Changes for Singapore Visit
09:50, 25 April 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

The situation in Asia regarding SARS continues to affect everyone. The authorities in Singapore have taken a very positive approach to containing the disease and controlling outbreaks and as a result the number of cases are very small. There is however a natural and understandable apprehension in the area relating to the disease and, in a vibrant and successful country such as Singapore, this becomes a dominant issue.

After a great deal of thought the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) has asked Clipper to reconsider their planned visit to the Club. The eight Clipper yachts were scheduled to visit the RSYC between 2nd and 8th of May as part of their 11 month Round the World Yacht Race. Clipper Ventures totally accepts that in these difficult times the RSYC must place the interests of its members above all other considerations and has therefore worked with the Club in making alternative plans.

It is now planned that the Clipper yachts will visit Nongsa Point Marina in Batam, part of the Riau group of islands. The marina is on the northern point of Batam island and some 12 miles SSE of Singapore and has regular ferry service which takes 30 minutes. The visit will still be supported by the RSYC and in addition the Riau Yacht Club and Nongsa Resort will both be actively involved. Although Batam is part of Indonesia access to and from Singapore is straightforward and the islands are a popular holiday venue for people from Singapore. The Marina was built in 1995 and has very good facilities and is surrounded by the hotels and chalets of the resort. Details can be found at http://www.nongsaresorts.com/Facts/Facts_npm.htm , http://www.nongsaresorts.com and www.riauyachtclub.com

This change of plan will not have nearly as much effect on the crews as would first appear. During the race's visit to Singapore last time, several crew members decided they really wanted to slip quietly away from the bright lights and find some idyllic island and enjoy a few days on their own. They chose both Batam and its neighbour Bintan, and found everything except solitude; all their crew mates had come to the same conclusion!

More details of this visit will be published over the next few days. Any families or supporters coming out will find the Nongsa resort will be an excellent location and you are strongly encouraged to join the Clippers there.

The Prize Giving Reception for Race 10 (Hong Kong to Batam) will be sponsored by the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club and the winner will be presented with the Royal Hong Kong's Silver Junk Trophy. It is hoped that several of the members of the RSYC and other yacht clubs in Singapore will bring their boats over to Nongsa Point during the Clippers' visit.

Source: Clipper 2002/2003 Round The World Race Official Site