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Published on : 9th July 2007
Article By: Sabrina Chew
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Profile – BG (Ret) Law Chwee Kiat
Commodore, 1994 – 1999
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BG (Ret) Law Chwee Kiat, former Commodore of the SAF Yacht Club, was an instrumental figure in the establishment of the Club in its early modern stages, the man who started the ‘Juniors Sailing Club’ (now known as the GKA programme). SABRINA CHEW talks more with BG (Ret) Law on his view of the Club’s progression and his hopes for SAFYC’s future.
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1. What kind of visions were there for the SAF Yacht Club when it first started out?
I first started sailing in 1993. The clubhouse was in a dilapidated state. The “Larks” that we used for the sailing course were also in bad shape. Harnessing “RECORD”, we managed to get from MINDEF our present two pieces of beach front land – Sembawang and Changi, for the unique distinction of the only yacht club with two clubhouses. To my surprise, we now have a club with two clubhouses and a sea sports centre.
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2. What was the greatest challenge back then?
The challenge then was twofold: how to get the two pieces of beach front land; and how to raise the funds to build and operate the clubhouses. The land had to be locked ahead first. The money was planned to be raised in two stages. The assumption is that we have to build the first clubhouse before we can raise more money for the second clubhouse. We were fortunate to raise enough money in 1995 and 1996 to pay for the construction of the present Sembawang Clubhouse.
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3. In your opinion, what has been the most significant change in the Club since the late ‘90s?
The present physical infrastructure is a far cry from the days before 1997. But the Club has moved far beyond just the physical infrastructure. I think the Club’s biggest contribution to the nation is through the “Get Kids Afloat” programme. Besides training large numbers of sailors, many representing the State today, the Club’s programme was the catalyst in getting more kids to sail throughout Singapore. The Club’s programme provided the example for others to emulate.
4. How do you see the Club in another 40 years’ time?
40 years ahead is a long time horizon. We should aim to have a clubhouse in Tekong, remain dominant in the local sailing scene, continue to be the main source for the nations’ top sailors, expand our keelboat fleet, improve our comprehensive boating and recreational facilities, and hopefully be able to expand our boating adventures to the waters of Riau and beyond.
5. What are your birthday wishes for the Club’s 40th Anniversary?
May fair winds and good tidings be with the Club for the next 40 years. |
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