PAGE 18 • SPRING 2005 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
ASA FEATURED FACILITY SAFETY AT SEA
continued from page 12 continued from page 16
with the Singapore authorities in early 2004. We
became accredited with ASA to instruct and certify basic
keelboat, basic coastal cruising, bareboat chartering,
coastal navigation and advanced coastal cruising
standards.
The boats we are currently using for training are a 38 ft
Tachiao CT38 (1989) and a 33 ft Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
(1995). Both boats are category A (ocean) rated and
fully equipped for long cruises. As a company we also
cater corporate events and provide skippered cruises.
The standards we have set for our school and for the
students are high: nobody receives advanced certification
until we, as trainers feel confident in their abilities.
What is special about sailing around Singapore? The
coastal waters (30 to 33 knots for the channels between
conditions in Singapore (1.20 N, 103.50 E) are in
the islands); southeast through west winds of 20 to 33
various aspects unique with many navigational
knots for both coastal waters and channel winds. Swells:
challenges. But at the same time, beautiful beaches
open ocean swells 10 feet and greater; swells 6 feet and
and coral islands are a short distance away.
greater with short periods (6 to 8 seconds); south swell 4
While Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world,
feet and greater with long periods (13 seconds or
and the traffic in the narrow Singapore Straits and the
longer); north and northeast swells 5 feet and greater
Straits of Malacca can be a real challenge to a
with long periods. Frequent gusts”are typically long
recreational sailor, opportunities for hands-on learning
duration conditions (greater than 2 hours).
abound. Shallow areas, reefs and currents can be
Small Craft Advisory versus Warning
strong, sometimes up to 4 knots.
Weather Advisories - indicate hazardous conditions that,
The weather is generally pleasant, apart from brief
thunderstorms, sometimes with squalls. Winds
if caution is not exercised, may threaten life and/or
sometimes crop up to 40 knots for short, defined periods
property. A weather advisory implies that these
in the afternoon, not lasting long enough to really upset
conditions are imminent, have a high probability of
the sea. Winds in Singapore are either a rather strong
occurrence, or are already occurring. Boaters should take
(10 – 20 knots) NE monsoon (November to January) or a
immediate measures to minimize the potential danger.
more moderate (10-15 knots) SW monsoon (May to Weather Warnings - indicate weather conditions that do
September). The transition periods are generally very pose a threat to life or property and are either imminent,
calm. have a high probability of occurrence, or are already
Leaving Singapore behind you, the picture changes
occurring. Boaters should take immediate action to
dramatically. There are nice destinations within a day
minimize risks.
sail. Some paperwork (port clearance, immigration) has
R
to be done as these destinations are either in Indonesia
(Riau Archipelago) or Malaysia. Depending on the
monsoon period, we provide courses and cruises on the
NAME THAT SHIP!!
west coast (NE monsoon) up to Phuket, Thailand or the
east coast (SW monsoon) up to Ko Samui, Thailand on
the Malaysian peninsula, distances up to 600 miles.
Possible destinations are beautiful beaches and coral
islands with possibilities to swim, snorkel and dive. We
have relationships with diving schools in the region.
Local people are very friendly, and help, if needed, is
always offered with a smile. One particular delight is
having dinner in one of the small local restaurants on the
beach while anchoring or having your own catch or fish
bought from one of the many local fishermen for bbq
onboard.
1. What type of tallship is this?
More information about sailing with us is available at
2. What is the name of the YELLOW sail?
www.yachtexplorer.com.sg
R Answer on the ASA website at www.asa.com
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