2022 Twilight Series I - Race 1 | Changi Sailing Club

With the recent announcements regarding further relaxation of Safe Management Measures from 29th March – we could feel the anticipation and excitement from sailors participating in yesterday’s Twilight Series I, Race 1. They were treated to a cool and cloudy day of sailing, a rare occurrence amidst the hot and humid weather we are all familiar with. The cool weather was also an eerie omen for things to come – as a lightning displayed followed by a thundery shower greeted the last boat crossing the finishing line, signaling the end of the event.

Jong Dee claimed the first Twilight win for the season, triumphant in the fleet of 5 IRC boats. Although she trailed behind Red Rum One and crossed the line second, the time difference after handicap correction placed the J35 at the top with a comfortable lead of over 3 minutes on Minx. The X342 was recently re-weighed and measured, in a bid to achieve a more current endorsed IRC Rating for the new season. She sailed well in the light airs, and had a few exciting encounters with boats of similar performance – Waka Tere & Adona. The Nelson 10 completes the podium in 3rd, and the new addition (Adona) to the fleet had to race in the Keelboat PY A class, while waiting to receive his IRC Certificate.

In the Keelboat PY A Class, new entrant Adona joins a very competitive group of yachts – and being the smallest of the 4 boats participating, it can be intimidating for first-time racers. However, skipper Ad Smit is no stranger to pressure and competitive racing, having sailed his previous boat (a J24, also named Adona) to victory at the 2021 Commodore’s Cup. She completed her first race in 2nd place trailing winner Shardana by just under a minute. Looking at ease on Sapphire Star was Simon Connor – as he shows us how to race a 34 ft Olson to a podium finish, single-handed.

We welcome back Brio to the racing scene this year, as they commence the season with Paralympian Jovin Tan on the helm. The sonar was looking a little weathered, and we wonder if a good scrub of her bottom would have made any difference to the results. Despite it not being her best performance, she score a 2nd place finish on her return to racing, bringing smiles to all onboard. The crew onboard Marut looked like they were having fun, as they led the race from start to finish, outpacing Brio on most tacks. Olmeto rounded up the winners in 3rd, completing the course just 10 minutes behind.

In the Beach Catamaran and Multihull Class, we yet again miss the majority of the fleet, as Miss Visayan continues to represent the Multihulls, and Red Riot emerging the best of 2 in the Beach Catamaran Class. Great to see Tim Ghinn sailing solo on his Taipan F16 (Stray Catz), completing the race a respectable 11 minutes behind Red Riot.

Congratulations to all the winners – see you next week for Sunday Series I, Race 2.

Results

IRC R1_Twilight Series I_2022

PY A R1_Twilight Series I_2022

PY B R1_Twilight Series I_2022

BC R1_Twilight Series I_2022

MH R1_Twilight Series I_2022