Whenever we are around the Esplanade or wandering near the Promontory, my kids would look longingly over the water, and inevitably, one or the other would ask me if we can go on a boat ride. I almost invariably say no. (Bad mummy, I know.)
So you can imagine how surprised Noey was when, on an afternoon a couple of weeks ago, I told him that we were going to go sailing over Marina Bay. And not in a regular bumboat as he might expect. Oh no, we were going to go sailing over the water in a sail boat.
I actually think he didn’t believe me till we were nearly at the pontoon at Marina Bay with the sail boats actually in sight. I don’t blame him. I almost couldn’t believe we were really going to be able to go sailing on the bay either!
But that was exactly what we were there to do, thanks to DBS and the DBS Marina Sailing Programme. Launched in 2013, this free (yes, FREE!) programme, which is organised in partnership with the Singapore Sailing Federation, is part of the efforts by DBS to make Marina Bay more accessible to the community at large.
We were all tremendously excited to get started once we had arrived at the boarding point. Even me, prone as I am to sea-sickness. After completing the paperwork and getting togged out in our life jackets, we were introduced to our skipper for the day, Lynette. Then we hopped into our boat and off we went!
If I was nervous about being out on the water, it all melted away in the first 10 minutes. The weather was beautiful and the waters of Marina Bay were very calm, so much so that I barely felt any motion. Aside from us cutting smoothly through the waters, of course. It was as gentle an introduction to sailing as I could have hoped for.
But this was not merely a joy ride. Lynette also got us into the action, having us pull on ropes to adjust the sail whenever it was necessary, something that Noey was particularly enthusiastic about. Later she also let us take turns to steer the boat and we all realised that it wasn’t quite as easy as we thought!
Most of all, we enjoyed just being out on the water, enjoying the breeze and the chance to see our city from a different perspective.
All too soon, our hour was over and we had to head back to shore. We thanked Lynette and I made a mental note to let Noey try his hand at sailing again another time when an opportunity should arise. I think it might be something that my reflective, somewhat anti-social son might enjoy.
If you’re interested to go sailing with DBS, do keep your eyes peeled for I hear there will be slots available for booking in the later part of this year, with tickets for August available from 26 June 2015. Do check out the DBS Marina Sailing Programme page for more information. Do note that all participants must be 7 years old and above, and possess basic water confidence.
Apart from sailing, head down to Marina Bay this weekend and next to join in the fun at the DBS Marina Regatta! Ongoing since 30 May till 14 June, Singapore’s biggest water sports festival is taking place in conjunction with the 28th SEA Games and will feature Traditional Boat (Dragon Boat), Keelboat and Team Laser and Laser Radial races. There is also plenty going on around the bay, with cosplay, dance, cheerleading and music competitions, extreme sports, a dedicated Kids Zone, DBS Food Village by Savour, and more! And in the last week, there will be a pop-up at The Promontory, complete with palm trees, deck chairs, a beach bar and a 25m by 15m pool!
There’s lots going on so don’t miss it! We are certainly looking forward to getting a taste of the action once we get back in the weekend!
Wow it does look fantastic!
Reminds me of the days when my friends took sailing as an ECA, and how our nation does quite well in the sport!
I had a lot of sailors in my JC class, including one national sailor. Didn’t think it would be for me cos I get seasick really easily but Marina Bay is just lovely and it was great fun.
Hi V! We just did this today and had a blast!!!
Hey Adora, you’re back! 🙂 Do they have sessions on Fri? Would love to do it again too.