Roy Tay Junhao
D.O.B: 4th July 1983
What hobbies do you have aside from sailing?
I enjoy doing some reading, playing sports like soccer, ten-pin bowling, windsurfing and cycling. I also enjoy cooking a lot!
How did you start sailing?
I started sailing at the age of 12. My uncle had a small keelboat back then and I went out sailing on it a couple of times. Thinking sailing was all about going out on a keelboat for a cruise, I got my dad to sign me up for the basic sailing course. That was when I was surprised that we had to learn in a small Optimist.
If you have to name 3 qualities that you feel a top sailor should have, what are they?
Resilience, Determination, Teamwork.
Resilience to handle the tough times and to bounce back fast.
Determination to put in the hard work and to doggedly pursue that dream.
Teamwork because no man is an island. Be it an individual event or a team event, there is always a strong team behind the scene. If you can’t work in a team, there’s only so much you can do.
What are your key achievements thus far?
My first key achievement was when I won my first medal in the Asian Games 2 years after I learnt to sail. Getting Silver at the ISAF Youth World Championship in the International 420 class provided me with a springboard to my 470 sailing. It was also the first time Singapore’s ever won a medal at this distinguished event.
I have also developed an interest in Match-Racing when I had the unique experience to be on the Gold-Medal Team at the Doha Asian Games. We had a very green team in terms of Match-Racing but worked really hard and beat the favorites. It was my induction to Match-Racing and I’m hoping to be able to do it more often in future as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Any advice for the young aspiring sailors?
Go after that dream you have. But don’t pursue it half-heartedly.
Notable Sailing Achievements
1998 Asian Games, Bronze
2001 ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship, Silver
2001 South East Asian Games, Silver
2004 Sail the Gulf Regatta in Qatar, Gold
2005 Sail Melbourne, Silver
2005 Australia 470 Championship, Bronze
2005 South East Asian Games, Silver
2006 Asian Sailing Championship, Bronze
2006 Asian Games, Gold
2007 South East Asian Games, Thailand, Gold
Awards
Singapore National Olympic Council Sports Boy of the Year Award (1998)
Singapore National Olympic Council Meritorious Award (1998, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009)
Partners
