CSC Two-Island Race 2026

Two-Island Race Delivers High-Wind Intensity in Northeasterly Monsoon Conditions

The annual Two-Island Race lived up to its reputation as one of the most challenging events on the sailing calendar, as keelboats, multihulls, and beach catamarans battled powerful Northeasterly monsoon winds exceeding 20 knots throughout the course.

From the start, the fleet was greeted by a solid breeze and building seas, setting the tone for a fast and demanding race. The strong northeasterlies pushed boats quickly towards Tekong Island an Pulau Ubin, with crews focused on sail trim, balance, and maintaining control in the gusty conditions.

Keelboats powered through the waves with full crews working continuously on the rail. Tactical decisions around the islands proved critical, as teams balanced speed with safety. Navigating around the islands required precise boat handling, with wind shadows and acceleration zones testing helmsmen and tacticians alike. Multihulls thrived in the heavy air, reaching blistering speeds on open legs of the course. However, the same conditions demanded constant awareness, as sudden gusts and steep waves left little room for error. Crews relied on teamwork and quick reactions to keep the boats flying fast but upright. For the beach catamaran fleet, the race was a true test of skill and endurance. With spray flying and hulls lifting clear of the water, sailors pushed hard while carefully managing the powerful breeze and maintained control through the gusts were rewarded with thrilling downwind rides between the islands. With Northeasterly wind blowing consistently, all racing boats managed to reached TKPK within the gate timing limit, an easy decision for the Race management to continue to sail the full course and let the sailors enjoy the breeze. Race management closely monitored the conditions and successfully completed the race as planned.

With under 5 hours of racing, in the Multihull division, Dot Dot Dot helmed by David Steel, finished the race in 3hrs and 6 minutes, high-speed machine securing the 1st place in this fleet, not far behind, 2 minutes behind him, Campbell Jenkins sailing on DingHao took the 2nd place with 3hrs and 8 minutes on corrected time. 3rd place goes to Miss Visayan helmed by Gary Curtis, with less than 2 minutes away from DingHao. In the Beach Catamaran Category, Balqis 2 skippered by Scott McCook together with crew Zaheera sailed the little Nacra 15 skilfully, overcoming a capsize to eventually win the 1st place with 3hrs and 24 minutes on corrected time. She was followed closely by not-so-newbie Chop-Chop, a Taipan 4.9 helmed by Jesse Treharne. Of the remaining boats, one retired and the other had not sailed through the gate at TKPK, making it a 50% finish for the fleet.

In the Keelboat Club Racer (PY) Division, Southern Light once again looked like they thoroughly enjoyed the good breeze. Helmed by James Sharpe, the moody 376 and her crew executed fast and smooth sailing around the two-islands, finished 1st in this category with 4hrs and 14minutes after corrected time. She placed well ahead of her closest rivals, who were clearly struggling with the raw and unfiltered conditions. Skipper Edwin Low on Skybird was the best of the rest, settling for 2nd place – placing ahead of fellow 34 footer Sapphire Star, helmed expertly by Simon Connor. Clearly close rivals, Simon and team avoided complete destruction, hobbling their way to the finish with a battered spin, yet finishing in 3rd place with only 1 minute and 29sec apart on handicap – definitely a close fight.

The IRC category, 4 fast boats contested to win this year’s two-island title: Adona, Bound to Please, Forever Young and Shardana. After 4 hours of racing (corrected time), Adona skippered by Richard Grant, finished the race in 1st place with 4hrs and 13 minutes. Team Shardana made amends for her last place finish at the Round Tekong Race, cleaning up both physically and figuratively to cross the finish in less than 2 minutes after Adona, taking the 2nd position. Forever Young, skippered by Jasper Knoben took the last spot in the podium, fending off a valiant effort from team Bound to Please to place third.

As boats crossed the finish line after an intense day on the water, tired smiles told the story. The Two-Island Race, sailed in classic Northeasterly monsoon conditions, once again proved why it is a highlight of the season—delivering speed, challenge, and unforgettable sailing across all classes.

Thank you all for racing with us. We now take a break from the passage races, as we shift our attention to the Trimaran and Beach Catamaran Championships happening on 31 Jan- 1 Feb.

Results

Two Island Race Results 2026