Goto February 2016 AY News & Views Here…
EDITORIAL – Celebrating 16 years of publishing News & Views
This month we complete the 16th year of publishing the monthly News & Views, and are proud of keeping our AY subscribers, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin friends, up to date with major Asian and International yachting news. This has been a labour of love and many thanks must go to the advertisers and regatta organisers for their support over the years and keeping us afloat, through thick and thin times. We must also thank the boat owners, skippers and crew for their participation and providing us with exciting racing and moments of inspiration to pass onto the readers. The growth has been phenomenal and placed Asian racing pursuits firmly on the map, for all to enjoy.
The past week saw a variety of sailing events held in SE Asian waters. Ian Williams and GAC Pindar won the Monsoon Cup and was crowned six time World Match Racing Tour champion. Across the causeway in Singapore, the Glasgow Kiss boys came from behind on the last day, to win the SB20 Asian Grand Slam & Asia Pacific Champs. Over in Batam, Indonesia, Prakash Reddy was running the inaugural Nongsa Regatta. After receiving some bad press at the start of the month, the Malaysian Sailing Association successfully ran the first event of the Asian Sailing Federation – ASAF Sailing Cup. These maybe considered small fry compared to developed countries but is an indication of how Asian National Authorities have beefed up their organisations and have the ability to attract and host world class sailing events.
Next up is the Neptune Regatta (Feb 6th – 13th) over the Chinese New Year break and quickly followed by the 19th Bay Regatta (Feb 17th to 21st) for a scenic tour of Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and Krabi before returning to Phuket. The Neptune regatta is the last chance to score AYGP points before moving back to the Eastern Circuit, for the Subic Boracay Race & Cup (Feb 26th – March 4th) Rolex China Sea Race (Starts March 23rd) and the Commodore’s Cup (March 29th to April 2nd). As most of the top contenders will be lining up at some of these events, we can expect further shake ups in the rankings.
In the Austral-Asian section, the new Indonesian CIQP procedures are revealed and our condolences to Bob Oatley – Gone but not forgotten. If your considering an Indian Ocean Crossing Neil & Ley Langford on Crystal Blues have some great advice. World Sailing appoints new CEO, Andy Hunt and complete summary on the discrimination at 2015 Youth Worlds. The Clipper fleet are heading for Vietnam and the Extreme Sailing Series kicks off in Oman on 16-19 March. Also IRC are expanding its reach in Asia.
The International section has accolades for Steve Benjamin becoming US Sailing’s Yachtsman of the Year, new life for Cousteau’s Calypso as it sets sail again and Ian Walker awarded the YJA Yachtsman of the Year.
No gong for the Jules Verne contestants this year but one for record books and the Round Barbados record smashed in the World Speed Records section.
The “Unluckiest sailors of the month” includes the storm that bought a tragic end and beaching of M3, plus the superyacht blaze in Marmaris that completely ruins two motor yachts.
For your convenience, news on all these events, together with accompanying photos and web links, can be found in the February 2016 Web Edition and regularly updated on the AsianYachting website.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year
Capt Marty Rijkuris
Goto February 2016 AY News & Views Here…
All the 2015-16 AY News, Views and Race Reports Here…
