By Benedict Teo/Red Sports

Adivboys-startline1-d1

A Division boys fighting for a good position on the start line in Race #1. (Photo 1 © Benedict Teo/Red Sports)

National Sailing Centre, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 — Sailors from the A Division Boys, C Division Boys and Girls, and S Division Boys and Girls took to the waters on Day 1 of the annual National Inter-School Sailing Championships on the waters off the southeastern shores of Singapore.

On the first day of the championships, the sailors were presented with a five to 10 knot breeze to manipulate to the fullest. They also faced an unforgiving four-knot current sweeping downwind, which made sailing upwind significantly harder.

Raffles Institution’s (RI) A Division Boys’ Laser Standard team thrived in such conditions, which allowed their sailors to occupy eight of the top 10 positions after three races, including a monopoly of the top three positions.

Currently in first place, RI’s Loh Jia Yi had a fantastic day of racing, garnering six points in three races. In his first race, he had a massive 3 minute and 58 seconds lead over the second boat, Justin Chew.

Similarly, Nanyang Girls’ High’s C Division Girls’ Byte team also performed well, and are currently featuring six sailors in the top 10 after three races. They also have sailors occupying the top three three medal positions.

Koh Yi Nian, the C Division byte sailor from RI who made the most of today’s weather conditions, had a sterling performance and ended up winning all three races. Currently sitting on three points, he holds an eight-point lead over the second boat of Ryan Goh.

The A Division Boys, C Division Boys and Girls, and S Division Boys and Girls will sail their remaining races tomorrow, and the top schools will be crowned. The B Division Boys and Girls, and the J Division Boys and Girls will commence their races on April 9.