Western Circuit Sailing Regatta closes with a bang

by Shaun Toh on 23 Aug 2011 The Western Circuit Sailing Regatta has been often billed as the biggest and most anticipated keelboat regatta in Singapore and this year, the event has definitely lived up to its expectations as four days of competition saw close racing in a mixture of windward-leeward courses and tough distance races.

Off the water, the post-race programme has become something of a specialty for this regatta with great food, flowing drink even better company.

Raffles Marina, in the west of Singapore has played host to over eighty boats over the last three weekends ranging from International One Metre RC boats, to Access 2.3 dinghies to Moths, Catamarans, J24s, Laser SB3s, all the way up to 40 footer yachts. With over 200 participants involved, there was a real festival atmosphere amongst competitors, helpers and officials alike.

With organisational duties being shared between Raffles Marina (RM) and the Singapore Management University (SMU), the regatta burst into life with leaders in various classes having to work extra hard to stay ahead despite the shifty winds and strong currents. Most classes were not decided until the final race of the final day showing just how tough it was for skippers and crews.

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Final Results:

One highlight of the regatta was the SMU President’s Cup Race which involved a long distance passage race between all classes. Fresh off the back of a victory at the recent RSYC Regatta in Singapore, Sarab Jeet Singh's Sydney 40 MOD Windsikher managed to hold off close friend and closer rival Bill Bremner in his Ker 32, Foxy Lady V to take the line honours and the handicap win as well to be crowned the SMU President’s Cup Champion.

Overall though, Foxy Lady V managed to stay close enough to Windsikher to take the overall IRC A class while SMU Students on Farr Platu 25, SMU Mad took the top spot in the IRC B category.

Grand Closing: As has been the case in the last few years, the gala dinner for the western circuit regatta has been a fitting end to a great event. With dancers and other performers from SMU providing dinner entertainment for the boaters, excellent food provided by the marina and a well stocked bar, the night was a joyous one. To end it all off, there was a charity auction held in support of Sailability Singapore.

If you thought the economy had dampened the generosity of sailors, think again. This year over $21,000 was raised for the organization that gives disabled sailors the chance to pursue their dreams. This was even more than what was raised last year!

All in all, the 2011 western circuit regatta has been another wonderful event. We would like to thank Raffles Marina for their wonderful services, SMU for the energy and passion they bring to the organisation, our sponsors for their contributions and for all who turned up to race. You can find out more about the SMU Sailing Club here.

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Western Circuit Sailing Regatta website