Keppel Bay (Singapore) launches RYA sail training

by Keppel Bay Sailing Academy on 21 Nov 2008 Keppel Bay Sailing Academy (KBSA), a premier training facility for recreational and professional sailing launched today at Marina at Keppel Bay, has become the first in Singapore to provide courses accredited by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Internationally recognised, the UK-based RYA is the leading institution for top grade courses in sailing. Set up with the mission of raising standards of professional sailing locally and regionally, KBSA is one of the largest RYA training centres in Asia.

RYA Chief Examiner James Stevens, said, “We are really pleased to be awarding RYA recognition to our first training centre in Singapore. People training at Keppel Bay Sailing Academy can now be sure they are receiving world class training.“

KBSA has appointed Richard Falk as Principal of the Academy. Director and Co-owner of Global Yacht Racing Ltd and Global Yacht Training Ltd, Falk is also an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Examiner. He also skippered the Uniquely Singapore yacht in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 05/06.

Falk said, “Keppel Bay Sailing Academy is poised to be one of Asia’s premier sailing centres, delivering best practices in training and development. KBSA is strongly focused on high standards of seamanship as well as safety and competence for all its participants.

“The industry-leading RYA accreditation is an authoritative stamp on the international recognition of KBSA’s qualified status and credentials to conduct top-grade sailing courses.

“Our trainers and courses meet stringent RYA standards which will ensure sailing enthusiasts serious about the sport that the curricula will be comprehensive, leading edge and of the highest quality.“

Every year, about 1,000 students and youths in Singapore take up coastal sailing training, more often known as dinghy sailing.

Augustine Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Residential of Keppel Land, said, “The launch of Keppel Bay Sailing Academy is line with our aim to cultivate sporting excellence and nurture talents. KBSA offers an avenue to extend their passion for sailing into deeper and further offshore waters, through the professional keelboat training offered at our Academy.

“The launch of the Academy is an extension of Marina at Keppel Bay’s premium offerings. Home owners and residents of Keppel Bay can now look forward to a complete and distinct waterfront lifestyle with our luxurious homes, a marina playground and host of other waterfront amenities and facilities, the Academy being one such unique feature.

“We believe that KBSA can contribute to promoting Singapore as a regional sailing sports hub through its courses and participation in world-class events.”

KBSA will be operated and managed by a highly qualified team with extensive experience in international racing and instruction. The Academy also owns two new Beneteau 40.7 yachts, Endeavour and Venture. For a start, KBSA can train up to 300 per year, in addition to offering corporate charters and corporate sailing activities on these yachts.