10th Philippine Hobie Challenge - Marinduque Leg

Marinduque is one of several island hosts to the 10th Philippine Hobie Challenge earlier this year. Leg 1 of the race was from Laiya to Marinduque. Powered by easterly Amihan monsoon winds the fleet made rapid progress on a bearing of 129 degrees across the southern reaches of Tayabas Bay. The lead boats sailed on the open waters at 16 Knots ahead of the competitors to lay the buoys for the Gasan gate and Katala Beach finish.

PHC reported that "in the lee of Marinduque, with it’s mountainous peaks of over 1,000 metres slowing down the wind, former grand master World Champion Bruce Tardrew displayed his experience and cunning nearly overhauling defending champion Engwirda in the final 5 nm.

Engwirda however put in an extra squirt of speed at the end to finish just over a minute ahead. These two Australian teams were a full 12 minutes clear of 3rd placed Andrew Locke, also representing Australia.

Bob Engirda’s overall time of 2 Hrs 46 Min and 34 Sec equated to an incredible average speed of 13.3 Knots for the 36.9 nm leg, including the final 5 miles in light and variable winds.

The final team was ashore and enjoying a cool beer at the Katala Beach Resort within half an hour and joining the enthusiastic welcome from our hosts in Marinduque with dancing and singing on the beach.

Governor Bong Carrion hosted a sumptuous dinner for the competitors and support crews that evening as the full moon rose in the heavens."

The sailors were treated to the traditional "putong" welcome ritual at Katala Beach Resort in Pinggan. The 10th PHC covered Laiya, Marinduque, Romblon, Tablas and Boracay. Sponsors were Fairways & Bluewater, HobieCat Australia, Villa Maria and Margrita, Seair, Petron and the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Marinduque.