Promising Sailors

Promising Sailor Benedict Ang

Age: 10 School: Pei Chun Public School

How long have you been sailing and what are the recent developments in your sailing journey?

I have been sailing for a year. Recently, I started sailing at East Coast and experienced the stronger winds there.

Congratulations on progressing from Opti Racer to A4 squad! What were the factors that made it possible for you to upgrade to our high performance squad training?

Learning how to race was a key factor. Thanks to Coach Edward Tan – I very much appreciate his guidance.

Is there any difference in terms of the difficulty and complexity of the training? How do you manage to push through it? With stronger winds and bigger waves, I have to apply more force in my sheeting and my tacks.

Do you have any memorable sailing experience from your Opti Racer days as well as your A4 squad trainings?

I love it when strong winds blow in my face.

How frequent do you train now that you are part of the high performance squad?

I train a few times every few months.

What are your personal goals in sailing?

To improve my technique in managing strong winds and being able to sail for longer periods.

Any regattas you are looking forward to participating this year? How will you prepare yourself for the competition?

I will train up to start races better.

Promising Sailor Gerard Tan Jun Ray

Age: 12 School: ACS Primary

Sailing Honours: • Singapore Youth Games 6th,

CSC Regatta 3rd How long have you been sailing and what are the recent developments in your sailing journey?

I have been sailing for six years since Primary 1 in Optimist class. I have just shifted over to Laser class a month ago.

Congratulations on progressing from Opti to Laser! What were the factors that made it possible for you to upgrade to sailing a Laser?

The factors were my height and weight. I am much taller and heavier than my peers. I also figured that moving up to Laser class earlier would be advantageous in the long term to gain more experience.

What was the biggest difference you noticed when sailing the Laser compared to Opti? Do you have any memorable sailing experience when you first tried the Laser? What are your personal goals in sailing?

Yes - the first time I sailed was in January this year and I remember hiking out and going really fast! The speed on a Laser is way faster than on an Optimist. Especially with the strong winds, the first time was pretty exhilarating. I hope that I can go far in sailing and be the best at the sport. I hope to win more competitions.

Any regattas you are looking forward to participating this year? How will you prepare yourself for the competition?

The boat set up and balance control is the biggest difference. Techniques need to be adapted. How frequent do you train now that you are part of the Laser squad?

I train 4 times a week, but am trying to find time to do 5 times a week. I am looking forward to all competitions so that I can continuously improve myself. Keep training and learning from mistakes.