Hobie Challenge 2000 gets underway

Hobie Challenge 2000, the first staging of the annual international regatta in the Philippines, kicks off this morning from the South Waters Marina, Country Club and Farm in Lucena City, with the first leg winding up in the island province of Marinduque later in the day.

The eight-day event will bring the sailors from several nations to some of the most scenic islands in the country. The inter-island stage ends Friday in Boracay, where six inshore races will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Gia Veloso of Sigwada Management, organizers of Hobie Challenge 2000, said today's first leg, sponsored by Qantas Airlines, will be a 31-mile sprint from South Waters to Boac, Marinduque.

On Monday, the sailors will journey 40 nautical miles from Marinduque to Maestre de Campo island for the second leg, making turns upon reaching the islands of Baltazar and Dos Hermanas in the event sponsored by Business World Online, Citylite 88.3, Magic 89.9 DWTM, 99.5 RT and 103.5 DWKX FM.

Tuesday will bring the sailors to Simara Island, while the fourth leg on Wednesday is from Simara to Romblon Island, a 20-nautical mile dash that will take the participants to the waters off Cobrador and Alad Islands.

The fifth leg on Thursday is a 30-nautical mile race from Romblon to Cabahan, Tablas Island, making turns at the east coast of Tablas.