Uniquely Singapore sails to its first victory in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race

At 1353 GMT on Tuesday 30 May 2006, the Uniquely Singapore Clipper sailed to its first victory in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race.

Leading for much of the two-week race from Victoria B.C. to Panama, it held off a strong challenge from the Durban yacht to cross the finish line first for Race 8, with a position of 20 44.49 North 107 05.85 West. Durban finished seven minutes later, followed by Liverpool.

Lying in eighth position overall prior to the start of Race 8, the Singaporean crew showed great resolve to triumph in the 2,200 mile race down the coast of Canada, the United States and Mexico, enduring frustrating periods of headwinds and light winds, broaches, ripped sails and snapped lines.

Mr Ken Low, Assistant Chief Executive (Brand and Communications) at Singapore Tourism Board said, “This is a very proud moment for Singapore as we celebrate the fantastic victory of our Uniquely Singapore crew! Though many are sailing novices, their sheer determination, spirit and hard work have earned them this significant achievement.”

Uniquely Singapore Skipper Richard Falk and his 17-member crew were ecstatic about their win. Said Mr Falk, “Everyone worked very hard on this leg and the crew is thoroughly deserving of this win. Having had several 4th places, it is nice to finally be upon the podium.”

He also paid tribute to Durban, calling it a “very tough competitor” which had cut Singapore’s 27 mile lead overnight to just six miles before the nail biting finish.

Race 8 from Victoria to Panama City was shortened due to the continued presence of Tropical Revolving Storm Aletta across the path of the boats, and uncertainties over its further development. After finishing, the boats will negotiate TRS Aletta and proceed to Panama city where they are expected to arrive by Saturday 10 June 2006.

The celebrations have already begun on the Uniquely Singapore Clipper. Crew member Rachel Wheedon said, “Richard, our skipper, is ace. His tactics really paid off this time. Just to show how much we love Richard, we chucked him over the side of the boat – in no breeze, of course – to make sure he had a really good wash after the finish.”

Mr Falk said good-naturedly after the dunking, “We now look forward to some sleep, some R and R and some maintenance as we motor and sail towards our next step off point of Panama and the excitement of a canal transit.”

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