High Heat and Fierce Competition on Day 3 at SSL at the 33rd SEA Games

Day 3 delivered shifting breeze, intense heat, and dramatic racing, testing the mixed-team SSL47 fleet in one of the most demanding days so far. Live on broadcast across Asia, the best sailors from each nation battled everything from postponed starts to photo finishes decided by seconds in the official SEA Games class.

Day 3 opened with soaring temperatures and a light, unstable northerly breeze across the Gulf of Thailand. The forecast promised around eight knots and strong land effects, which quickly came into play. The heat climbed past 32 degrees as the breeze shifted sharply across the course.

Asian sailors, often known as light-wind specialists, were tested early as the fleet waited for the breeze to settle. Unstable conditions delayed racing, with the first race abandoned and the race committee forced to wait for a more consistent wind direction before competition could resume.

Before racing restarted, SSL Team Myanmar tactician Su Myat Soe summed up the team mindset. “We will sail our absolutely best. I usually sail without looking at anyone else, just sailing as fast as possible around the course. We celebrate every race, and our motto is to do the best performance we can and sail our best.”

SSL Team Philippines trimmer Alaiza Mae Belmonte Hernandez echoed the physical challenge. “We’re in the middle of the regatta, and on the third day we feel much more confident. Strong winds make us happy as sailors. We enjoy the breeze and do what we must do.”

Race 6: Malaysia Breaks Through

By early afternoon, the breeze filled from the northwest and built to around 11 knots, transforming the racecourse. Race 6 got underway in very different conditions.

All teams came in hot at the starting line, tightly packed toward the windward end, but SSL Team Thailand’s speed quickly brought them into contention. Tactical cover plays developed upwind, with SSL Team Myanmar, SSL Team Philippines, and SSL Team Vietnam all within striking distance.

At the first weather mark, Malaysia led, followed closely by Thailand and the Philippines. Downwind, teams adopted different styles, with some sailing higher for speed and others pressing deeper angles. The fleet remained separated by only seconds.

On the second upwind leg, the race split into two intense match-race battles. Thailand and Malaysia went head-to-head on the starboard side of the course, while Myanmar and the Philippines battled closely on port. These duels slowed the pace and allowed Vietnam to sail back into contention on the layline. Vietnam then challenged near the front as the breeze and sea continued to build. Captain Le Tien Dung explained how the team adapted to the changing conditions. “The conditions here change a lot. The mornings are light, and after midday the wind builds. We are learning how to adapt and choose the right side of the course.”

A dramatic final leg saw Malaysia approach the finish on starboard while Thailand was forced to gybe. The margin was minimal, but Malaysia crossed first. It marked their first race win of the regatta and tightened the points battle significantly.

Race 7: Thailand Stamps Authority

Race 7 delivered classic Pattaya conditions, with 14 to 18 knots and fast seas. Mistakes now carried heavy costs.

The start was clean and aggressive with the Philippines again launching well, while Malaysia worked hard to find clear air. A late tack on the upwind leg forced Malaysia into a 360-penalty turn, dropping them deep in the fleet. Instead, Thailand took control upwind and rounded the weather mark first. Vietnam challenged again, rounding as second, and shortly after taking the lead of the fleet, confirming their blazing hot trend. Captain Le Tien Dung highlighted the progress. “On the third day, we were able to reach the top mark second together with Thailand. That showed our starting and sail trimming were working very well on the upwind leg.”  

However, it was Thailand that extended steadily through clean manoeuvres and simple decisions. They powered down the final leg in free air to secure another convincing win. Behind them, Myanmar edged the Philippines in a close fight for second.

Thailand tactician Don Whitcraft remained calm about the overall picture. “We’re in a comfortable place. The key has been consistency in our training and delivering the same performance every day.”

He also highlighted the team’s composure under pressure. “We focused on our breathing and staying relaxed. Teamwork is our greatest strength. Working together and becoming one really defines us.” On mixed team racing, Team Thailand added:
“Racing nation against nation with mixed teams really brings out the best sailors from each country in this format. Large teams representing their nations add another layer of intensity on the water. This is definitely the future of the sport”.

In a press conference later in the afternoon, the team also highlighted the broader impact of the event. “This platform allows people from all over the world to get involved in our sport. It’s an amazing opportunity and encourages every nation to take part and sail at this level.”

Outlook and current leaderboard

As the fleet returned to shore, crowds gathered to witness Her Majesty the Queen’s docking. With one day left to sail, the heat remains high and while some teams feel more comfortable ahead of the final race tomorrow than others, the podium is far from settled.