After winning first place for the Category 2: 36 – 59hp, team I.R. company went into full throttle as they were able to take top spot on different categories of the boat race in which Mr. Omelau drove I.R. Company boats to its impressive performances in Category 6: 116 – 140hp, Category 9:225 – 250hp, Category 10: Open (V4 & V6), Category 11: Twin 200hp & up, and Category 13: Tunnel Boat.
Surangel and Sons boats driven by boat operators Mason Whipps, Surangel Whipps Jr., and Milan Ngirmeriil garnered winning rewards when they finished first, second, and third places on various categories. Team NECO Yamaha also joined the winning group as boat operator Baret Ridep was able to get good finishes on other events.
Notable winners on different class were Category 1:0 – 35hp; 1st Richard Ngiraked, 2nd Dave Tesei, 3rd Thyron Rdiall: Category 2:36 – 59hp, 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Thyron Rdiall, 3rd Willard Kumangai:Category 3:60 -70hp, 1st Alfonso Seklii, 2nd Jersey Iyar: Category 4:71 – 58hp, 1st Ometei Ringang, 2nd Baret Ridep, 3rd Temdik Ngireblekuu: Category 5: 86 – 115hp, 1st Sharp Sakuma, 2nd Clarence Kitalong, 3rd jesse Sakuma: Category 6: 116 – 140hp, 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Ling Inabo, Melvin Toribiong: Category 8: 200hp, 1st Melvin Toribiong, 2nd Patrick Akiwo: Category 9: 225 – 250hp, 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Sharp Sakuma, 3rd Baret Ridep: Category 10: Open (V4 & V6), 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Baret Ridep, 3rd Melvin Toribiong: Category 11: Twin 200hp & up, 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Mason Whipps, 3rd Milan Ngirmeriil: VCategory 12: Super Hero +300hp V – Bottom, 1st Mson Whipps, 2nd Barett Ridep: Category 13: Tunnel Boat, 1st Ashley Omelau, 2nd Melvin Toribiong, 3rd Milan Ngirmeriil: Category 14: Catamarna Tunnel, 1st Barret Ridep, 2nd Surangel Whipps Jr., Category 15: Open for All, 1st Mason Whipps, 2nd Surangel Whippe Jr., 3rd Baret Ridep and Joey.
The 15th Independence Boat Race is made possible through the unending support of Surangel and Sons, NECO Yamaha, Airai Fiberglass –PTC, I.R. Company, Sabino Sbal, PIDC E-Tech, Alfonso Seklii, Joe Rengechel, Kimo Kee, Leeman Singeo, OTV, and Franz Ngiltii. Shell Palau Thru Manager Freank Kyota.
