Frank Pong (owner of UK-Halsey Hong Kong) smashed the 200nm course record for the Manila to Boracay race, achieving line honours and second place overall. With a stable of racing steeds, Pong sailed his 76-footer aptly named BORACAY (previously NOKIA ENIGMA).
The race started in near idyllic conditions on the 15th February, with the wind filling in for the start, which BORACAY nailed doing 13 knots on a reach. Soon after the crew managed to pop the kite allowing the boat to pull farther and farther away from the fleet with every passing minute.
As midnight approached, the crew tired and so did the wind � BORACAY hit a hole that lasted for three hours. However crew spirits were high with laughter and fun being had throughout this difficult time. With frustration rising, a change to the Code Zero was ordered � slowly but surely boat speed picked up and the boat sailed out of the hole into new breeze that saw more sail changes as the wind picked up, and finally BORACAY was back on track with 70 miles to go.
With the sun coming up and the heat rising, crew spirits lifted; solid progress was now being made towards the finish. But 20 miles from the finish, the wind once again died. Beating the course record looked doubtful. Luck returned for the final 10 miles of the race when the wind blew up to 20 knots. BORACAY cruised to the finish to take the line honors and set a new course record of 19 hours 48 minutes.
Next week, the China America�s Cup team will use Pong�s maxis BORACAY and JELIK for some match racing practice in Hong Kong harbor.
|
