SINGAPORE : Come July 2007, Singapore will be on the world
sailing map as the start point of the Volvo Pacific Race.
One of the toughest in the world, it is an extension of the current
Volvo Ocean Race.
The event attracts a global audience and media coverage.
Treacherous seas, strong winds and covering a distance of 31,000
nautical miles over 8 months such conditions make the Volvo Ocean
Race an ultimate in sailing.
Covering 10 ports, it's second in popularity only to the America's
Cup, the world oldest race.
But while the America's Cup is about speed, the Volvo race
emphasises endurance.
And come 2007, the Volvo Pacific Race is set to take off with
Singapore as the start point and covering other cities on the
Asia-Pacific coast.
Low Teo Ping, President, Singapore Sailing, said: "The Volvo series
has become so well known that they felt there is a need for another
event that would be slightly shorter in terms of the legs and it
would be a precursor to the Volvo Round the World."
Sentosa Cove Marina is where the big yachts, measuring 25 metres,
would sail from.
The natural marina, to be ready soon, will be the only facility
here where up to 10 such mega yachts can berth.
Besides the sailing industry, the 2-week long event will also have
spin-off effects on Singapore's tourism and hospitality
sectors.
Mr Low said: "In the first week, the boats that are to take part in
the passage race will do a local regatta. We are planning to have
this regatta in the open sea off Changi in which the wind
conditions are much better and also it would allow for much bigger
area for such big boats to sail comfortably."
Singapore's other marinas are expected to adopt the boats and cheer
them on.
And if there's enough sponsorship, they could just be rooting for a
Singapore boat and crew. - CNA