Philippine Hobie Sailing Adventure: A Solo Journey Through 7,641 Islands.
In what may be one of the most beautiful, exciting, and challenging sea voyages in the Philippines, adventurer and Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Adrian Belic is embarking on the Philippine Hobie Sailing Adventure.
Inspired by the Philippine Hobie Challenge races and Buzzy Budlong — the first Filipino to sea-kayak the entire 3,025 km length of the Philippines in 88 days — Adrian's solo expedition will traverse the length of the Philippine archipelago on a small Hobie 16 catamaran. The voyage will cover approximately 2,000 nm (3,700 km / 2,300 mi) from Pagudpud on the northern tip of Luzon to General Santos City on southern Mindanao. The journey is powered solely by wind, embracing a philosophy of harmony with nature and respect for the sea.
The Hobie 16 catamaran — originally designed for day-sailing and racing — has never been used for a voyage this long. With only a 7×7-foot (2×2-meter) trampoline deck for living space, Belic will carry everything needed for the journey: navigation equipment, safety gear, camping supplies, tools, spare parts, and provisions. He will come ashore every night to sleep. Adrian anticipates the adventure will take about three months to complete.
More Than Adventure
The Philippine Hobie Sailing Adventure is not simply an athletic challenge — it's a celebration of Filipino culture, maritime heritage, the Mabuhay spirit, and the joyful friendliness of the Filipino people. From bustling port towns to remote fishing villages, and secluded natural places few have ever seen, the voyage celebrates the beauty and diversity of the 7,641 islands that make up the archipelago.
About Adrian Belic
Adrian Belic is an Academy Award–nominated documentary filmmaker ("Genghis Blues", 1999), global traveler (140+ countries), entrepreneur, and lifelong sailor. His adventures in the Philippines began during the COVID-19 pandemic on Boracay Island, where he started solo stand-up paddleboard journeys to neighboring islands.
Adrian's voyage will advocate for safety around water and swimming education. With approximately 3,000–4,000 Filipinos drowning annually, Belic aims to promote swimming proficiency and water safety awareness across the archipelago.
"If you don't know about something, it's hard to care about it. If you don't care about it, you won't protect it. I want to help and encourage more Filipinos to safely experience, explore, learn and love the amazing seas that weave this beautiful archipelago country together."