Singapores Deputy Prime Minister welcomes Clipper fleet to Keppel Bay

A light beacon rising up from the ground, dancers, pyrotechnics and senior dignitaries, including Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, welcomed the Clipper 11-12 Race fleet to Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, this morning.
 
The ten-strong fleet taking part in the world’s longest ocean race made their entrance to the exclusive marina following Race 7 of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.
 
Dr Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, ignited the ‘Torch of Passion’, setting in motion the welcome celebrations for the fleet, and guest of honour, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, presented the Singapore Cup to the winning crew from Gold Coast Australia. The team is led by Tasmanian yachtsman, Richard Hewson.
 
Deborah Miller, from Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, who joined the yacht in her home port to race to California, said, “It was awesome to be welcomed in Singapore with such grand festivities.
 
“As we entered Marina at Keppel Bay people were lined up everywhere along the marina shouting and waving their Singaporean flags. I got to shake the Deputy Prime Minister’s hand, which was very exciting and now I’m really looking forward to catch up with family and friends who are waiting for me.”
 
The victorious Gold Coast Australia crew was presented with the Keppel-sponsored Singapore Cup after beating Derry-Londonderry by just 79 minutes. The other Australian team, Geraldton Western Australia, also secured their first podium position of the competition and were handed their first pennant of the campaign to fly proudly from the forestay of their boat.

Derry-Londonderry’s John Harkin was amazed at the welcome given upon the team’s arrival.

“This has been one of the most formal and biggest receptions that we’ve had. It was very exciting to sail into Keppel Bay, especially knowing it will be our first podium place, which we’ve been waiting for a long time.
 
“It was a great honour to be on stage with all those dignitaries – a very special feeling. I am really looking forward to be taking in the atmosphere over the next few days, before we set off on Saturday for the next part of the race,” continued John.

The fantastic welcome and the fact his team were celebrating their first podium position made today a day to remember for Geraldton Western Australia crew member, Russell Sandbach.

“It was fantastic. We had great fun coming in with everyone lined up and waiving to welcome us to Singapore.
 
“Today wasn’t our last time on the podium. This time we met Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, but next time we will be there collecting our pennant, as we are moving steadily up the fleet.

- Clipper Media