BY: Eustoria Maria Borja
KOROR, Palau – The 30th Independence Day Boat Race drew enthusiasts to the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge on Saturday, where former Legislator At-Large Jennifer Sugiyama claimed first place in the competitive Category 2 – Utility 4, 150 HP race. Sugiyama, who is now a talk show host for Palau Wave Productions, was the only woman competing in the event.
Sugiyama faced strong competition from Rayson King, who took second place, and Thyron Rdiall, who finished third. The boat race, organized by the Boaters Association of Palau, took place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Koror side of the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, a historic landmark built in 1994 that has been the site of Palau’s first-ever boat races.
Sugiyama is a member of the Palau’s Boaters Association and the Thunder Chiefs. She is a figure in Palau’s political and social scenes, having served in the 11th Koror State Legislature and having run for Governor. Her win highlights the growing presence of women in the sport, as she was the sole female competitor among an otherwise all-male lineup.
The event was live-streamed by TMC and Eco Paradise, allowing audiences across Palau to tune in to the action.
While Sugiyama’s victory stands out, the Boaters Association of Palau has announced that all official winners and prizes will be revealed tomorrow, providing a full overview of the day’s results. The boat race is a key event in Palau’s annual Independence Day celebrations, reflecting the island’s strong maritime culture and tradition.