The brand new X Yachts 55 ZENA, owned by Peter Forsythe, stormed to victory in IRC Premier Cruising class and second over all in IRC in the 480-mile Hong Kong to San Fernando (Philippines). The win was extra rewarding since Forsythe took delivery of the brand new ZENA just two weeks before the start of the race. Her new UK-Halsey Tapre-Drive sails made by UK-Halsey Hong Kong powered the boat to victory without a single problem, right off the mark.
Other boats that stood out in the race were the Ben. First 44.7 WALAWALA, owned by Steve Manning, which finished third in the IRC racing division; and Ben. First 50 BLAUWVOET, owned by Marcel Ledits.
The first 48 hours brought a fresh breeze with a close reach. Winds began to drop as the fleet got closer to the Philippines.
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