IT HAS been a promising start to the new year for Singapore sailing.

Over the weekend, the nation's sailors claimed top honours in two different competitions in Adelaide, Australia.

Yesterday, the Republic's Optimist girls dominated the top three positions at the International Optimist Oceania and Australian Championships.

Samantha Neubronner ruled the fleet of 94 while teammates Audrey Lim and Jillian Lee finished second and third respectively.

A day earlier, the Republic also proved their mettle at the Australian Youth Championship.

In a one-two sweep of the 420 division, Ko Chuan Yang and Andrew Paul Chan took gold, while compatriots Rachel Lee and Benita Chua settled for second in the field of 41.

Singapore Youth Olympic Games squad sailor Terence Choo also claimed silver in the Laser 4.7 category to complete a glittering weekend.

Nearer to home, Terence's YOG squad-mate, Amanda Ng, took a step closer to her YOG dream at the SIM 29th Singapore Open Windsurfing Championship.

Finishing third in the Techno 293 class, the Methodist Girls' School student went one up on her closest competitor and 'on-shore best friend' Audrey Yong.

Should Singapore choose to compete in the girls' windsurfing event, it is likely that either Amanda or Audrey will be nominated.

While both girls dream of appearing in the Games, it might be a case where only one will get to live it. Still, they maintain a strong friendship and a healthy rivalry.

'Audrey is my best friend. We are practically sisters. Right now, we are on par. We are both improving at the same pace,' said the 15-year-old Amanda.

Audrey, who finished just one place behind, agreed: 'We do not keep secrets from each other in windsurfing. If we find something new, we'll tell each other and it helps.'

The bronze-medal winner at last year's Asian Youth Games continued: 'Last year, Amanda had a hard time competing in races. This year, she beat me. So I am really happy for her.'