BPI Private Wealth hosts 2024 BPI Busuanga Cup

Busuanga Bay © PHINSAF

Fierce competition awaits on the waters of Palawan as BPI Private Wealth teams up with the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (PHINSAF) to host the BPI Busuanga Cup 2024. The regatta is setting sail with renewed enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled yacht racing experience. This is the second event under the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series which kicked off in November 2023.

As one of the premier events on the national yachting calendar, the BPI Busuanga Cup has firmly established itself as a regatta of choice among competitive sailors in the Philippines. This iconic regatta takes place on January 25 to 28 followed by the Busuanga Rally, a cruising expedition aimed at sustaining the sailing lifestyle around the beautiful islands of Palawan. “Through the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series, we aspire to foster the growth of the sailing community, showcase the finest marine tourism destinations in the Philippines, and actively contribute to marine conservation efforts. We make sure that we remain anchored on one thing – our deep connection and shared love for the sea, and our commitment to protect it at all costs,” said Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth, and Trustee of WWF Philippines.

Eight Years of Sailing Preeminence Now on its 8th year, the BPI Busuanga Cup will see one of the biggest participations from boats hailing from major yacht clubs in the Philippines such as Manila, Punta Fuego, Subic, Puerto Galera, and Busuanga. The event starts with a 128-nautical mile overnight race from Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, to Black Island, northwest of Busuanga Bay. Boats will be moored at the Marina Del Sol Yacht Club. There will be two additional days of inshore races set against the breathtaking backdrop of Busuanga's picturesque waters. Three divisions will be racing: IRC Racing, Ocean Multihull, and Cruising. The regatta promises challenging courses and exciting race dynamics, thus enticing other cruising yachts to participate as part of the spectator and rally fleet. PHINSAF President Monchu Garcia believes that sailing is etched into the DNA of sea enthusiasts in the Philippines, a nation with a rich maritime history that dates back to pre-colonial times. The Philippines is an archipelago blessed with a vast number of islands (officially 7,604, but who's counting?) and wind conditions perfect for sailing, particularly during the prevailing northeast monsoon.

“My dream is to revive the local sailing industry and community in the Philippines. I've always believed that the Philippines is the Caribbean of the Pacific. It's high time we reintroduced sailing to our countrymen. Beyond exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines through sailing, I am confident that the BPI Busuanga Cup and all the events under the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series will soon earn its place as one of the preeminent sailing tournaments in Asia”, Garcia said.

For more information about the BPI Busuanga Cup 2024, visit signatureyachtraceseries.com or follow us on Instagram @signatureyachtrace_series.