The East Coast sailing center now known as the Pasta Fresca Seasports Centre was due to cease operations on 30th April 2006 after more than two decades. Setup by passionate sailors in 1980, it was the biggest sailing club in the region, and at its height, boasted of some 1,400 members. Now experienceing a four month extension, the community of sailors and sea lovers off Singapore’s east coast have not given up hope about their “little Bali in Singapore.”

Image from www.eastcoastseasportscentre.com

They have recently setup a webpage and are in discussion with the authorities as of 5th June 2006.

One thing is clear, the centre clearly holds significant emotional bonds for them and it has stimulated them to share their stories. Adam Patrick wrote a series of five posts about the time that the news of its impending closure was reported in the papers. His stories were first posted at his friends site, the “The Blog Site of Adrian and Jennifer” between 12th April 2006 and 27 April 2006.

They are now reproduced at East Coast Sports Centre, a web page that also holds photos of the centre in its heyday.

“The enigmatic sea with its many moods does not only bring destruction and death. To many people, it brings rejuvenation, an escape from the stresses of daily lives of the land. With its endless horizon and open skies, it fuels the sense of adventure and courage one did not know he had. Its breath of wind, healing and recovery of health and spirits. In sunrise, hope of a new day, and in sunset, romance and love.

This is a story about the people I met at east coast, who go there to windsurf or to sail, to skimboard or swim the waves, to be in solitude in the open sea, to rest or to work and rescue. A story about these personalities from all walks of life. They have their own stories but all love the sea and all make the poetry of life.”

Read Adam’s story here.