Windsurfing Factor: February 2009

Title: Singapore Sailing targeting at least one medal from windsurfing at YOG
By: Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia
Date: 08 Feb 2009 2035 hrs (GMT + 8hrs)

SINGAPORE: Windsurfing is set to get more wind in its sails from Singapore Sailing.
There will be greater support and funding as Singapore prepares a team for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Four sailors are being groomed as part of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games squad.
They are Audrey Yong, Amanda Ng, Jeddy Tan and Derek Chan. The 14-year-olds have only recently converted to windsurfing and it will be an uphill task to meet the August 2010 deadline for the YOG. Audrey said: "It will be hard for all our youths, given the short time frame. (For) other countries, their sailors start from as young as eight. So it will be quite a disadvantage (for us), but I'm sure all of us will work hard for this (YOG)."

They will have to step up training, including taking part in regional and international competitions. The new focus is a refreshing change for the sport which has always lagged behind dingy sailing in Singapore. Mark Robinson, Singapore Sailing's Olympic programme manager, said: "The programmes that we run with the windsurfers will be not too dissimilar with what we have done with the dinghies in the past. We have been quite successful. It has been a proven model."

A one-medal target has been set for the windsurfers as Singapore gets automatic qualification for two athletes. More could represent the country if fewer countries take up the slots. The sailors can also rely on home ground advantage and more. The equipment that will be used for the YOG has been improved. Called the Techno 293, it has got a wider board and a bigger sail and it will also allow sailors to surf much faster.

Singapore sailors are using the new equipment for the upcoming Asian Youth Games and even the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

- CNA/ir

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