3rd RP Hobie series slated

The Philippines’ biggest international Hobie Cat regatta, the third Philippine Hobie Challenge, will set sail again on Feb. 9-16. After tackling routes south of the country for the past two years, the Hobie Challenge will take on a Northwestern route this year, kicking off from Sta. Maria-Vigan, Ilocos Sur and ending down in Subic Bay, Zambales.

"We hope very much to see 20 Hobie 16’s on the start line for the third Challenge," said Philippine Hobie Challenge Foundation chairman Mark Haswell. "Interest has been very strong for the event, especially in Hong Kong after the Tai Tam sailors read the reports published in Fragrant Harbor. We already have confirmed entries from several HK teams plus France, South Africa, the UK and we are especially looking forward to welcoming back the defending champions Andrew Keage, Naomi Angwin and Aaron Worrell from Australia." Michael Scantlebury, winner of the first Hobie Challenge, is also expected to arrive.

Aside from the Challenge Series, there will be an Inshore Race series in Sta. Maria and Subic Bay. The Challenge series will take the teams to four other destinations over the six-day event: San Fernando in La Union, Bolinao in Pangasinan, Hermana Mayor Island and Capones Island before reaching Subic Bay.