Karakoa claims top spot at the 2026 BPI Boracay 200 

The 2026 Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Boracay 200 stood as one of the most formidable tests of endurance and seamanship in the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, as 12 yachts braved the grueling 200-nautical-mile offshore passage from Subic to Boracay, followed by two days of intense inshore racing around Boracay’s famed waters.

Regarded as one of the most challenging legs of the season, crews contended with highly variable winds—from light patches to bursts exceeding 25 knots—alongside rolling swells and choppy cross-seas, demanding constant adjustments and sustained tactical precision over an extended stretch of open water.

Organized by the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP), the BPI Boracay 200 stands as one of the premier offshore races on the Philippine sailing calendar. Held from March 10 to 15, this year’s edition also marked an important milestone in the series’ growing stature. Two new boats from Hong Kong joined the fleet, reflecting the regatta’s rising appeal beyond Philippine shores and signaling the expanding regional reach of the competition.

“What we’re seeing is a regatta that continues to grow in both scale and impact,” said Andy Aguila, Regatta Chairman for the 2026 BPI Boracay 200. “Each edition brings stronger competition and broader participation, which is vital for the continued development of the sport. The momentum behind this series is helping strengthen the sailing community while positioning the Philippines as an emerging destination for offshore racing in the region.”

Now in its third season, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series continues to bring together world-class sailors, iconic Philippine destinations, and a shared commitment to marine conservation under the theme: Do More for the Philippine Seas. Through its partnership with WWF-Philippines, the series highlights the ecological significance of the country’s waters and reinforces the collective responsibility to protect the marine environments that sustain coastal communities and biodiversity.

“The BPI Boracay 200 represents sailing at its highest level, where endurance, preparation, and disciplined execution ultimately determine success,” said Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth. “These are the same principles that have guided BPI for 175 years. Through the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, we celebrate excellence not only in competition, but in the values that endure: commitment, responsibility, and a shared duty to protect the seas that sustain our communities.”

Leading the fleet was Karakoa, an Excel 53, which swept all major honors for the leg: the Line Honors, the IRC Class Overall title, and the coveted Overall Winner of the 2026 BPI Boracay 200. Skippered by father-and-son tandem Ray Ordoveza and Francis Ordoveza, Karakoa delivered a commanding performance throughout the regatta, marked by sharp tactical calls and disciplined execution across multiple race days.

The Cruising Class was led by newcomer and Hong Kong-based Glory, a Grand Soleil 50 skippered by Yiu Kwai Szeto, whose consistent finishes secured top honors in the division. Meanwhile, Maëlie, a 48-foot Outremer skippered by Romain Barberis, won the Ocean Multihull Class.

Below are the winners of the 2026 BPI Boracay 200:

IRC Class

• 1st place – Karakoa, skippered by Ray and Francis Ordoveza
• 2nd place – Raw Honey, skippered by James Villareal
• 3rd place – Moonshot, skippered by Chris Cheng

Cruising Class

• 1st place – Glory, skippered by Yiu Kwai Szeto
• 2nd place – Papaya, skippered by Renie Ticzon
• 3rd place – Dantes, skippered by Eric Nicolas

Ocean Multihull Class

• 1^st Place – Maelie, skippered by Romain Barberis

With another landmark offshore passage completed, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series now turns toward its final chapter for the season: the BPI Subic Regatta, where sailors will once again converge to conclude a season defined by endurance, tactical excellence, and a shared passion for the sea.

From historic coastal routes to demanding offshore crossings, the series continues to showcase the rising stature of Philippine sailing—where competition, camaraderie, and stewardship converge in pursuit of doing more for the Philippine seas.