Full Name:

Xu Yuan Zhen (left)

Nicknames:

Zhen

Date of Birth:

25 April 1985

Place of Birth:

Singapore

Class of Boat:

470 Men

Sailing Partner (if applicable):

Terence Koh

Profession:

Sailor

Schools attended:

Rosyth Primary, Chong Boon Sec, Temasek Polytechnic

When did you start sailing?

10 years old

Summary of sailing career:

Started sailing (and fishing) at Changi Sailing Club when I was 10. Made my way into the Club’s team and eventually into the National Optimist Squad. Moved into the 420s when I turned 16. Sailed it till I was 19 and got into the 470s.

Why did you take up sailing?

My uncle Tek Leng introduced it to my father and so he brought us to Changi Sailing Club for the beginner’s course.

What was your first boat?

Optimist

What class did you first race?

Optimist

How much time do you spend on the water each week?

25 hours on the average.

Why did you take up (your current class of boat)?

Best suit my size and weight.

How long have you sailed this class?

Under two years

What is your favourite venue?

Qingdao, China

When was your first win (list event)?

Inter-schools Regatta 1999

What is the single most important piece of sailing advice you could give to a young sailor?

There are many, many much more experienced sailors out there. Be brave and ask them questions, they will not turn you down. That way, you can expand your knowledge and reach your goals faster.

What would you be doing if you were not sailing?

Studying

Aspirations in sailing:

470 World Champion and move on to bigger boats and match racing

Your sailing hero:

Tan Wearn Haw

Other interests and hobbies:

Computer games, soccer, karaoke