KepLand launches sailing training centre
Posted by luxuryasiahome on November 21, 2008
KEPPEL Land has taken another step in developing a waterfront lifestyle, launching Singapore’s first and only Royal Yachting Association-accredited (RYA) sailing training centre at Marina at Keppel Bay.
Setting up the Keppel Bay Sailing Academy (KBSA) is a natural progression now that the marina is up and running and serves to enhance the amenities at the Keppel Bay precinct.
‘Keppel Land is the only real estate developer in Singapore who plans holistically by having a marina as part of the land infrastructure,’ said Keppel Land Singapore Residential CEO Augustine Tan. ‘So now we’re not only putting emphasis on the hardware but also now putting into place plans for the software with the launch of this training facility.’
The internationally recognised RYA training scheme requires the facilities bearing its mark to meet high standards. ‘We are really pleased to be awarding RYA recognition to our first training centre in Singapore. People training at KBSA can now be sure they are receiving world class training,’ said RYA chief examiner James Stevens.
KBSA is one of only three such centres in South-east Asia. The school can train up to 300 students a year and principal Richard Falk hopes that it would open up an avenue for more locals to become better trained and give those so inclined an opportunity to develop careers in the marine leisure industry.
The school has two brand new Beneteau First 40.7 yachts and has well-qualified staff heading it. Mr Falk is director and co-owner of UK-based Global Yacht Racing and Global Yacht Training and is also an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Examiner. He also skippered the Uniquely Singapore yacht in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 05/06.
Mr Falk is assisted by vice-principal and chief instructor Tan Thong Meng, who was a watch leader on the same race and is Singapore’s only RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor.
Every year, about 1,000 young people take up dinghy sailing but few continue sailing on yachts, noted Mr Falk.
‘Historically, sailing in Singapore has been limited to small keeboats and dinghies,’ he said. ‘What we’re hoping to do is provide opportunities for people to move into bigger boats both for recreation and professionally.’
Added Mr Tan: ‘We believe that KBSA can contribute to promoting Singapore as a regional sailing sports hub through its courses and participation in world-class events.’
Source : Business Times – 21 Nov 2008
