17th Horsburgh Challenge Winner Interview

Horsburgh Challenge Winner Interview

Overall Winner of 17th Horsburgh Challenge (Southern Route)

Skipper Name: Pang Kim Ann Name of boat: Mystic River

How long have you been sailing? About 20 years. More often in the last 6 years since I bought Mystic River.

Can you tell us more about your crew and how did you determine who will be part of your crew for the Horsburgh Challenge? This group has been my regular crew for regattas in last 6 years. Thus they are quite familiar with the boat. Due to Covid limiting to 5 pax, we are a bit short handed, especially when trying to fly the Genaker. Ideally we will need 6 to 8 crew for regattas. But sometimes we were unable to have sufficient crew, even prior to Covid.

How many times you and your crew joined the Horsburgh Challenge in the past few years? This is the 2nd Horsburgh that Mystic River participated. The 1st was in 2017 when we actually raced to Horsburgh. Prior to that I personally did another Horsburgh race with another boat. Only 2 of this crew did the 2017 Horsburgh race.

Skipper Pang Kim Ann and crew receiving multiple awards after the races on the last day of Horsburgh Challenge.

What did you and your team do to prepare for the Horsburgh Challenge? No training and not much preparation other than ensuring boat is in good condition and well stocked with BEER. Did cleaned the hull during delivery, the day before the race.

Any interesting or challenging experience that happened during any of the races? On the 2nd day, after the 1st race, our radio was accidentally switched off and we missed the warning signal and countdown to start. We only realized the start after seeing other boats moving towards the start line.

Any words of encouragement for people who want to try their hand at sailing? Any keen sailor, willing to work and learn the ropes are welcomed to join us. I think many of the boats are short of crew too. I am sure they will also welcome anyone who wish to try their hand sailing. So approach us if interested!

Mystic River and its crew getting an early start for the first race of the Horsburgh Challenge.