As always great things from Hobie. Below:
- A Hobie Polarized winner from US Sailing
- Hobie Island Clubs grow around the world - see below
- Hobie kayak prize for participating in Summer Sailstice
- Hobie Wins 2013 Everglades Challenge
From a small surf and catamaran builder in Southern California started in the 50s Hobie has since 'pushed the boundries' of sailing in more ways than one. Catamarans, bright colored sails and for decades now crossing international boundries with Hobies in almost every country in the world. One of their latest creates, the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, is pushing the boundries again with its unique 'auxiliary' pedal power and now the formation of Hobie Island Clubs in over 40 countries. Many are signed up and sailing for Summer Sailstice.
When Hobie Alter built the first Hobie Cat 16 in 1968, little did he envision that the powerful combo of wind and sail would later merge with Hobie’s human-powered MirageDrive® pedal system to create a whole new category of watercraft. Fast forward to 2013. Both forms of power are combined in Hobie’s Mirage® Adventure Island and Mirage Tandem Island boats. And now Hobie has started the Hobie Island Club program, run through Hobie Cat Company’s global dealer network, dedicated to bringing like-minded, fun-loving Island owners together. Initially launched in the U.S. last year with a few clubs, there are now 98 clubs in 40 countries from the U.S. to Australia to Europe and beyond, with numbers expected to swell this summer.
Hobie has two primary goals for the program: One is to use the Clubs as catalysts to build communities for Island owners to pursue their water-based passions whether sailing, kayaking, fishing, camping, fitness or recreating. Two is to use the Islands as a demonstrable way to give participants and observers a glimpse of the propulsion that can be achieved combining the MirageDrive with the power of wind in sails. The goals are being realized through an impressive list of Club locations around the world together and an ongoing and compelling list of planned activities and casual get togethers like the examples below.
People new to sailing love the boat since, if they get into trouble w/the sails, they can just peddle home! And, like the rest of us sailors, they figure the sail thing out eventually.
