Promising Sailors

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. 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.

Promising Sailor Zack Vaikath

Age: 12 School: Pei Tong Primary School Hobbies: Bus spotting and collecting model airplanes Favourite Food: Home-made Fish Pie Words For a Fellow Sailor: Have fun and make new friends, the winning will follow.

Sailing Honours: • 1st in the Optimist Novice category How did your sailing journey come about? I often used to cycle at ECP with my dad and I saw the sail boats. I also love the water and I asked my dad to sign me up. I started at NSC and I liked it straight away. I completed Opti Racer there.

What’s your favourite aspect of sailing? Just being out in the sea by myself in a boat and feeling the wind is delighting. Also I love the independence and the camaraderie with my co-sailors. I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to pursue sailing at such a young age.

What can you say about your time with SAF Yacht Club? Its been a great journey so far. All my regattas so far have been with SAFYC. I have had a very good coach who has been kind and professional. I gained confidence to sail and race a laser by myself at SAFYC. I am able to charter a good quality boat and am part of a motivated bunch of sailors.

Could you share your most memorable sailing experience? It was when I won the 1st prize for the Novice category at the Changi Sailing Club Regatta. It was my first race and I won a medal which was unexpected and a surprise. I was so proud of myself and it encouraged me to continue sailing.

What about your worst experience in sailing? On my first day at SAFYC, I didn’t know anyone and I had to launch all by myself. I got lost for a few minutes and I was almost in tears. With some luck I spotted my coach and managed to sail towards the group. It was a huge relief.

Are you into other sports besides sailing? If yes, what are they? Apart from sailing, I like to ride my bicycle with my dad. I also love to swim and is something I enjoy with my friends. I like the outdoors and enjoy holidays where there is beautiful nature. The only competitive sport I participate in is sailing.

How do you manage sailing around your curriculum of studies? The last Regatta I participated in was just before my PSLE exams, However I wanted to participate as it was my first laser Regatta and was excited. I got up earlier than usual despite the tiring days to study. I also spent some time studying after my races in the evenings. I try and work around my sailing schedule to finish my homework and studying during the weekdays.

For you, what makes a good sailor? For me someone who is considerate and helpful to their fellow sailors and keeps their cool under stressful conditions. Its all about having fun while racing. Its so much more than just winning.

What are your personal goals in terms of sailing? First step is to be consistently in the top 15 in every Regatta I participate and then try and do better once I’m there. I also want to make this a lifelong sport and skill that I can continue to enjoy.

Any regattas you are looking forward to this year? How do you prepare yourself for the competition? NSC Cup II. I remind myself to brush up on the sailing rules, flags etc. I also try and work on my technique especially where I am weak. I feel more water time is everything and I wish my school had sailing as a CCA. Mentally also it can be tiring, so its always helpful to have friends taking part as well and we usually share notes during and after the race.