Phl hobie challenge attracts world’s top sailors

MANILA, Philippines - The 13th Philippine Hobie Challenge sails from Feb. 23 to March 1 in Bataan with the world’s top and the country’s leading sailors vying for top honors on the shores of Anvaya Cove, considered as one of the best sailing spots in the country.

Joining forces with the Phl Inter-Island National Sailing Foundation, Ayala Land Premier’s premium residential-leisure development is hosting this year’s edition of the annual event that will cruise through the seas of Zambales, Subic, Nasugbu, Calatagan, Anilao and Puerto Galera and some parts of Palawan.

“It’s an honor for us to sponsor the 13th staging of the Phl Hobie Challenge,” said Leya Moya, Anvaya Cove’s project development head for leisure and Luzon residential buildings in yesterday’s press launch at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5 in Makati City.

PHINSAF president Roman Azanza said the race will not only showcase the best sailors from countries like Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, USA and host Phl but also highlight the country as a top sailing destination in the region.

“We all know sailing is now a fast-rising sport in Asia but aside from promoting this event to our countrymen, we also wanted to highlight the Phl as a premier sailing destination in Asia,” said Azanza.

The upcoming event will also be held as an outreach program that will benefit the communities located in and around the area near this year’s route.

“Every year, the Hobie Challenge raises donations of school supplies for local public schools,” said PHINSAF representative Carla Kramer. “However, for this year, we are partnering with charitable foundations to donate solar powered lights to help the families who do not have electricity.”

Also gracing the launch were another PHINSAF representative Monchu Garcia and Anvaya Cove Project Development manager Paolo Viray.

“The competition is not only more exciting because it features the best not just in the country but the rest of the world but it will also give participants a chance to explore the Zambales coastline ending at the Anvaya Cove,” said Garcia.