27th Western Circuit Sailing Regatta 2026 - Day 1 Report

Report by – Jakub Sharpe, Southern Light

Introduction
The 27th edition of the Western Circuit Sailing Regatta certainly did not disappoint, with close racing and mixed conditions that gave sailors a real test in their hunts for glory. Racing on day 1 started off slow with the wind speed averaging around 5 knots, just enough for some of the bigger boats on the course to start moving. However, as the day progressed, the wind built, and as the final boat to finish the day crossed the line, a gusty 12-knot breeze had built.

Hansa 2.3
This class has to come with an honourable mention to Sailability Singapore (Sailability), and its organisers. Sailability is a programme that gives the disabled an opportunity to get on the water, sail, and in this case, compete. One of Singapore’s finest sailors, and Paralympian Jovin Tan, plays a great role in being the head of Sailability; none of this could happen without him.

Hansa 2.3 Singles
Tan Jian Hao would dominate day one with a podium in every single race, with bullets in Races 3, 4, and 5. His great performance would see him finish top of the standings on Day 1. Kenny Kow, a close second, managed to also finish every single race on the podium, with bullets in Races 1 and 2. Ng Jia Jun rounded off the podium, coming in the top 3 in every race bar Race 4.

Hansa 2.3 Doubles
Tan Yi Feng and Chong Wei Ken amassed 4 podiums on Day 1, with 2 being bullets, ensuring that they came out on top on Day 1. Coming in second, Etienne and Helena would finish on the podium in 3 races on Day 1, with bullets in races 1 and 3. Jolin, and Ivy would round off the top 3, with 3 podiums on Day 1, with a bullet in Race 2.

SB20 Class
Unlike the IRC and PY classes which sailed a passage race on Day 1, the SB20 and J24 classes participated in windward-lewards. It was, oncea gain, a good showing for the SB20 class with 10 boats out on the water. Despite missing the first race, Tara, skippered by Agoston Sipos, managed to come out on top in Day 1 with a total of 5 points. This was closely followed by The Dean’s List, comprising sailors from NUS and NTU who amassed a total of 6 points. In third, Team Relájate, skippered by John Bateman, finished Day 1 on 8 points.

J24 class
A total of 5 teams made up the J24 class. Similar to the SB20s, the J24s sailed short windward-leward races on Day 1. A strong 2 knot current affected the start of Race 1 with RSYC Satu, skippered by Kurt Metzger, touching the pin-end of the start line. However, despite this small setback, Kurt and his crew finished day 1 on the top of the podium, with RSYC Tiga in second , and Shengli in third.

PY Class
The PY class consisted of 4 boats, with 2 boats from Changi Sailing Club, namely, James Sharpe’s Southern Light and Manav Krishan’s First Light. The strong 2 knot current and fickle 5 knot breeze hampered the starts of all 4 boats in this class. However, it was Southern Light that ultimately came out on top by a whopping 18 minutes over Rainbow Dream in 2nd place. In 3rd place was the line honours winner, Intrigue, skippered by Yves De Leeneer.

IRC Class
The IRC Class comprised 6 boats, with all boats bar, SMUVE, being owned by CSC Members. Zanzibar would go on to win line honours but miss out on a place on the podium due to handicap. First Light, skippered by Simon Piff, came third after coming second over the line. A great battle ensued between the two Platus of the fleet, Taranau and SMUVE. SMUVE, however, would come out on top to finish 1st on Day One, Taranau finishing 2nd.

Conclusion
That caps off what was a sometimes slow but nonetheless exciting day out on the water, with more close battles following on Sunday.