Cebu being in the heart of the Visayas is indeed an ideal kick-off venue for this year’s 16th Philippine Hobie Challenge. Over 70 people took part in the country’s premiere extreme regatta event, navigating from Cebu to Bohol, and capping off the race in Siquijor. Seafarers conquered Central Visayas sailing through the 5-day-course which happened last February 22-27,2016.
16th Philippine Hobie Challenge
Movenpick Hotel and Resort Cebu was one of the event’s destinations – a concluding stopover for the short race category. Stationed at Movenpick Hotel, we were able to interview the sailors who filled us in with more information on what Hobie Cats are, details on the regatta competition and their organization (while reveling on 4 cups of delicious Movenpick Ice Cream. Teehee.)
16th Philippine Hobie Challenge
The Hobie Cat is a small sailing catamaran manufactured by the Hobie Cat Company. In the Philippines, many sailors, including foreign participants, rent Hobie Cats from Punta Fuego Yacht Club, and have the catamarans shipped at the race’s kick-off point.
16th Philippine Hobie Challenge
The Philippine Hobie Challenge is currently on it’s 16th year, and has triumphed in sailing Central Visayas’ route for 2016. The five-day-race which started in Cebu Yacht Club, progressing to Movenpick Hotel and finally navigating to Cabilao Bohol (Leg 1) , then from Cabilao Island to Sumilon Cebu (Leg 2), Sumilon Cebu to Balicasag Bohol (Leg 3 ) , Balicasag Bohol to San Juan Siquijor (Leg 4) and around the Province of Siquijor for the last leg of the challenge. The race has two (2) categories: In-shore Short Race and 5-leg Challenge. Seventeen (17) teams took part in the 16th Philippine Hobie Challenge, with participants from the Philippines, Australia, Tanzania, Belgium and Taiwan. The team with the shortest sailing time total in all the race legs will be declared the victor.
February 27, 2016 – Team Ancient Mariners won the entire leg with Team Not Dead Yet and Team Thunder From Downunder as runners-up. Winners for the In-shore races were Team Thunder From Downunder in 1st, Team Fiji Samaki in 2nd and Team Ancient Mariners in 3rd.
The 16th Philippine Hobie Challenge is organized by PHINSAF. The Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation, Inc. (PHINSAF) is a non-profit organization that promotes the eco-friendly sport of sailing and tourism in the country.
