2015 Western Circuit Sailing Regatta – Days 1 and 2 overall + Videos

by Icarus Sailing Media on 21 Aug 2015 2015 Western Circuit Sailing Regatta – Day one – Hello and welcome to Singapore as we are heading back to the iconic Raffles Marina to check out the sailing action of a legendary regatta that is ready to embark. Western Circuit Sailing Regatta runs already its 18th edition and has come from strength to strength to become one of the most important events of the region.

Sailors from any corner of the city-state have gathered early in Raffles Marina to “give a dynamic presence” and fill the atmosphere with their fantastic energy, as they prepare their boats for the exciting day ahead. Last directions have been given in the morning briefing and all sailors rush out to check the last details and set the sails for race day one.

Day one of competition was a great opportunity to pitch teams against each other, while the weather conditions allowed them to use all their talents on the race tracks. Three races courses have been set as the regatta host a big variety of sailing boats from offshore boats and trimarans and big boats to SB20’s and windsurfs giving the opportunity to partake sailors of any age – and some of them was really young!

In the SB20 fleet the teams lined up ready to get some points on the score sheet early on. The level of competition was high which made it difficult for any of the teams to dominate and racing amongst a light breeze meant that there was no room for error. Team Glasgow Kiss skippered by Nils Razmilovic were determined to claim another back to back title but to do so they had to overcome some fierce competition such as team Werner skippered by Johannes Babendererde.

The trimarans were also sailing on the same course, which added another flavor of sailing for the spectators and broadened the skill-set needed to sail in this regatta. Meanwhile the young sailors in the J24 class had their own battles to fight and what they may have lacked in experience they made up for in passion and motivation.

Fans were spread out along the closest marina to the course allowing young windsurfers the chance to explore this unique sport as they gain racing experience and a hunger for the sport.

The end of the races found all sailors back in the shore, ready to enjoy the warm hospitality that Raffles Marina has always to offer. Time for relaxation and enjoyment, while the winners of the day had the privilege to celebrate their achievements during the prize giving ceremony of day one. Tomorrow the schedule includes the SMU President’s Cup and the SB20 International Cup so more action is about to come.

Day two

Welcome once again to Singapore and Raffles Marina, host of the Western Circuit Sailing Regatta. This historical regatta has evolved over the years to become a major international event on the sailing calendar, and as you’d expect from such a renowned competition, there are sailors from all over the globe in attendance including competitors from the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

The success of this regatta is largely thanks to the venue; Raffles Marina, which has historical links to the sea and has played a major role in the development of the sport in the region.

The Western Circuit Sailing Regatta is a prime example of how sailing can be developed as a competitive sport and as a means of furthering the growth of disability sailing; integrating sailors from all backgrounds as they come together to take part.

The offshore IRC A and B class partake in the SMU President’s Cup - a coastal race that gives the sailors the opportunity to test their skills on a course that requires the ultimate in strategy and speed. The tricky weather at this venue seems to favour the smaller boats with the larger vessels struggling to take the lead. Eventually it was SMU Mad skippered by Clement Lim who came up with the goods to take the victory after two hours and 40 minutes time. In second place was Pascal’s Radue “Burn in Fire” and in third it was O’Blueyes skippered by Glen O’Grady.

Back to the windward leeward race course where the SB20 fleet battled it out for the SB20 International Cup, a title secured by the team with the best results of the weekend. All of the teams struggled to find consistency as the unpredictable weather hampered their efforts. It was Nils Razmilovic and Glasgow Kiss who looked stylish and composed as they scored a bullet a third and a fifth which saw them climb up the leaderboard to secure the silver… only one point behind Anthony Kiong who took the title. It was bronze for Jervis Tilly and Tara team.

After a wealth of ‘on the water excitement’ it was time for the awards ceremony where the winners were recognized and the celebrations got started. It was a time to enjoy the moment and relive the memories of an action packed weekend.

Day one video highlights



Day two video highlights