean protection.

BPI Wealth President and CEO Tere Marcial shared that the evolution of the series mirrors a broader mission.

“This is our call to action: to celebrate not only the thrill of sailing, but also the shared responsibility to preserve the very waters that make this journey possible. This season challenges us to sail with deeper intention. Because when we honor the sea, we honor life itself—its beauty, its balance, and its boundless inspiration,” she said. 

To bring this advocacy to life, the launch featured a multimedia exhibit and immersive art experience that highlighted the beauty and fragility of Philippine marine life. Guests explored powerful visual narratives from acclaimed wildlife photographers and artists Eddie Herrera-Zobel, Boogs Rosales, Kymry Delijero, Noel Guevara, Gab Mejia, and Ganden Po. Meanwhile, environmental advocate AG Saño and Mindoro-based artist Wilfredo L. Rufo held a live painting session and auction to raise funds for the M/Y Navorca, WWF-Philippines’ sole research vessel dedicated to marine conservation. The event also included a Pawikan Adoption Booth, in partnership with the Pag-Asa Pawikan Conservation Center, and a commitment wall where guests pledged their support for ocean protection.

BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco emphasized that the race has grown into something larger than competition.

“When BPI Private Wealth first launched this series, our goal was to create something meaningful, an experience that captures both the thrill of competition and the values that define true legacy. Over the past seasons, it has become exactly that: a venue where prestige meets purpose, and where the love for sailing becomes a deeper expression of stewardship,” Limcaoco said.

Team Karakoa dominates Season 2

Team Karakoa once again proved its mastery of Philippine waters, emerging as the Overall Winner of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series Season 2.

The event capped off another exciting year of sailing, honoring the top-performing crews who showcased both excellence and sportsmanship across three classes of competition. A total of 22 yachts joined the second season, which also drew new boats and sailing teams, and a growing roster of international sailors.

The highly coveted Overall Winner perpetual trophy, handcrafted by renowned Filipino sculptor Michael Cacnio, was awarded to Karakoa, helmed by the veteran father-and-son tandem Ray and Francis Ordoveza. The Excel 53 yacht not only topped the series standings but also captured the overall title in the BPI Boracay Cup.

Other standout performances included Jun Avecilla’s Selma Star (Beneteau First 36.7), which swept both the BPI Corregidor Cup and BPI Busuanga Cup, while Jun Villanueva’s Belatrix (Ice 52) claimed top honors in the BPI Subic Regatta.

Looking ahead, Season 3 introduces new features and innovations including expanded fleet participation, enhanced YB tracking technology, and the expertise of an international race officer —initiatives designed to elevate the experience while maintaining the series’ focus on advocacy and sustainability. The season officially kicks off with the thrilling BPI Boracay 200 from November 8 to 14, 2025. The BPI Boracay 200 is a 200-nautical mile offshore sailing race organized by the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines that takes competitors from Subic to the island of Boracay.