GUBAT, Sorsogon -- This coastal town will host the unveiling of the 9th Philippine Hobie Challenge on February 16 at the Rizal Beach here, which is also Sorsogon province’s second time to host the same sailing competition activity in three years.

        Dubbed the “LuzViMinda Challenge”, the 9th Philippine Hobie Challenge, is considered the longest since the competition was started in 1999.

        Gubat town Mayor Deogracias Ramos, Jr. said local officials and residents are working together to spruce up preparations as it opens an opportunity to showcase the town’s bests in time for the extreme sailing competition that will draw competitors from the different parts of the world.

        The Philippine Hobie Challenge is the country’s premiere extreme sailing event staged each year with different route to challenge competitors and show them the beautiful islands and coastlines in the country.

        This year’s route passes through the islands of Visayas and finishes in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.

        Per advisory from the Philippine Hobie Challenge Foundation (PHCF), organizer of the activity, this year’s competition will be limited to 20 teams as it is an extreme sailing event with sailors having to contend with strong currents and tides, ocean swells and strong winds.

        The Race Management and Safety Team, according to PHCF chairman Mark Andrew Haswell, will have to keep track of all competitors in these conditions which will probably involve sailing at night.

        The competitors will sail over 258 nautical miles (488 kilometers) in a 5 daily passage race along the route selected by PHCF, running through pristine blue waters and coral fringed seas and taking them from island to island for overnight camping.

        Expected competitors will be coming from USA, Australia, Germany, Italy, Thailand, Hongkong, Papua New Guinea, Northern Islands and the Philippines, among others.

        On February 16, PHCF will conduct the safety inspections followed by a compulsory competitors briefing on race control and a welcome party along the white beach of Rizal in the evening.

        Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol Regional Director Maria Ravanilla said this activity further proves the country’s place in the forefront of extreme water sports by hosting the 9th Philippine Hobie Challenge.

        “This is been the third time for Bicol to host the kick-off of the annual Philippine Hobie Challenge; Donsol, Sorsogon in 2006, Partido, Camarines Sur in 2007, and Gubat to play host this year,” Ravanilla said. (MHLoterte/PIA Sorsogon)