BPI Signature Yacht Race Series 2025-26
by BPI Media 4 Mar 20:53 PST
20-22 March 2026
BPI Corregidor Cup. Belatrix at Fortune Island © Guy Nowell / BPI
The BPI Corregidor Cup 2026 concluded three days of intense and tactical racing on February 20 to 22, marking the exhilarating second leg of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series. With 14 boats competing across three classes, this year’s regatta reaffirmed its place as one of the most prestigious and technically demanding events on the Philippine sailing calendar.
Organized by the Ocean Racing Club of the Philippines (ORCP), the races featured yachts navigating the strategically challenging waters around Corregidor, passing by its historic landmarks such as El Fraile (Fort Drum) and La Monja. The unpredictable winds and intricate currents demanded sharp tactical decisions, disciplined sail handling, and seamless teamwork from every crew on board. Competitors also raced around some familiar rounding marks surrounding Punta Fuego Yacht Club such as the Twin Islands and Fortune Island.
“The Corregidor Cup continues to challenge sailors in ways that demand both technical skill and strategic thinking,” said James Villareal, Regatta Chairman of the BPI Corregidor Cup 2026. “Our collaboration with BPI Private Wealth has helped strengthen the platform of this regatta—raising the level of competition while fostering a culture of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement within the sailing community. It’s rewarding to see how each edition pushes the fleet to perform at its best.”
The BPI Corregidor Cup has been known for rewarding precision over power. This year was no exception. Crews battled through tightly contested race starts and tactical marks, with corrected-time margins reflecting the intensity of competition across the three classes.
Now in its third season, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series continues to bring together elite sailors, iconic destinations, and a commitment to marine stewardship under its Season 3 theme: Do More for the Philippine Seas. Through its partnership with WWF-Philippines, the series highlights the ecological significance of the waters surrounding Corregidor—a historic island within Manila Bay supporting fisheries, coastal communities, and rich marine life. By integrating conservation education and sustainability initiatives into the regatta, the partnership underscores that protecting these waters is a responsibility shared on and beyond the racecourse.
“Here in Corregidor, where resilience and resolve converge on this storied island, we are reminded that success is never accidental,” said Maria Theresa Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth. “Sailing demands preparation, foresight, discipline, and trust—principles that have guided BPI for 175 years. As we chart our course forward, we remain committed not only to growing wealth responsibly, but to supporting communities and safeguarding the seas that connect and sustain us. Through this regatta series, we celebrate excellence while reaffirming our responsibility to lead with purpose.”
Leading the fleet was Selma Star, a Beneteau First 36.7, which claimed both the IRC Class Overall title and the coveted title of Overall Winner of the BPI Corregidor Cup 2026. Skippered by Marcus Avecilla, Selma Star delivered a commanding performance throughout the regatta, marked by sharp yet calculated decisions and disciplined execution across multiple race days.
The Cruising Class was led by Despacito, a Beneteau Oceanis 51.1, skippered by Pablo Lobregat, whose strong finishes earned top honors in the division.
In the Ocean Multihull Class, newcomer Estelita Del Mar, a Leopard 45 sailing catamaran, skippered by Andy Aguila, secured overall victory with steady performance across the 3-day regatta.
Below is a full list of winners for the BPI Corregidor Cup 2026:
• IRC Class: 1st place – Selma Star, skippered by Marcus Avecilla; 2nd place – Belatrix, skippered by Jun Villanueva; 3rd place – Joyride, skippered by Alan Chua
• Cruising Class: 1st place – Despacito, skippered by Pablo Lobregat; 2nd place – Papaya, skippered by Renie Ticzon; 3rd place – Dantes, skippered by Eric Nicolas
• Ocean Multihull Class: 1st place – Estelita Del Mar, skippered by Andy Aguila; 2nd place – Ikapati, skippered by Hans Woldring; 3rd place – Tutu Tango, skippered by Roman Azanza III
From historic island passages to open-water endurance, the 2026 BPI Corregidor Cup once again proved that Philippine sailing blends heritage, competition, and responsibility, championing not only victory on the water, but a shared commitment to do more for the Philippine seas.
With two legs now complete, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series sails onward to its next highly anticipated challenge: the BPI Boracay 200 on March 9-15, 2026, organized by ORCP. The event kicks off with a demanding 200-nautical-mile offshore race from Subic to Boracay’s iconic waters.