AS expected, Australian sailors Bob Engwirda and Bradley Wilson ruled the Fairways and Blue Water-10th Philippine Hobie Challenge, lording it over the field for the fifth straight time.

The race which started from Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas, and sailed through Boracay, was dominated by the Australian duo, who also swept the daily legs in the 200-mile regatta?the La Luz Race from Batangas to Marinduque, the Spot Satellite Personal Tracker Race from Marinduque to Romblon, the Lifeline Rescue Race from Romblon to Tablas, and the Petron XCS Race from Tablas to Boracay.

Aussies Bruce Tardrew and Sarah Turnbull settled for second place, while the pair of Andrew Locke and Stewart Brown placed third. 

The same set of winners in the same order ruled the day-long SEAir Inshore Series held in Romblon and Boracay, as they proved to be too much against the competitors from the host Philippines, the United States, Germany, Portugal, New Zealand and Spain.

Presented by Villa Maria & Margarita, the Philippine Hobie Challenge is sponsored by the Tourism Department, Rayomarine, Rubberducky, Aquahealth and Mobile One. The race promotes the Philippines as an international adventure sports destination. Rey Joble