Australians dominate 10th Hobie Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Australian sailors Bradley Wilson and Bob Engwirda captured the top honors to dominate the action-packed Fairways and Bluewater 10th Philippine Hobie Challenge (PHC) which sailed from Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas to Boracay Feb. 9-14.

The tandem also swept all the daily legs in the 200-mile regatta – the La Luz Race from Batangas to Marinduque, the Spot Satellite Personal Tracker Race from Marinduque to Romblon, the Lifeline Rescue Race from Romblon to Tablas, and the Petron XCS Race from Tablas to Boracay.

This is the fifth straight victory for Engwirda and Wilson, known as the Flying Dogs, in the annual sailing tilt. The duo also ruled the day-long SEAir Inshore Series held in Romblon and Boracay, for a total shutout of competitors from the Philippines, the United States, Australia, Germany, Portugal, New Zealand and Spain.

Presented by Villa Maria & Margarita, the Hobie Challenge is the country’s extreme adventure sailing event. Sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Rayomarine, Rubberducky, Aquahealth, Mobile One, the race promotes the country as an international adventure sports destination.

The event is supported by Marinduque Gov. Antonio Carrion, Neil Pryde, Taal Lake Yacht Club, the Philippine Sports Commission, Pagcor, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Synergy Marine Services, Harbour Centre, Marinemax Shipping Corp., Russ Hughes, Sandy Sandoval, Geronimo Begre and Mark Haswell.