Wednesday, August 20, 2014

I Grew up with Raffles Marina

I met YP Loke, then the GM of Raffles Marina (RM) in 1994, when Raffles Marina was more construction site then a thriving Marina. I think there were a few berths housing some boats then. I was looking for a job as a PPCDL boating instructor. I got the job at a generous compensation of $70 an hour. I was very grateful. Today RM, stands as one of the better Marinas in SE Asia. Her superb architecture, by renowned Architect Alfred Wong, has stood the test of time and in my opinion, Raffles Marina is the probably the most beautiful and cleverly built Marina in SE Asia. But that's just my bias opinion.
The majority of the guests congregate at the Bistro next to the swimming pool, seen in this picture.  
Beautiful Resort Feel...
This is The Bistro. It is packed every day during lunch and pretty respectable at night. The canopy tent was build by a Singapore Salor, My Yeo Ngak Hoe


From the Bristro, you have the complete view of the Boats in the Marina
The swimming pool gives the Marina a Resort Atmosphere

The Building in the distance is the Boat House where smaller boats are dry stacked. On the 2nd floor is the office of the Marina Manager, Control Room and offices 

Talvas, one of about 150 large Yachts on the water

The Mega Yacht in the background is The Asean Lady owned by Brian Chang

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A Grand Banks 42 Classic. Restored back to her old glory

A nice looking passage maker. Practicality & reliability is her strength. 
The Boat House. Also known as the Dry Stack where the smaller boats up to 5 tons are stored

The Azimuths are probably on of the largest selling brand of boats in the world. Made in Italy, her styling appeals to many. 

Personally I have grown to like Power Catamarans. They're spacious, stable and very economical to run.

Behind the Cat is a Boat House. The 3 stories of space is equal to a 3 bedroom condo


Might prove to be a great retirement home over the water. Certainly cheaper & nicer than an apartment in Sentosa

View of the Marina from the House Boat

This is the Boat Yard at Raffles Marina where repairs, especially hull cleaning & Anti-fouling coats are applied. All Marinas need this facility as you cannot leave a boat in the water for more than a year without it picking up marine growth.

What a sight..... Marinas are beautiful in every way. Raffles is definitely there among the very best 



  

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