we are sailing
CATCH THE BREEZE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ PREMIERE EXTREME SAILING EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDSEL OCHOA
The 9th Philippine Hobie Challenge takes place on 16-23
February. We spoke to organizer Monchu
Garcia to learn about the thrills and spills of sailing and to find out how you too can be a part of it.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE HOBIE CHALLENGE?
It’s a Hobie 16 catamarans (or Hobie cats) race, Hobie cats are one of the most popular sailboats because of their versatility and speed, but they were never intended for extreme conditions and long distances… up until the Philippine Hobie Challenge that is! The first ever challenge was in 1999 from Lucena, Quezon (Tayabas Bay) to Boracay, which proved that Hobie cats could be used for endurance races. Since then the race has been run eight times, criss-crossing our beautiful islands. It has evolved into an international week-long event of five offshore ‘challenge’ legs, sailing about 50 miles a day between islands, and two days of in-shore races on the first and last days. That’s 250 miles, seven days and six islands in what is still considered to be a dinghy… pretty special don’t you think?
WHY IS IT NOW SO POPULAR?
Well a Hobie cat sailor is a cross between a surfer and a professional or business executive – he is as comfortable navigating his or her company through tough economic decisions as he is fl ying a hull on his Hobie over rough seas. To these adrenaline junkies the Philippine Hobie Challenge is the ultimate drug. It’s fast and thrilling, and requires strength, stamina, skill, strategy and a lot of brain power. That’s why it attracts teams from all over the world. It allows for a lot of socializing between competitors too, in-between legs participants camp in secluded beaches and isolated islands. This ‘extreme vacation’ is too perfect for a red blooded sailor to pass up.
HOW MANY ENTRANTS ARE THERE THIS YEAR?
We’ve got 16 teams participating, which means about 40 Hobie cat sailors. It’s also unique, as this year we’ve got four father-andson or father-and-daughter teams.
WHY IS THE PHILIPPINES SUCH A POPULAR SAILING DESTINATION?
How about 7,100 islands, clear blue seas, good trade winds, friendly people, beautiful beaches, warm climate… need I say more?
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT SAILING HERE?
Aside from the good winds and seas, it is the almost unlimited destinations coupled with the friendly people that welcome you everywhere you go, that makes the Philippines the ultimate sailing Mecca.
Sailing is also all about freedom from time constraints, traffic, restricted roadways, pollution and noise!
HOW CAN NON-SAILORS PARTICIPATE?
The Philippine Hobie Challenge allows a limited number of non-sailors, usually friends and family of the sailors, to be 3rd crew. Although they do not compete in the race, the 3rd crew sail on traditional banca boats and other boats with the entourage accompanying the Hobie Challenge fl eet throughout its 250 mile adventure. The best way to view this sport is to be right up close to the action.
HOW DOES IT ENCOURAGE TOURISM?
For every Hobie Challenge, at least half the teams come from other countries, so we have teamed up with the Department of Tourism to attract visitors and sailors to experience our beautiful islands. Routes are chosen to showcase both resorts and deserted islands. Over the years it has stopped in some of the most incredible tourist destinations including Boracay, Malapascua, Bohol, Zambales, Mindoro, Apo reef, San Fernando and Pandan Island, to name just a few. This Hobie Challenge is the most exciting yet, bringing us from Luzon through Visayas and finishing in Mindanao. It has been nicknamed the ‘Luzviminda’ Challenge!
You too can be a
part of the Hobie
Challenge by
being
3rd crew
and following
the
fleet throughout
its
250 mile
adventure
WHAT’S THE ROUTE?
We start in the Pacific Ocean in Sorsogon (home of the whale sharks) cross through the treacherous San Bernardino Pass and under the San Juanico bridge, which links the island provinces of Leyte and Samar, before coming out again into the Pacific east coast to finish in Siargao, Surigao (the surfing capital of the Philippines). It’s shaping up to be the most exciting challenge yet!
HOW CAN I LEARN TO SAIL A HOBIE CAT?
One of the best places to sail near Manila is Taal Lake. The Taal Lake Yacht Club is home of the Hobie cat fl eet in the Philippines.