Cat sailing in the Republic… A new era…
As part of Singapore Governments “Future Ready” plans, a great deal of attention has been focussed on a sustainable future and a large portion of that includes the Marina Barrage. By damming up the Kallang Basin the Public Utilities Board has created the best water sports amphitheater in the region.
The debate is on as to whether the Marina Bay Sands building is iconic or not but either way, it is a nice backdrop to sail against! The event was the Singapore International Water Festival as is part of a bigger program to introduce a Sustainable Future for the Island Republic.
Over the years the skyline has dramatically changed and the Marina Barrage has helped with that. When it is all completed in about 2 years time, there will be a new golf course and a spectacular Gardens by the Bay complex that will form the most beautiful green belt around the city centre. The other prominent building is the Singapore Flyer with its massive observation cars going around and around. Right on the foundations of the Flyer is Turn 1 of the Singapore F1 Street Circuit so this is an area of the city that is fast becoming a high level recreation area.
The Public Utilities Board operate the Marina Barrage which acts as a tidal buffer to control flooding in Singapore. Basically it is like a big holding tank that also acts as a reservoir. The PUB graciously allowed kayaking, dragon boating and rafting onto the ‘pond’ for the Water Festival. To add a dash of colour, some of the catamarans from the Changi Cat Fleet were asked along by Singapore Sailing and so it was that the ‘record’ books could be re-written! Three of the six cats managed to sail under the Double Helix bridge and into Marina Bay itself, sailing in front of Singapore’s registered trademark – the Merlion!
Winds in the Barrage were not as strong as they could be but it was still fun for all concerned. This weekend the cats will be supporting another media event on The Bay so looks like more fun and games.
In 2011 the whole show will move up to a higher level and by then we’re expecting a lot more sport catamarans to take part in Sailing on the Bay. The 2010 event was used as a test for future events. It will allow organisers and competitors a chance to test sail the Bay and then determine what sort of race courses best suit the area. So far it looks like it will by a ‘Y’ course with turning marks in the three reaches of the former Kallang and Singapore Rivers. This is going to be in full view of the Central Business District and will be a very exciting time for all.
The Marina Barrage is an interesting structure. From above it looks something like a bow. From below, one could never guess that the whole upper level is in fact a huge lawn area. As could be expected, there is a large water theme running through the middle of the ground floor. Go up one level and the Barrage Gallery will keep visitors entertained with its great working model of the Barrage proper – it really is a unique piece of engineering. The Barrage has also created a water way that can be filled with large yachts for events such as the Singapore F1 GP. Of course this means lifting them over the ‘wall’ so, at the eastern end of the Barrage there is a travel lift arrangement that can accomdate yachts up to 60′ in length. Yachts like Something Special are available for charter during the Singapore F1 so maybe we could squeeze the cats in at the same time!
The Singapore Cat Fleet has been based at Changi Sailing Club since the 80′s but this is only the second time that a sailing event has been conducted on The Bay. The area was formerly an industrial zone with polluted waterways and to have seen the transformation over the last 20 years is nothing short of miraculous! It also highlights the fact that when the Singapore Government says something it really follows through. The City has undergone a massive urban transformation and now reinventing itself as a vibrant hub. So for anyone into sailing in Singapore, the Marina Barrage is a great addition. Can you imagine, nipping down to the marina, going for a sail and then heading back to work – ahh the future’s so bright I gotta wear shades!
Watch out for more news on the 2011 Water Festival that is sure to be bigger a better than ever. The Marina Barrage boldly goes “where no man has gone before”!
Cheers to the young team at the PUB for going Sailing by the Bay, great effort!
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thank you Queen Nails…
I like these photos~~