VOR bids Singapore Adieu!
Singapore’s inaugural stop-over on the 34-year-old Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) competition came to an end yesterday (Sunday, 18 Jan), as the teams continued with the fourth leg of the around-the-world voyage to make their way to Qingdao, China.
Delta Lloyd, the Dutch-Irish team that docked first in Singapore during the previous leg, kicked things off at the Sentosa Cove (Singapore) by heading out of the docks first to the starting line.
The VOR is one of the most challenging sporting events in the world, owing to several treacherous elements of nature. Often referred to as the ‘Everest’ of sailing, the sailors need to brave dangerous storms, mountainous waves, extreme temperatures, relentless sleep deprivation and capricious winds.
Despite the prominence and popularity of the VOR, there remains the perception of sailing as being a niche sport.
Sailing, for the good part of the 21st century has had a reputation for being a lavish hobby for the rich, on par with golfing and casual gambling. It was and stays as a symbol of opulence and wealth in the public’s eye.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan underscored in his send-off speech about the tradition of sailing and its historical significance to Singapore.
“Singapore has had a long history as a port, and it has been our privilege to host the first-ever stop-over in Southeast Asia. This incredible race reminds us that long before the digital revolution of the jet engine, it was the sail that brought the world closer together.”
Dr Balakrishnan also praised the qualities of sailing as a sport.
“Sport is always about human endeavour. You don’t have to be a sailor to understand that the teams sailing in the Volvo Ocean Race show us what we can achieve when we have vision, leadership and faith – and a shared goal.”
Noorin, a volunteer for the Volvo Ocean Race agreed. “Sailing itself is a great sport! More should be done to increase awareness of it in Singapore.”
The atmosphere at the race village was filled with buzz and excitement as people from all walks of life basked in the festivities of the VOR with activities such as the Volvo Dome, Simulator and The Grinding Challenge. This challenge was a competition where people got a firsthand experience of using a ‘Grinder’ like how it is used onboard a sailboat.