Hobie Cat

The Hobie Section is an active group of sailors who regularly meet to sail the KBBC fleet of Hobie 16 catamarans based at the Panaga Beach. Every Sunday afternoon boats are rigged up and then sailed from the Panaga Club  either in a series of friendly races or else longer-ranged ‘cruises’.

The Hobie 16 is a fast yet ‘user friendly ’two-person catamaran (twin-hulled boat) designed to be easily sailed from beaches. It is one of the most widely sailed boats in the world and it’s popularity stems from it’s simplicity and ease of use. Combined with the inherent stability of catamarans, it is an excellent boat for training new sailors.

No previous sailing experience is required in order to sail as a crew, alongside an experienced helm. Turn up on the day and we’ll show you the ropes... (sorry, couldn’t resist).

A Beginner’s Course is held once a year, typically in April/May, and is aimed at teaching the basics of sailing to those new to the sport. The warm seas and gentle winds mean that Brunei has been the starting point for many an expat sailor!

Friendly races are held just offshore from the beach and are an opportunity for sailors to test themselves in a fun way. However some sailors just enjoy sailing in itself and leave the racing for others! The highlight of the racing year is the Borneo Hobie 16 Championships, held towards the end of the year, with both Scratch and Handicap prizes up for grabs.


On suitable days the Hobie fleet sets sail on longer ‘cruises’, heading out towards the drilling platforms or the LNG tankers moored offshore. This is a much more relaxed form of sailing where it’s all about enjoying the freedom of the South China Sea. Several ‘racing’ cruises are also held each year, with the main event being the Anduki Race up the coast.

Recommended clothing (note the KBBC provides life-vests and harnesses):

  • Shorts and t-shirt (a rash vest is perfect)
  • Non-slip shoes/sandals (barefoot okay but slippery!)
  • Sun hat and sun cream
  • Sailing gloves or weight-lifting gloves (water can cause blisters)

Rig-up starts from 12:30pm every Sunday at the Panaga Boat Compound and with sailing typically going onto 4 or 5pm.

Cost is B$20/sail, chargeable by chit, which goes towards the ongoing maintenance of the fleet.

For more details contact:

            Matt Newman, Hobie Chairman

            matthew.newman@shell.com

            matt@karamatt.com

            337 7379 (office)

            333 4975 (home)

To contact this section by email, go to the Panaga Club contacts page.

To contact this section by phone call the front office at 337 2204.