1. GO ON, DIP YOUR TOES IN, as Mr Brightling plans to launch
entry-level marina lifestyle options to the public, with sailing
lessons, overnight house-boat stays and chartering services, so
everyone can try a little something. His team is also gunning to
host the Volvo Ocean Race in Singapore, the maritime equivalent
of the high-speed Formula One event. -- PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Page 1 of 1Watching sunset from Sentosa beats shovelling snow
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July 22, 2007
EXPAT EYE
Watching sunset from Sentosa beats shovelling snow
By Serene Goh
THE latest human vessel to dock at ONE�15 Marina at Sentosa is Mr David Brightling, the maritime
club's new general manager.
And he has a vision for tomorrow: 'Toe-dipping'.
By that, the 51-year-old executive means he plans to launch entry-level marina lifestyle options to the
public - sailing lessons, overnight house-boat stays and chartering services, for instance - so everyone can
try a bit.
His team is also gunning to host the Volvo Ocean Race in Singapore, the maritime equivalent of high-
speed Formula One.
Mr Brightling is convinced all these can happen.
'If we let Singaporeans experience these things, it's a lifestyle that is bound to take off.'
He should know. He has 35 years of experience administrating maritime clubs, after getting his first job at
the Royal Canadian Yacht Club when he was just 16, then working at clubs around the world.
Of his career, he says, 'no two days are ever the same'. After moving here from his previous five-year stint
in Hong Kong, he now lives on Sentosa, a short walk from the club, with his wife of seven years, Ann (of
her age, he will only say 'a gentleman never tells').
Q After more than 30 years of dealing with life at sea, what keeps you coming back?
A To me, sailing is a pastime that can be relaxing, challenging and rewarding. A day sail to a nearby
island, dropping the anchor, swimming and enjoying a picnic lunch can be a quick and enjoyable escape
from the pressures of city life.
On the other hand, racing or offshore cruising can be very challenging as one tests oneself and one's crew
against competitors and sometimes the sea itself. When you're out there and something goes wrong, you
just have to deal with it. Meeting these challenges is rewarding and therapeutic.
Swapping stories in the bar afterwards gives one the opportunity to re-live the experience too!
Q You are from Toronto, where cold spells average between 2 deg C and -10 deg C. How would
you describe sailing in those conditions?
A Ice boating? Seriously, the sailing season in Toronto is quite short and we don't sail during the winter
months. Toronto Harbour usually freezes over and so can Lake Ontario itself. But when I was in Toronto, I
still tried to sail at least every other winter.
My favourite destinations were the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and French West Indies.
Winter lasts a long time in Canada and most diehard sailors will try to escape for a week or two if they
can. Watching the sun set in a place like St Barts sure beats shovelling snow.
As does watching it from Sentosa Cove, now that I think about it.
Q The blockbuster, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End, referred to Singapore's historic
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3. pirate base. In fact, they are still out there. Have you ever encountered one?
A All in all, I've been pretty fortunate in my offshore adventures. We had our roller furling system explode
once as we were approaching Bimini (in the Bahamas) after a night crossing from Fort Lauderdale. We had
to make some quick adjustments so that we could make harbour in the morning, when the reefs are
clearly visible. Another time, the anchor on our catamaran kept releasing and we undertook repairs under
sail in six-foot seas.
Q What lured you from Hong Kong to Singapore?
A The opportunity to be the first general manager of ONE�15 and to be a part of the Sentosa lifestyle
from the beginning were irresistible to me. I think that this is a very exciting time for both. I also think
that boating and the marina culture are about to undergo a period of dramatic growth. It will be great to
be a part of this. While I loved my time in Hong Kong, it is quite a contrast between living in Mid-Levels
surrounded by 50-storey apartment buildings and living and working on Sentosa breathing the fresh sea
air.
Q The culture of private sailing is a luxury foreign to most Singaporeans, who see boats as a
means of transportation - to go diving, wakeboarding or to work on Pulau Bukom. Is this
accurate?
A Despite the sport's sometimes elitist image, sailors are pretty down-to-earth people. The same holds
true for power boaters. I have found yacht club bars to be the most friendly bars on earth. If you can talk
about sailing, you're accepted. You'll probably have an offer to join someone's crew before you finish your
second beer.
As you can see, a huge part of the boating lifestyle is social - re-living the race afterwards, having a
barbecue on the aft deck, meeting other sailors at an anchorage.
One of my favourite moments was at anchor in the French West Indies, sipping Cognac, smoking a cigar
and listening to Miles Davis' 'Kind Of Blue' with the waves lapping against the hull and a million stars
overhead.
That's what sailing is all about and that's why I'm so excited to be at ONE�15.
sereneg@sph.com.sg
Tip
As soon as you arrive, go to a bookstore and purchase An Essential Guide To Singlish. Most of the
information is very entertaining and genuinely helpful.
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