Sunday Series III – Race 4
In pre-COVID times, this weekend would have been the weekend we bring the world together, gathering the Ambassadors of the world for a day of casual sailing and revelry in our annual Ambassadors’ Cup. With the current social distancing restrictions in place, the event has been postponed to 17th April 2021.
Meanwhile, we replaced the event with another instalment of our Sunday Series, which due to the fantastic response (19 Keelboats, 4 Multihulls & 5 Beach Catamarans) looked like a mini Ambassadors’ Cup on the start line. The response from the wind was however a little premature – a cold front brought in from a westerly squall, coupled with another weather system from the east already starting to pour, all took place 15 minutes before the start. Sailors were decked out in their wet weather gear, with some even preparing for a reef in their sails. However, the winds left as quickly as they arrived, leaving sailors on a gentle breeze against the current after the start – commencing a slow and tricky sail to Serangoon Buoy and back.
In the IRC Class, Red Rum One started well and took an early lead creating a much needed gap between her and the rest of the fleet. She managed to round Serangoon Buoy early enough to catch the remaining breeze together with the outgoing tide on the return leg. The light winds and prevailing wind angle was perfect for her to fly her asymmetrical, further extending her lead on the fleet to an insurmountable one – clinching a well-deserved bullet in her Class. To put things in perspective, the next boat (Born in Fire) which crossed the line was about 30minutes behind, an incredible lead for a short race. Fighting for 3rd place was Waka Tere and Jong Dee, with the latter succumbing to Waka Tere in the light airs, unable to produce a successful overtaking maneuvre on the Nelson 33.
We welcome 3 new entrants in the PY Class – Ratu Henny 2, Wild Card & Dauntless. Ratu Henny 2 and Wild Card are the gentle giants of the fleet, one being a 54ft Hylas and the other a 46ft Radford. The former is a visiting yacht from One Degree 15, and looked gorgeous amongst the Keelboats on the start line. The latter returned to the racing scene on a winning note – notching a decent start and achieving good boat speed on the upwind leg to Serangoon to cross the line 2nd and claim 3rd on corrected time. One little boat thrived in these wind conditions – the Esse 750, Petit Bateau. The sports boat welcomed the light airs and glassy waters, gliding through the course nearly effortlessly to score a huge lead over the fleet. Adona was a distant 2nd on corrected time, keeping pace with Wild Card to finish within sighting distance and 3rd across the line.
It was great to see the Multihull fleet double their numbers to 4 boats on the start line, shaking things up a bit on the course. Kaze navigated the conditions cautiously, and kept a close eye on 2nd placed Jaza Too which was hot on her trail. She defended her position successfully and sailed to her handicap – earning a well-deserved victory. Completing the podium in 3rd was Freddy Fam’s Phoenix. She returns after a long hiatus, and we hope to see the M23 racing more often in our Club events.
In the Beach Catamaran Class, Nigel Signal’s Stray Catz continues to perform well. She placed first both across the line and on corrected time. This makes it 2 wins from 2 weekends – he will be looking to replicate his performance for the remaining races in the Sunday Series and Twilight Series. 2nd place was awarded to Madfish II, as she defended her position successfully on the return leg against the chasing Ripple V and Balqis II. Nick Wakai’s Ripple V scored her first ever podium placing, completing the trio of winners in 3rd.
Congratulations to all the winners – yesterday’s condition was a true test of skill, and it was a joy to see that our members are very proficient (mostly) all-weather sailors. See you all next week for Twilight Series III Race 4, which takes place on Deepavali (14th November).
Results
Series Results
- Sunday Series I 2023 (Race 5) - 5th June 2023
- Twilight Series I 2023 (Race 5) - 4th June 2023
- CSC IRC, PY & One-Design Keelboat Championships 2023 (Day 2) - 29th May 2023
