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500 people on 300 crafts took to Singapore’s waters off the East Coast as part of SG60 Open Seas Festival.
Published Sat 02 Aug 2025
SG60 Open Seas Festival gathers over 500 people lining the horizon off East Coast Beach with sailboats and crafts of all sizes 
Over 500 participants on dinghies, keelboats, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, outrigger canoes and windsurfers, kite and wing foilers were on the waters off the East Coast to celebrate Singapore's maritime legacy and access to open seas.
"The story of Singapore is tied to the seas around us,” said Mr Leslie Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Sailing.
“We are islanders at heart, and since it is our nation’s 60th National Day, what better way to celebrate than to gather on water to mark our maritime heritage, which goes back hundreds of years.”
The Singapore Sailing Federation co-organised the SG60 Open Seas Festival with Changi Sailing Club, SAF Yacht Club, Aloha Sea Sports Centre and Constant Wind Sea Sport Centre to showcase the vibrant maritime community that has flourished along Singapore's East Coast.
“As a sailor, the sea is both playground and sanctuary,” said Mr Choy Yi Hong, General Manager of Changi Sailing Club. “It is also my greatest teacher, with each journey offering lessons in skill, patience and resilience.”
“Being part of SG60 is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful national moment,” said Mr Ho Kah Soon, Director of Constant Wind Sea Sports Centre, who worked with Aloha Sea Sports Centre to bring together 80 stand-up paddlers.
“Every sailor and paddler wants to be part of SG60 because it’s not just a celebration – it’s a chance to represent our sport, our community, and our love for the sea as part of Singapore’s journey,” added Ho.
"Our access to sailing waters has been instrumental in Singapore's sporting success," said Mr Stanley Chan, President of Singapore Sailing. “Despite our deep connection to the sea, dark clouds loom. With the Long Island reclamation, Singaporeans will stand to lose 10km of public access to the open sea off the East Coast Beach, where the majority of water sports activities take place.”
“Yes, Long Island will protect Singapore because climate change is an existential threat. However, if not planned, designed and implemented properly, Singaporeans will lose this stretch of sailing and paddling waters. Our connection to the sea defines us. We are islanders. Our history is woven with these waters,” added Chan.
"As we celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday, we remember how the sea has shaped, and will continue to shape our lives," said Tan.
"The open sea gives freedom to us and our children. Let’s keep the sea open for the next generation.”