Promising Sailors

Promising Sailor Ethan Lee

Age: 10 School: St Hilda’s Primary School Hobbies: Sailing, Playing Video Games Favourite Food: Pasta Words For a Fellow Sailor: “Never Give Up!” What can you say about your time with SAF Yacht Club? SAF Yacht Club is a very fun place to train for sailing and I made a lot of good friends during sailing. The coaches also helped me a lot to become a better sailor. How do you manage sailing around your curriculum of studies? I plan and make sure I finish all my homework right after school on school days, so that I do not need to use the weekends to finish my school work

Sailing Honours: 2019 • 1st in Singapore Youth Sailing

Championship 8yrs and Under • 3rd in Singapore National Sailing

Championship 8yrs and Under 2020 • 4th in NSC Series 1 Optimist

Silver Fleet • 2nd in NSC Series 2 Optimist

Silver Fleet 2021 • 1st in Singapore Sailing

Students Challenge Trophy How did your sailing journey come about? My elder brother started sailing in school CCA first and I followed his footsteps

What’s your favourite aspect of sailing? Whenever I’m first across the finish line, that feeling is very good and it motivates me to improve and sail better. Could you share your most memorable sailing experience? My most memorable sailing experience was during the Raffles Marina Regatta in 2019. Even though it was only my 2nd regatta, I managed to come in 6th place in one of the races. That gave me the confidence in my ability to do well in the sport if I put in hard work.

What about your worst experience in sailing? My worst experience was the 1st regatta in 2019. My boat nose dive and a lot of water flooded the boat. Even though my boat did not capsize, I had to retire from that race eventually.

Are you into other sports besides sailing? If yes, what are they? I like to play soccer as well. Besides sailing training in the afternoon, I also go for soccer training on Sunday mornings. For you, what makes a good sailor? I think a good sailor is one that never gives up, even when it seems impossible. And a good sailor must have good sportsmanship as well.

What are your personal goals in terms of sailing? I am aiming to improve my ranking this year and hope to represent Singapore one day in sailing

Any regattas you are looking forward to this year? How do you prepare yourself for the competition? I was actually looking forward to participate in some overseas regatta that SAFYC organizes annually in Thailand, China or Japan. I actually had the opportunity to participate in Port Dickson Regatta in 2019 and I learned a lot from the overseas regatta experience. So I hope we can go overseas soon for sailing regattas.

Promising Sailor Mildred Wong Li Xuan

Age: 10 School: St Hilda’s Primary School Hobbies: Sailing, reading, jogging Favourite Food: Home cooked food by my father Words For a Fellow Sailor: You cannot change the direction of wind, but you can adjust your sail

Sailing Honours: 2019 • 5th Silver in Singapore Youth

Sailing championship 8 and under • 4th Silver in Singapore National

Championship 8 and under • 2nd Silver in Pesta Sukan

Sailing 8 and under 2020 • 4th Silver fleet, CSC Regatta 2021 • 5th overall Gold Fleet Qualifier

January 2021 How did your sailing journey come about? When my brother started optimist, he always talked about how fun it was during our bedtime talks. It piqued my interest and decided to give it a try myself when I was seven.

What’s your favourite aspect of sailing? Friendships! I get to make many friends with different schools, with common interest. What can you say about your time with SAF Yacht Club? This period training at SAFYC has been filled with great memories of nurturing coaching especially from Coach Xiao Dong and Coach Mike, and lots of encouragement from Uncle Sudin too. When I grow up, I am sure I will look back at these times at SAFYC with fond memories.

Could you share your most memorable sailing experience? Apart from the usual fun we had in between races, one of the most memorable moment is when I see my parents on the spectator boat during one of NSC regattas. I know they had shared the tense moments with me when I round the marks.

What about your worst experience in sailing? When I had my first silver fleet regatta, I had capsized due to the inclement weather conditions and ended up being the last few and the whole fleet were waiting for us to finish.

Are you into other sports besides sailing? If yes, what are they? I enjoy jogging as leisure activity with my family where we see it as time to bond as well. How do you manage sailing around your curriculum of studies? Since I started sailing competitively, I learned to manage my time more effectively. I strive to finish my homework and revisions during pockets of time during school.

For you, what makes a good sailor? A sailor is one who focus during trainings and regattas. Having a growth mindset is also important as coaches have invaluable experience to share.

What are your personal goals in terms of sailing? One day, I want to able to wear the Singapore flag on my rash guard and represent Singapore in the Asian Championships.

Any regattas you are looking forward to this year? How do you prepare yourself for the competition? I am looking forward to all the upcoming regattas! With the pandemic, regattas are fewer than before. I hope everyone will continue to stay well and we can resume to days like before. Meanwhile, I will continue to work and improve on my physicals and mindset.

Promising Sailor Wong Yu Da Mathias

Age: 11 School: St Hilda’s Primary School Hobbies: Cooking, Hiking, Sailing, Volunteering Favourite Food: Fish fillets Words For a Fellow Sailor: Be patient with new sailors; remember that we were once a Silver fleeter too.

Sailing Honours: 2019 • 2nd Silver Singapore National

Championship (Novice) • 1st Silver Pesta Sukan (Novice) • 1st under 10, Silver CSC Regatta • 6th in Silver CSC Regatta 2021 • 1st Singapore Sailing Student

Trophy Challenge, Junior Boys,

April What can you say about your time with SAF Yacht Club? I have enjoyed my trainings especially with SAFYC HP squad. The boys are fun loving bunch and they made my weekends exceptionally awesome. I am also very appreciative of the patience of Coach Xiao Dong since I started my optimist journey.

Could you share your most memorable sailing experience? NSC Cup 2020 was probably the most memorable as it was the first regatta held after the Circuit breaker. That was a tough period where regattas were cancelled and trainings were put on hold for a while. I vividly remember how excited I was that day to be able to start racing again.

What about your worst experience in sailing? During the CSC Silver fleet regatta 2019, I had a terrible headache from holiday jet lag. I remember feeling nauseous and hugging my forehead in between the race breaks. The rocking motion that I usually think nothing of was unbearable that day. Despite being the worst experience, it had also taught me perseverance. I was glad I managed to finish 6th overall that regatta. Are you into other sports besides sailing? If yes, what are they? I have enjoyed playing badminton with my brother occasionally. I also enjoy long hikes and walks with my family.

How do you manage sailing around your curriculum of studies? With studies load up a notch this year, I usually stay up past my usual bedtime to finish up my schoolwork on training days. On other days, I will maximise my time to finish ahead of the deadlines whenever possible.

For you, what makes a good sailor? A good sailor is one who stay hungry and focus, yet humble and respectful always.

How did your sailing journey come about? I have tried out the GKA prior to my selection for CCA choices in school. Ever since then, I have been looking forward to every opportunity to sail.

What’s your favourite aspect of sailing? My favourite aspect of sailing is that I need to constantly think and strategize. Unlike other sports, conditions during every race is different. What are your personal goals in terms of sailing? I want to continue to excel and be better than yesterday and I wish to represent Singapore one day. Also, I would like to give back to the sailing community by becoming a sailing coach in future.

Any regattas you are looking forward to this year? How do you prepare yourself for the competition? Singapore Sailing Championship, I will increase my exercise regime to get fitter during the school holidays.