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Published on : 30 April 2005
Article By: John Heng
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Sing-Siam
Regatta 2005
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Date of event: 9 & 10 Apr, 2005
Venue: Changi Clubhouse
Yawn... Yawn… Yawn… That was exactly the feelings of the 100
odd sailors that were waiting lazily for the winds to pick
up on the first day. So too was I, during the prize giving
ceremony, once again, it is a Stanley posting an all 1st position
finish, emerging champion at yet another Sing Siam Regatta.
Couldn’t any other Singapore sailor stand up to this guy here??
C’mon guys…
Nevertheless, it was still a very exciting race to watch.
For those who managed to hitch a ride from “WYSIWYG” and “Chilli
Padi”, I’m sure the sunburn was well worth the while. To those
sorry asses up on shore fanning their butts (just kidding),
here’s a post race synopsis, especially for you.
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Team
Thailand |
The
Race
Sing Siam 2005 saw a highly varied participation from all walks
of life. We have of course, the usual participants from our
squad and national sailors. Also gracing the occasion is National
420 cum 470 sailor, Roy Tay, who also finished with an undisputed
1st in his class. Ex-Singapore Laser Fleet President, Mr Rupert
Ong, decided to take out his old hiking boots to give it a good
taste of salt water (or smelly feet!!).
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who were used to lazing around on deck chairs, feasting on home
cooked bee hoon and chicken wings on weekends also decided to
join in the fun, taking up the challenge in Lasers and Laser
Picos! Last but not least, Singapore’s most famous hawker, SAFYC’s
very own and “Clipper Round the World” sailor to be, Mr James
Lim. |
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Pretty
decent wind |
DAY
1
Heavy showers the night before saw an almost “No Show” from
Mr Wind in the morning. “AP”, the postponement pennant was flown,
and lowered at about 2pm. The pleasantly surprised sailors were
greeted by pretty decent wind, gusting up to 10 knots, blowing
southerly. |
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Race 1
A windshift of more than 40? towards the west, saw the race
committee shifting the entire course minutes before the first
horn. Luckily, the star studded committee headed by Mr David
Tham and Mr Tan Hock Chuan were more than prepared for what
the weather can throw at them. The course was re-laid in a
jiffy, the sailors got to practice some capsize drill while
waiting and the stage was set for a good race, with the wind
still holding.
However, the race conditions were not very
forgiving. With the strong wind and even stronger current,
both coming from the same direction, it gave all the sailors
a good run for their money, prepping them for their sumptuous
dinner to follow. Waves came fast and furious in quick chops.
A couple of ‘rescues’ had to be done around the course due
to improperly rigged boats as well, allowing the safety boats
some excitement.
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the
wind still holding... |
Race
2
Mr Wind decided to take a late afternoon nap
causing the wind speed to be only snoozing speed. Huffing and
puffing in various spots and with the current still coming from
the same direction, it became a game of “who catches the most
puffs win”. This change in condition saw positions going all
over the shop for the average sailors. But it did not faze the
top sailors a single bit, top sailors from individual classes
sailed right on without missing a beat. The wind continues to
mellow down as the day draws to an end. |
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Day 2
Conditions upon
arriving at the club seem to be almost identical to the first
day. Good old “AP” flag was once again flown, giving some
sailors a very welcomed naptime due to rampant partying the
night before. Their joy however, was short lived. Apparently,
Mr Wind was fed a very nice lunch by Mrs Wind and decided
to blow around 12pm.
Race
3
Wind was only a moderate 3 to 5 knots,
a far cry from the 1st race. However, it was still sailable
and the race committee decided to start the race without further
a do. Wind was blowing 120? and moderate current was coming
from east, going west. For all those who went towards the
left of the course were rewarded slightly due to the current
being in their favour. The top sailors were still not contended.
It is getting boring…
Race
4
A shift of wind and a shift of current changed the entire
game plan. Wind shifted almost due south, current did a 180?,
to come very strongly from the west. Yet another drop in wind
strength was seen towards the end of the day. This made the
racing strategy all the more straightforward. Bank towards
the right hand side of the course and you’ll be drifted towards
the windward mark. Half the sailors recognized this early
and the race was decided right from the start. For those who
went towards the left hand side of the course, I hope they’ve
learnt their lesson and apply it to further races. The end
results were as predictable as Singapore’s 2010 World Cup
hope…
The
Results
Thanakan Korkerd for Optimist “A” Boys,
Angkana Poonsirikot for Optimist “A” Girls, Amos Lim Jun Meng
for Optimist “B” Boys, Wong Jen Yi for Optimist “B” girls,
Duncan Lee Tian Hao for Optimist “C” Boys, Ho Ruth Airiel
for Optimist “C” Girls, Koh Zi Ying and Koh Jian Ying for
Laser Pico, Roy Tay Jun Hao and Justin Wong Ming Ho, taking
1st for the International 420 class and once again, Stanley
Tan for Laser Open. *yawn* (just kidding)
This friendly, easygoing type of race saw mass
participation from the most unlikely, the atmosphere was relaxing
and enjoyable without the usual staring competition and protests.
Children from the home stay program getting to know a new
friend from another country. Matured sailors and parents sharing
a joke from their hometown over a nice cool mug of beer. Sing
Siam has once again proven itself to be a very enjoyable regatta
and excellent platform for nurturing foreign relationships.
Thank you very much participants, big hugs to all parents
and family in the home stay program. Goodbye, my newfound
Thai friends, may you have many wonderful memories of this.
See you in Thailand for the next Sing Siam!
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