SEASPORTS
Promising Sailor Alyssa Wong Li Lin
Age: 8 School: Haig Girls’ School Hobbies: Gymnastics, swimming and drumming Favourite Food: Steak and pork belly Words For a Fellow Sailor: You will encounter strong winds and big waves but do not let fear stop you. Just focus to continue to sail the course. Sailing Honours: • NIL. Just completed OptiRacer How did your sailing journey come about? My sailing journey started by watching my older brother sail. My interest grew. I eventually asked my mum if I could learn to sail too. However, I was a bit nervous but what kept me going was that I had friends to start the journey with me. What’s your favourite aspect of sailing? I love feeling the wind. It makes me feel alive! What can you say about your time with SAF Yacht Club? I like the coaches. Coach Low was super kind and encouraging. Coach Murphy challenged me to be better.
16 | BOSUN’S CALL
Could you share your most memorable sailing experience? My most memorable experience was getting first place in a race that had many better sailors who were from higher squad levels. The wind shifted many times but I was in the best position to round the windward mark. It could have been just luck but it gave me a taste of winning! What about your worst experience in sailing? The worst sailing experience I faced was when I was caught in a storm. Coach Low’s boat engine broke down. He started drifting away while I continued to sail the course. When the storm came in, I did not know what to do but I continued sailing. The winds had picked up significantly. I had difficulty sheeting in the sail and I struggled with the rudder. Uncle Sudin yelled at me to return to shore which I did but it was extremely scary. Fortunately, I did not capsize but it was a frightening experience that I would never forget. However, the experience has made me a more confident and a better sailor today. Are you into other sports besides sailing? If yes, what are they? I do artistic gymnastics weekly. I’m
at the beginner development level currently. My favourite is the bars. I swim laps casually too. How do you manage sailing around your curriculum of studies? I try to maintain discipline by finishing my homework the moment I get home from school. If I am sailing on that particular day, I will do my homework the moment I get home from sailing. It is about maintaining consistency in my studies so that I do not fall behind. For you, what makes a good sailor? A good sailor is always trying his or her best and never giving up. What are your personal goals in terms of sailing? I aim to get into the National Squad. I want to sail internationally as well. Any regattas you are looking forward to this year? How do you prepare yourself for the competition? Because of Covid, I am unable to sail in a regatta. I am quite nervous about my first regatta. I plan on preparing by setting my goals, training consistently, ensuring that I have all the necessary equipment ready, sleeping early, and staying focused and positive.
