DBS introduces six new sailboats to DBS Marina Sailing Programme

Singapore, 29 Jul 2015 - As part of our commitment to providing the public with new and singular experiences at the Bay, DBS Bank today officially introduced six Swedish Match 40 (SM40) sailboats into the DBS Marina Sailing Programme. Reaching an impressive height of 18 metres, or five stories, this is the first time such boats are available to the public in Asia.

The decision to expand the sailing programme’s fleet of sailboats comes on the back of an announcement earlier this year that the bank will commit S$12 million over the next three years to boost activities in the Marina Bay area.

Said Mr Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, “We are pleased to introduce the enhanced fleet just in time to celebrate Singapore’s 50^th year of independence. As we look at the bustling new financial district, it reminds us of how far Singapore has come in a single generation. Singaporeans will be able to take the wheel and steer these massive sailboats through the heart of the Marina Bay for the first time – all for free. By making such exclusive and unique experiences available to the public, we hope that people from all walks of life can enjoy the bay.”

The SM40, originally built for elite racing and training, will be available to members of the public as part of the DBS Marina Sailing Programme from Aug 1, 2015. The SM40 is used by the world’s top sailors in competitions such as the prestigious America’s Cup –widely considered to be the Formula One of sailing. 

Guests at today’s SM40 sailboats christening included DBS CEO Mr Piyush Gupta, Mr Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, President of the Singapore Sailing Federation Dr Ben Tan, Guest-of-Hour Ms Ho Ching.

“May fair winds and good fortune come to all those who sail on her.” Guest-of-Honour Ms Ho Ching christens the six SM40 sailboats. They are now officially part of the DBS Marina Sailing Programme fleet.

The DBS Marina Sailing Programme was launched in 2013, and has to date enabled more than 7,500 members of the public to enjoy complimentary trips on DBS sailboats around the bay. Taking place every fortnight, these sessions prove to be hugely popular with the public, and sailing slots are usually snapped up within minutes of being released.

DBS will be significantly increasing the number of sailing sessions made available to the public, now to three times a week (on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday). This will allow close to 20,000 people to sail in the Bay each year. The addition of the SM40 sailboats takes the combined fleet of sailboats in the DBS Marina Sailing Programme to 14. Each SM40 sailboat can take up to seven guests and three crew members. 

Members of the public can sign up for sailing sessions here: http://go.dbs.com/1ez6Nf0

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About DBS
DBS - Living, Breathing Asia
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. These market insights and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 21,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.