Raffles hosts Optimist Regatta

Over 150 young sailors participated in the 2022 Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta.

31 May 2022

The 2022 Raffles Marina Optimist Regatta attracted 159 young sailors aged between seven and 15, competing for their rankings.

The event took place on 28 and 29 May 2022 at Raffles Marina. Sailors were divided into two main fleet categories: Gold and Silver, with seven sub-categories for awards across both fleets.

This is the third regatta that was organised by Raffles Marina. The first time, it was inaugurated on 18 and 19 February 2017 and held for the second time on 23 and 24 February 2019. Since the COVID pandemic hit and regattas were completely halted, three years passed without any major activity in the Optimist-class scene until April 2022.

Most sailors start off in the Optimist at a young age and hone their skills while switching between various boat classes as they grow both physically and in experience.

Most sailors start off in the Optimist at quite a young age.

Families watch on from the shore while the competitive young sailors enjoyed the two days' racing.

Raffles Marina is a great location for sailing in Singapore.

“With the combined effort of the Singapore Sailing Federation and other organisations, Raffles Marina actively reaches out to those who love the sea to pick up the sport and provide an avenue for sailors to hone their skills as they navigate their way upwind in the sailing scene,” said Siaw Chee Huat, CEO of Raffles Marina Ltd in his opening speech on the morning of day one.

“The Club will continue to facilitate activities involving sailing and water sports. It is our desire to be a channel for people to connect, engage, and discover the beauty of sailing.

“We also work with institutions like Singapore Polytechnic, SMU and NUS to groom the future generation of sailors in Singapore.”

Both days of the competition saw excellent weather, as all 159 boats gave their best to secure the highest placement possible in their respective divisions.

“There’s a beautiful water body for sailing at the western part of Singapore accessible through Raffles Marina and we hope that more parents will bring their kids on board to grow the sailing community and raise the next generation of sailors in Singapore,” said Chung Pei Ming, General Manager of the Singapore Sailing Federation.

Such ranking races are important to inspire the future generations of sailors and foster the competitive nature of the sport. Sailors may come and go, but the spirit of the sport will ever be present, and the next generation’s sails yet fill with wind.

Besides hosting the Optimist Regatta, it has been the home of SB20 sailing since it began in Singapore some 15 years ago. The Club regularly hosts club races of the SB20 Association and other notable regattas for the class.