Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta 2022 in Singapore concludes
by Raffles Marina 29 May 2022 14:48 BST
28-29 May 2022
Sailors sailing downwind - Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta 2022 © Raffles Marina
Over the weekend, 159 young sailors aged between 7 and 15 set foot in Raffles Marina to compete for their rankings in the Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta.
The event took place on 28 and 29 May 2022 at Raffles Marina. The sailors were divided into two main fleet categories: Gold and Silver, with 7 sub-categories for awards across both fleets.
This is the third regatta that was organised by Raffles Marina. The first time it was inaugurated on 18 & 19 February 2017 and held for the second time on 23 & 24 February 2019.
Since the Covid pandemic hit, regattas were completely halted, and three years passed without any major activity in the Optimist-class scene till April 2022. Most sailors start off in the Optimist at a young age and hone their skills while switching between various boat classes as they grow both physically and in experience.
"With the combined effort of the Singapore Sailing Federation and other organisations, Raffles Marina actively reaches out to those who love the sea to pick up the sport and provide an avenue for sailors to hone their skills as they navigate their way upwind in the sailing scene. The Club will continue to facilitate activities involving sailing and water sports. It is our desire to be a channel for people to connect, engage, and discover the beauty of sailing. We also work with institutions like Singapore Polytechnic, SMU and NUS to groom the future generation of sailors in Singapore", said Siaw Chee Huat, CEO of Raffles Marina Ltd in his opening speech on the morning of day one.
Both days of the competition saw excellent weather as all 159 boats gave their best to secure the highest placement possible in their respective divisions.
"There is a beautiful water body for sailing at the western part of Singapore accessible through Raffles Marina and we hope that more parents will bring their kids on board to grow the sailing community and raise the next generation of sailors in Singapore." said Chung Pei Ming, General Manager of the Singapore Sailing Federation.
Such ranking races are important to groom the future generations of sailors and foster the competitive nature of the sport. Sailors may come and go, but the spirit of the sport will ever be present, and the next generation's sails yet fill with wind.
Besides hosting the Optimist Regatta, it has been the home of SB20 sailing since it began in Singapore some 15 years ago. The Club regularly hosts club races of the SB20 Association and other notable regattas for the class.
Champions from the 7 subdivisions:
- Gold Fleet Open - Eitan Oh
- Gold Fleet Under 12 - Lucas Cao
- Gold Fleet Female - Nia Zahedi
- Silver Fleet Open - Lucius Tiberius Chimon
- Silver Fleet Under 10 - Tan Herng Yee
- Silver Fleet Under 8 - Callum Wong Joon Thang
- Silver Fleet Female - Tong Xuan Ya