Day 3 of the 10th Singapore Straits Regatta

by Andrew Owen on 17 Jan 2004 Clariden Karakoa from the Philippines, skippered by Ray Ordoveza, took victory in both races run today off Batam’s north shore in the Singapore Straits Regatta. With only two more races to run in the regatta it will take a disaster to stop Ray Ordoveza lifting the trophy on Sunday night and earning valuable points towards the Omega Asian Yachting Circuit Championship.

In the three races run yesterday it was Ray Ordoveza aboard Clariden Karakoa that swept all before him by taking three straight wins. And with weather conditions being almost identical to those of yesterday the team aboard Karakoa had every reason to feel confident. Ray commented 'Well these conditions are tailor made for us and we are looking forward to more of the same. As we start the day we are exactly half way through the regatta and with four straight wins we’ve had the best possible start.'

The other world class competitors tried in vain as the team onboard Clariden Karakoa powered to two more straight victories on day 3 of the action. With winds blowing in at 15-17 knots and just a few small clouds rushing for the horizon it was perfect sailing conditions and a perfect day for Karakoa. In the battle behind them it was Stella Minter Ellison from Hong Kong that began to show her class as she scored two second places with Hollywood Boulevard from Australia and Hong Kong’s Hi Fidelity swapping third and fourth places.

As the fleet prepared for an evening party under the equatorial stars there were smiles all around, but perhaps the broadest sat proudly on Ray Ordoveza’s face 'we prepared well for this regatta. I hand picked this crew and it’s a good blend of Philipino and international talent. There are some new faces onboard but they stand on top of a very solid foundation of key crew members who travel to all the events. Today we picked up a few more problems with a broken winch and our spinnaker is showing some signs of wear after all the work we’ve been doing. But we’ve come out on top and I’m a happy sailor tonight.”

Tomorrow sees the fleet travel back to Singapore’s eastern shore and the Changi Sailing Club. With one further race on Sunday the champion will be crowned on Sunday night.