15th Ambassadors' Cup at Changi Sailing Club

15th Ambassadors' Cup © Howie Choo

15th Ambassadors' Cup © Howie Choo

15th Ambassadors' Cup © Howie Choo

Light winds didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the 20 ambassadors who competed in the 15th annual Changi Sailing Club's Ambassadors' Cup, nor did the gentle breezes take the edge off the competitive spirit of the skippers and the crew who competed for the prestigious prize. Indeed, the joy was obvious when Brazilian ambassador, HE Fernando Luis, danced his way on to the stage to accept the trophy for winning the 2014 edition of the Ambassadors' Cup.

His Excellency was aboard Born in Fire Too, owned and skippered by Mr Pascal Radue. The Ambassadors competing in this event, and with 29 countries represented, helped create the electrifying atmosphere at the Club when the party began. The skippers and crews of the 44 boats, not only from CSC, but from clubs around the island, were no less pumped, ready to race and party.

Winning the Cup had a note of sweet justice as, for the second year the Brazilian Ambassador worked hard as President of the Ambassador's Cup committee to make this sailing event the highlight of the year. Following up on the success of his first year His Excellency once again brought energy and excitement to the race. "The Ambassadors' Cup is a thrilling event that brings the world together. It has been a joy for me to officiate at this glorious day of billowing sails, fluttering flags, tacking rudders and gusting breezes, among the wonderful camaraderie of all participants," he stated.

H.E. Michael Pulch, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, European Union, aboard Shardana, skippered and owner Joe Lombardo were placed second. Shardana was followed in by John Button's Simba with Spain's Ambassador H.E. Federico Palomera Guez aboard.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Defence & Mayor, South East District was Guest of Honour, taking time during a very busy schedule to join the sailors and Ambassadors for dinner. Dr Osman congratulated CSC for hosting such an important and enjoyable event.

In the Non-Ambassadors Division Sweet Phoenix, skippered by Lim Hock Boon, representing Korea, took the hardware for first place ahead of Ad Smit's Dream On with the team from Kazakstan on board. Zaheera Hashim may have been dreaming of a higher place, but third was all she and the Malaysian team could muster on Balqis.

Airbus Helicopters, once again the generous sponsor of the race was joined by co-sponsors Shenton Wealth Holdings, DHL, Yart Marine, Cosmosteel, CBMM and Leisure Charter / Acclaim.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome the Ambassadors and the crews to this very special event, said Airbus Helicopters CEO Derek Sharples. "There is no other event like this in Changi Sailing Club Singapore, which is just one reason that it is so special. We at Airbus Helicopters are absolutely delighted to be able to help make this happen."

Rising star Barnaby Birkbeck, coaxed Sycorax across the line first in the Beach Catamaran Division with Jeremy Perrier in Second and Uli Braun taking Third. These weren't the best conditions for the Beach Cats, but that was almost anticipated.

"Anything can happen," said CSC Commodore Anthony Lim. "At this time of the year we can get everything. Wind, calm, storms." The storm hit soon after the last boat was in and the drinks were in the glass.

The Cruising Multihull Division had three entrants who finished First, (Vectis, Matthew Lutter skippering for the Irish delegation), Second (Anthony Lim at the helm of Annette with an Austrian flag flying) Third (Ximula sporting Angola's flag with Wong Tet Choong skipper). Stuart Birkbeck claimed first place in the Trimaran Division followed by Tim Hill on Cicak while David Stanton finished third.

Prior to the race H.E. Chetch Naren, Ambassador, Cambodia was all whipped up saying he was "Here to defend our belt." He didn't manage to do it this year, but as he is newly appointed to the position he has several more years to return and once again to hoist the Ambassadors' Cup.

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