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This year, in the 13th SSR, we came back hungry
for more action, being better prepared both physically and
mentally. With more training and a new set of sails, for which
we would like to thank our sponsor TRANSOCEAN, we were ready
to compete for the title once more. The hardworking crew featured
in 2007 comprised skipper Vladimir Borstnar, trimmer Paul
De Cruz, centre Ismadi Bin Yahya, mast Ronnie Tay and bowman
Tang Wai San.
Pre-start manoeuvres...
We started the regatta with a
win in the passage race to Nongsa. Starting strong on course
current and through the long passage race, we held on to the
lead and never looked back.
It was a definite boost to our confidence knowing that Angel
is race ready.
On the second day, with wind of
between 5-7 knots and current of 2-3 knots, we ended
the day with a first and third placing. This resulted in Angel
placing an overall first
position at the end of day two.
rounding the top
mark...
Day three was a complicated day.
The race started slow with light wind and we managed
to secure only a second spot behind Jangan Main-Main (JMM)
for race four. As a result,
JMM was only one point behind us. After a long period in between
when the wind died,
race five commenced when the wind picked up again. It turned
out to be one of the most
memorable races we had ever experienced. We knew that we needed
to finish in front of
JMM to ensure that we maintain the lead. However, the challenge
came from
Quarterdeck, skippered by Asian Games Silver medalist Koh
Seng Leong. Angel and
Quarterdeck made the final upwind neck to neck. During the
final downwind, the lead
changed hands many times between Angel and Quarterdeck. Paul,
our trimmer, was
focused on the spinnaker, ensuring that we made full use of
the wind and waves, while
the rest of the crew was keeping the boat in correct balance.
After 1 hr 14 min 9 sec, we
crossed the finish line one second ahead of Quarterdeck. After
all the J24’s have
completed, we were assured of the overall first position after
our closest rival, JMM,
finished fourth.
On the final day, we were relaxed
knowing that WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. However,
the competitive spirit in us remained. During the final race,
Wai San was given the role of
skipper for part of the race and Ronnie became the trimmer.
We finished the last race in
first position as well.
Finally, we would like to thank
SAFYC for allowing us to compete on Angel.
The 14th SSR in 2008 will be hosted by SAFYC where Angel and
crew will be there to
defend our title!
- Crew of Angel
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