SMU sailing teams showed their skill and mettle in the 19^th Singapore Straits Regatta on 29 January to 2 February 2013, taking First and Second places and beating six international teams in the Platu 25 class, and coming Second in the J24 Class. In fact, SMU entered five of the 22 boats competing in the regatta, and a sailing journalist commented that they proved themselves to be a match for many of the professional teams from countries such as Hong Kong, Belgium and Great Britain.

The four-day regatta, which is the climax of the three-stage Asian sailing circuit, was held at One° 15 Marina in Singapore and Nongsa Point in Batam, with offshore races crossing the Straits on the first and last day and five coastal races. With winds gusting up to 18 knots off Singapore and choppy waters off Batam, the challenging conditions ensured there was plenty of dramatic action and close-fought racing.

[Coming a close Second: Team SMUmad.]
[Featured photo: Team SMUve sailing to victory in the 19^th Singapore Sailing Regatta.]

The one design Platu 25 competition was a relentless battle between the Indonesian Navy's Arjuna and Srikandi; SMUmad, skippered by Samantha Chua; and SMUve, skippered by Camelia Tan. SMUmad headed the leader board on Day One and SMUve on Days Two, Three and Four. Technique, strategy and unrelenting determination from the SMU teams delivered a final First Place for SMUve, and Second Place for SMUmad – beating the Indonesian Navy's Arjuna in Third Place.

A special mention goes to the skippers and crews of Shengli and Xtra SMUve who came Second in the J24 Class Fourth in the IRC A class respectively and Christopher Lim who sailed to Sixth place in the SB20 Class.

Watch the teams in action here:
Race Day 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFONf2IlWXA&feature=youtu.be
Race Day 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XbftSHg0Ek&feature=youtu.be

[Team SMUve making winning look easy.]