SINGAPORE : All primary school students in Singapore could soon try their hands at sailing.

Singapore Sailing plans to introduce the sport to primary schools in the hope of increasing the base for the sport here.

These plans were revealed by the association at the launch of the annual Singapore Straits Regatta.

Sailing is in the spotlight following its success at the Asian Games.

And the sport needs to have a bigger base to sustain its success.

That's what Singapore Sailing is hoping to do with a new initiative to be launched in March 2007.

"We are embarking on a very ambitious programme called 'Connect to Sailing'. And this plan is aimed at having all primary school kids, during their six years in school, spend at least four days doing sailing. In addition to that, within the curriculum itself, we will have the kids learn a little about oceanography, weather, tides, currents and winds," says Low Teo Ping, president of Singapore Sailing.

Some 10 schools are already part of the programme, which will be funded through sponsorship.

The various sailing clubs is Singapore will help run the programme.

For now, one of the clubs is focusing on the annual Straits Regatta.

The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club is hosting the 13th edition of the popular keelboat race.

23 out of the 28 boats competing this year are from Singapore, proving that the sport is catching on among locals.

"The quality of our entries is very high this year and I think that is a good sign... It will be very good competition, very keen racing," says Peter Dunlop, chairman of the 13th Singapore Straits Regatta.

The action starts on Wednesday and ends on Saturday. - CNA /ls