16th Ambassadors' Cup at Changi Sailing Club - Preview

15th Ambassadors' Cup © Howie Choo

Changi Sailing Club's 16th Ambassadors' Cup promises to be the most exciting event to date with more Ambassadors, staff and crew than ever participating. The regatta brings together Singapore's diplomatic community in an informal day of sailing and celebration. There will be more boats from Changi Sailing Club and from the region competing in this annual event which takes to the waters off Singapore's northeast coast on Saturday November 7, 2015.

Ambassador Luis Fernando, serving his third and last term as Ambassadors' Cup President, will hand over the position to Chilean Ambassador His Excellency James Sinclair during the prize giving after the race. HE Sinclair, with a long history of government service for Chile was appointed Ambassador to Singapore in 2014 and has wasted no time in getting involved in the community. Joining the Ambassadors will be Guest of Honour, Minister Sam Tan – Minister for State, Prime Minister's Office & Ministry of Manpower & Deputy Government Whip.

The 44 participating boats, a sharp increase from last year's 25, will set off at 1:00pm from in front of the historic sailing club. At last year's event HE Fernando Luis, not only celebrated the staging of a very successful event, he also danced his way onto the stage to accept the trophy for winning the Ambassadors' Cup. His Excellency was aboard Born in Fire, owned and skippered by Mr Pascal Radue. Sailors will also be competing for honours in the Non-ambassadors Division, Beach Catamaran, Multi-hull Division and Trimaran events.

"The annual Ambassador's Cup, which is a most exciting seagoing event, brings the Singapore's diplomatic world together in an unparalleled social event. It has been a wonderful experience for me to officiate at this joyous and important event, among the wonderful camaraderie and sportsmanship of all the participants," stated the Brazilian ambassador.

"Once again," said Airbus Helicopters CEO Derek Sharples and CSC Member, "I am absolutely delighted to welcome the Ambassadors and the crews to this unique and very special event. There is no other event like this in Singapore. We at Airbus Helicopters are extremely pleased to be able to help make this happen and to be a part of the celebrations."

In addition to the title sponsor, Airbus Helicopters, that is providing support for the third consecutive year, there are 11 co-sponsors, beating the previous record for sponsors.

Without the sponsors this event wouldn't be the rousing success that it is. Cosmo Steel Holding, lead by long-time supporter Mr Ong, a CSC member, together with another CSC member Mr K C Chng's Prostar Marine Services Pte Ltd (Kaefer), are returning once more.

Joining them are World of Diamonds Group, Executive Ship Management, Seara Singapore Pte Ltd, Red Dot Shipping Pte Ltd, CBMM Asia Pte Ltd, Lubritrade Trading Pte Ltd, Ritz Property Investment Asia Pte Ltd, BRF Asia and Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore Pte Ltd (Johnny Walker).

The 35 participating embassies is an increase from the 31 embassies that took part last year. The crews of the 44 participating boats will return to the Club for an evening of relaxing, eating and drinking before and after the prize giving. Brazil's national drink, the caipirinha, will be on free flow and Dester Beer, Johnny Walker is doing a tasting. The popular Samba dancers will be performing once again, taking the energy to a high and colourful level.

It is going to be a great day of racing and partying that is not to be missed.

www.csc.org.sg