21st Singapore Straits Regatta preview

by Icarus Sailing Media on 25 Feb 2015 21st Singapore Straits Regatta has evolved over the years and plays an important role in the development of sailing in the region. Last year, there was incredibly tight competition throughout the SB20 fleet, with closely fought battles on the race track and daily leaderboard shuffles. Whilst, the Offshore racers were confronted with handling the unique sea conditions left over from the Monsoon winds.

The Singapore Straits Regatta is the only event held on both sides of the Straits – in Indonesia and Singapore. The offshore fleet race from NongSa Point Marina on Batam Island, and One 15 Degree Marina at Sentosa Island hosts the SB20 fleet.

The regatta was also the annual SB20 Asia Pacific Championships. For some, results would also count towards the qualification process for the South East Asian Games 2015.

The SB20 is a one design class – so the boats are the same and of equal performance. Team work and sailors’ skills are the essential factors that will produce winning results in this 3-person boat. With lots of seasoned campaigners in the fleet, the teams could be sure their mental and physical limits would be tested.

Day 1 served up a packed race day, with 3 races, in a moderate breeze. Singapore’s stunning skyline provided the dramatic backdrop to the race track. The fleet surged off the start line, each boat trying to claim an early lead. A gusty and shifty breeze – saw those best at hunting out the advantages soon ahead. The fleet was packed together, ensuring really tight and exciting mark rounds, and one on one boat battles were the order of the day.

Onto day 2, and teamwork precision would 'make or break' a race performance. Synergy, communication and anticipation are critical for maximum success. In the SB20, everyone has a specific role. The team that works best together will win.

A focus on teamwork is fundamental, but strategy & tactics also contribute to the overall performance. Racing is like a 'living' chess game, where all the boats try to optimize their position on the race track, based on weather predictions & anticipating their opponents’ moves. Teams use the racing rules to their advantage - attacking another boat, reacting when a boat responds, playing maneuver against maneuver, and strategizing your position are all within the game.

A game that Nils Razmilovic & his Glasskow Kiss team from Great Britain executed perfectly on race day 2. Counting 3 wins from 7 races, they moved to the front of the leaderboard. Werner Team, skippered by Germany’s Johannes Babendererde, knocked out 2 superb results, 2 not so good, and dropped to second. Former America’s Cup sailor, Australian Jervis Tilly and his TARA team, raced consistently, and held their leaderboard fourth.

Day 3 and the SB20 fleet had to dig deep, to produce their best teamwork and race plan in the 2 remaining Upwind Downwind races. The results would determine the Asia Pacific Champion – strategic and calculated racing was critical!

A frisky breeze, with gusts reaching up 20 knots, set the stage for the final races. The team on Glasgow Kiss from Great Britain, skippered by Nils Razmilovic, mastered the conditions. They racked up another win and a third place to seal the Championship crown. Germany’s Johannes Babandererde and his Werner Team secured the silver, with the British Pocapena Team, skippered by Mike Buchanan, claiming bronze!

The fleets racing on the other side of the straits in Indonesia, returned to Singaporean waters for the prize giving celebrations. A great week of racing for them too, with a mixture of weather, some tough battles and well deserved winners.

The impressive closing ceremony showered the winners with prizes and applause. In a fitting end to a perfect event, everyone enjoyed the friendly hospitality, weaved with a typical Singaporean tropical touch. Another year of great racing and great memories. Teams will be back in 2016.'