|
The idea of
a yachting regatta of international standing in Singapore waters was mooted many
years ago by a handful of local enthusiasts when sailing was still a
relatively new sport, attracting mainly expatriates and a handful of local
die-hard sailors. Those were the days when sailing facilities were minimal
and the opportunity to become initiated in sailing, limited. Yet, the
region was fast becoming a popular cruising ground for a growing number of
blue-water sailors, who crossed oceans in search of unique, unspoiled and
idyllic destinations. These yachtsmen from Australia,
Europe and North America - areas with a
strong sailing tradition - were the forerunners of what is now an
established yachting and recreational marine tourism market. Places in the
region, such as Phuket and Bali became
magnets with a cult following among sailors who returned regularly on a
voyage of self-renewal and rejuvenation. Today, hundreds of sailing yachts
pass through Singapore
annually, making it the natural gateway to the region.
In more recent years, recognition by the Government that Singaporeans could
excel in sailing in the international sporting arena, and the advent of new
marinas and yacht clubs, gave further impetus to sailing. In 1995, the Singapore Sailing Federation
(previously known as the Singapore Yachting Association) got together with Raffles Marina, Nongsa Point Marina (now
represented by the Riau Yacht Club
operating from the same premises), and Changi
Sailing Club to organise the first Singapore Straits Regatta, to be
promoted as a regatta of international standing. Since then, the Regatta
has grown steadily in stature and become more renowned. In 1999, the Republic of Singapore Yacht (RSYC) having
moved to new premises, joined the triumvirate. The RSYC is also the donor
of the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, which is used as the championship trophy for
the Perpetual Cup Series of which the Singapore Straits Regatta is part.
The Regatta is managed by a committee comprising volunteers from the
sailing community. The committee chair is presently rotated in turn each
year among the five supporting clubs, who nominates a chairman to head up
the organising committee.
|
|
|
