If you have to be in Singapore, THE best time is during the Northeast Monsoon which blows from late December - March. During this period, the East Coast of Malaysia becomes too 'rough' for boating and all the resorts on that coast shut down.
But if you're into thrills and spills, head to Changi Sailing Club (CSC) on Singapore's NE tip. You'll be treated to the full onslaught of the Monsoon winds. Plus it's a bit of Singapore that time forgot i.e. it's still virtually untouched, unspoilt. The Club has the most rustic of chalets in the Island Republic and its most noteworthy item is the catamaran fleet which now has the most numerous and high-tech fleet of Formula 16 catamarans in the cat-sailing world!
Just 6 months ago an brand-new 'weapon of choice' came off the design board of Greg Goodall. Based on some 40 years of experience in the cat racing league, the Viper has caught the imagination of the world! Only trouble with it - it's slow to produce as it's a time-consuming labour of love!
The Viper is a wind machine. We recorded 15.5 knots of boat speed in just 8 - 10 knots of wind in pre-monsoon trials! There are now 6 Vipers in Changi Sailing Club which complements the fleet of some 25 F16's. F16's are the fastest 5 metre cats on the planet although there are a few different designs, all racing in the same class. The modern F16 cat turns just a little wind into a lot of speed. It's a high-tech piece of machinery but is not an unmanageable beast! On the contrary, it's been so finely tuned that all it takes is two fingers on the helm to control it, even in a stiff breeze!
Changi Sailing Club has a great location and a great social calendar to go with it. If you're a competitive sailor and like action, head for CSC and check it out. Besides, the drive down the highway can be an enjoyable one!
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