For the regatta, the Sea Sports Centre also fielded a small racing team a.k.a The Daddy's Team. This comprised of a group of eight enthusiastic weekend laser sailors. For many of them, this was their maiden race and naturally, there was pandemonium at the starting line during the first race. At the end of the first day, everybody's backs were sore and hands numb. It was also around this time that self-doubt began to creep in and the sailors began wondering if they could carry on the next day

On the second day, The Daddy's Team bravely decided to soldier on. There was great relief when the last race ended. At the prize presentation ceremony, rousing support could be heard when three from the team went up to collect their prizes. Next on the drawing board, The Daddy's Team will be joining the upcoming Laser Racing Clinic to improve their race techniques. We will hear more from The Daddy's Team

This was the first time the children joined the adults, mothers and fathers on a sailing expedition to East Coast. The younger tykes rode pillion with their parents while the older children helmed their own Topper Sailing dinghies

The children need not do much sailing because of the poor wind conditions. The safety boats towed them to the beach just after the PA East Coast Sea Sports Club. There was no wind and the crafts were up against strong currents. Most of the crafts were still in-front of the Club even 45 minutes after the start.

It was lunch time when all the crafts beached up. Lunch consisted of fried mee-hoon, "Khong Bah Pau", fish curry, bread, fruits and plenty of mineral water. The children interacted well together and enjoyed themselves playing on the beach, while the adults enjoyed beer and discussed upwind techniques for the next leg.

After lunch, the expedition headed for East Coast. As the Toppers could not match the speed of the Lasers, the entire fleet turned back at about 4 pm. The last craft reached SAFRA Sea Sports Centre at 5pm. All 11 lasers and 4 Toppers returned safely - no one was left at sea.

It was a good expedition for the children and adults. Hear ye all parents out there! Bring your little ones down to the Sea Sports Centre to experience some sailing. They will learn to think on their sea legs

August 14 was deja vu for the nine laser sailors. We were sailing to Changi again. During the last trip, we beached near the Changi Ferry Terminal but this time, we were determined to cover more distance.

After the safety briefing, we set off at 10 am. With a steady wind, all of us proceeded with a good speed. Rounding the new Changi Naval Base was the first test of our endurance. The sea was choppy and the current was overpowering. My boat was the first to capsize near the eastern tip of the Naval Base. Fortunately, all was well and I was on my way again.

As we sailed into the channel towards Changi Beach, we had a strong downwind which made our boats very unstable. You could literally see the boats performing rock and roll on the sea! This took a toll on two sailors who had to be towed by the safety boat to our lunch point along Nicoll Drive, behind the SIA Cargo Complex.

At 1:30 pm, we reversed course after a sumptuous lunch of curry chicken, fried mee-hoon, hot dog buns and of course, beer. The journey back was equally tough and challenging. Nevertheless, all the boats managed to make their own way back. The last boat reached the Sea Sports Centre at 5:30 pm. It took longer on the home leg because we were sailing upwind for most part of the journey.

All of us were delighted that we achieved our aim. Pulau Ubin is beckoning us. The next expedition perhaps! Well done guys!

p.s. The Sea Sports Centre had organised four expeditions prior to the above, two trips to Kusu Island and one trip to East Coast and Changi. 

This regatta will attract entries from schools, sailing clubs and even overseas participants. Get ready to witness competition at the highest level as evident in last year's successful regatta. Some of you may recalled that our Centre came in second in the Laser Class for Clubs.

Classes that will be participating in this annual event are Optimist, Topper, Laser and Boardsailing. It will be a spectacular sight of colours at the starting line.

To add gaiety to the occasion, the Sea Sports Centre will also host land activities besides the intense competition fought out at sea. On 21/7 (Sat) from 3 pm, there will be a fun fair at the Sea Sports Centre's premises. Have fun with your family members at the games stalls and when hunger strikes, check out the various food stalls to satisfy your hungry stomachs. At 7 pm, sit back and enjoy a special movie preview right under the stars.

On the final day of the regatta 22/7 (Sun), there will be a grand prize giving ceremony followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner for all sailors and officials. Tickets are available for guests who wish to join in the dinner.

Sounds too exciting to be missed out? Well, you can participate as a competitor or help out as officials for the regatta. If food is your forte, you can even help run some of the food stalls on that day. Just call the customer service officers at 5465880.

Not sailing and not helping in any official capacity? Don't miss out the fun, just come on down to soak in the lively atmosphere , enjoy the fun fair and the movie. Be there!