Bintan Regatta 2025 Race Day 1

The Bintan Regatta returns for its 3rd edition! Jointly organised by Bintan Resorts Cakrawala (BRC) and Changi Sailing Club (CSC), this sailing event is a signature destination regatta on CSC’s sailing calendar, attracting a total of 13 boats to the beautiful waters off Bintan for a weekend of windward-leeward and passage races. Split into three classes, we are thrilled to have a variety of experienced and first-time racers taking part in this international regatta. The event’s accommodation partner for 2025 is Four Points by Sheraton, Bintan – where sailors can rest and recuperate in comfort and style after each day of racing.

The day started off with some shifty winds, possibly affected by a developing weather system up north. As the objective was to secure 4 races on day 1, the Race Committee made the cautious decision to start with a pennant 1 course. The winds picked up considerably as the day progressed, allowing for the smooth conduct of 4 races – ending with a scenic passage to Pulau Gimal (Banyan Tree Resorts) and back to conclude a great day of racing out on water.

Singapore Regatta Winner Jolt performed exceedingly well to clinch 4 bullets, positioning herself as the IRC team to beat in Day 2. The J99 skippered by Lee Yimin boasts a diverse mix of young sailors aboard, in what looks like a successful experiment for the Singaporean captain. Leading the chasing pack, the fiery skipper of Born in Fire lamented what could have been, as his team did their utmost but could not seem to make a dent in Jolt’s campaign. While the defending champions were outclassed on the course, it looked like they enjoyed the prevailing sailing conditions. Completing the podium would be Shardana – a first-time racer in Bintan, but no stranger to big events, having competed in the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2024 and Singapore Regatta 2025. The Dufour 34 skippered by Antanas Danys improved as the day progressed, the highlight being Race 3, where she registered a convincing 2 minute lead over Born in Fire across the line. Honorable mention goes to Duan Duan, also a newcomer to the racing scene – she suffered some equipment malfunction across the day, but recovered to perform commendably in Race 4.

The largest fleet of this event also seemed like the most diverse – from a Dehler 30 OD to a Hanse 415, the Keelboat PY class had a variety of hull designs on the course. After 4 races, Birregurra sits comfortably on top, her only blemish being Race 4, where she relinquished top spot to her smaller sister, Hiwasa. Hiwasa is a first-time racer in Bintan as well, but the crew have been racing frequently in Singapore. Consisting of the original Bound to Please crew, the Hanse 385 was sailed commendably to complete Day 1 with 10 points. While a well-travelled and seasoned raceboat, Kesini struggled with getting experienced crew for this regatta, and it showed in her erratic performance on the course. Skipper Peter Jong should still be pleased with the Beneteau 40.7’s overall results, placing 3rd after 4 races. 2-up racing machine Kaizen also had a roller-coaster day, as the Dehler 30 OD struggled to find their groove on the course. She sits just outside of podium position in 4th with 17 points. Kudos to Summer Breeze for bouncing back after rounding the wrong mark in Race 1! She sailed much better in Race 2, but chose to call it a day to explore the rest of Bintan island.

It was a match race between the Dragonfly 25 and Corsair 880, as the only representatives of the Multihull Class. While Soluna reigned supreme on the short courses, Oojoo finished the day on a high – besting the larger boat on the passage race. With 2 more races today, we look forward to more exciting action from the 2 fastest boats of this regatta!

See you all for the remaining 2 races of the series today – all the best, sailors!

Results

Bintan Regatta 2025 Day 1 Results