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18/03/05
Senior
Minister Goh Chok Tong Officially Names "Uniquely Singapore"
Yacht
At 3pm on 16
March 2005, at the historic St Katharines Docks in London, United
Kingdom, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong officially named “Uniquely
Singapore,” the yacht which will represent Singapore in the
Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race.
‘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 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 back home 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.
Throughout the
race, the crew of ‘Uniquely Singapore’ will act as ambassadors
for the nation, carrying with them the great responsibility of spreading
the ‘uniqueness’ of Singapore to the rest of the world.
Over thirty Singaporeans, including 21 who will enjoy an STB subsidy
of 50% of the costs of participation of 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.
It is this diverse
fabric of Singapore which makes Singapore such a unique destination
and this is what will be shared with the rest of the world as Singapore
competes in this prestigious international round the world yacht
race. 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 parts. They are a truly unique
group of individuals and exceptional ambassadors for the nation.
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 here today, 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 is mooring at St Katharines Docks for three days
from 14th to 17th March, as 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.
Singapore’s
involvement in the nation versus nation Clipper 05-06 Race has been
secured by the Singapore Tourism Board and Fast Track Sailing, the
exclusive global commercial and media partner for the event.
ENDS
For further
information please contact:
Amanda Wilson, Fulford PR
Tel: +65 6324 2416 / HP: +65 9277 2076 / email: awilson@fulfordpr.com
For information
on the Clipper 05-06 Race, please contact: Loretta Spridgeon Head
of Media & Public Relations CLIPPER VENTURES PLC
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8023 7088
Fax: +44 (0) 23 8023 7081
Mobile: +44 (0) 7773 818586
Email: lspridgeon@clipper-ventures.com
Website: www.clipper-ventures.com
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