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The yacht which will represent
Singapore in the Clipper
05-06 Round the World Yacht Race, has been officially named - 'Uniquely
Singapore'.
‘Uniquely Singapore’, a magnificent 68-ft, state-of-the-art racing yacht,
will set sail from Liverpool UK on 18 September this year in this
challenging 10-month, 35,000 nautical mile race. Sentosa and PSA
International – the first two Race Partners of ‘Uniquely Singapore’, will
join the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in supporting Singapore’s involvement
in this global event.
When ‘Uniquely Singapore’ sets off in this gruelling race against nine
other global cities it will not only carry the hopes of a nation eagerly
following its progress, but also a crew of bold and adventurous individuals
who have signed up for the experience of a lifetime and a unique opportunity
to represent Singapore.
Over thirty Singaporeans, including 21 who will enjoy an STB subsidy of
50% off the costs of participation off one leg, have signed up to take part
in the Clipper 05-06, representing all walks of Singapore life from hawkers
to businessmen, both male and female, of all races and ages.
Many of the crew will have to make huge sacrifices in order to represent
their country in this challenge including leaving their families and their
jobs, some even selling their business in order to generate the funds
required to take part.
The name, ‘Uniquely Singapore’ is a fitting description of the city-state
- a unique blend of East and West, of tradition and modern, a melting pot of
nationalities, religions, cultures and personalities. Singapore is one of
the world’s major business centres, a key player in the global finance and
technology sectors yet traditional and cultural industries still thrive.
Singapore is also a hive of artistic and creative activity with an ever
growing arts scene and even now on the sports front, with involvement in
international competitions such as the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht
Race, Singapore is proving that it can compete in the global arena.
The city of Liverpool, European Capital of Culture in 2008, Fremantle in
Western Australia, the South African port city of Durban, Glasgow and the
Channel Island of Jersey will also field competitive entries in the race,
with sponsorship of the remaining four yachts to be announced soon.
Said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of STB, “With
the naming of the “Uniquely Singapore” yacht, we move one step closer to
showcasing the best of Singapore in this truly exciting and intense
competition. Over the next few months, the crew will undergo rigorous
training to prepare them for the demanding 10 months at sea. We are pleased
that these daring, adventurous individuals have stepped forward to take on
this challenge, and we are confident that they will make Singapore proud. We
also look forward to welcoming the international sailing fraternity when
they visit Singapore in January 2006.”
The “Uniquely Singapore” yacht will be moored at St Katharine’s Docks in
England for three days from 14th to 17th March, where it will be one of the
key features in the Singapore Season programme. Singapore Season is a
showcase of artistic and cultural performances by Singapore talents, and
aims to portray Singapore as a global meeting place for ideas, creativity
and innovation. |
