Thailand’s Young Generation on the Way to Professional Sailing Careers

The Star Sailors League (SSL) event in Thailand was not only packed with thrilling racing, but also rich in initiatives extending far beyond on-the-water racing. During its stay at Ocean Marina in Pattaya, SSL focused on multiple dimensions of sailing development. As previously reported, one of the key elements of the event was the continuation of SSL’s sustainability and legacy projects, including inspiring and engaging the young generation of Thai sailors.

 “It’s a perfect opportunity to let kids and young sailors here in Thailand truly experience this — because when you see it, you believe it,” says Jevan Tan, Founder and Director of Metazone’s Sailing & Sustainability Programme.

Jevan has inspired over 1,000 students across Singapore each year, using sailing to teach sustainability, resilience, and teamwork. In 2025, he received the President’s Development Award at the World Sailing Awards.

“When they’re sailing on a big boat like an SSL 47 with the Thai team that won the gold medal, you can see the smiles — it’s such a valuable and precious experience for them. You show the pathway very early in a young sailor’s journey, and suddenly they start thinking, ‘Oh, I want something bigger, I want something faster, I want more challenge.’ When you start at a very young age, they have a roadmap,” he adds.

One day after the Sea Games prize-giving ceremony, a dedicated training session took place aboard the SSL47. The SSL Team Thailand crew, who had dominated the regatta, welcomed young local sailors on board, offering them a truly unique opportunity to sail alongside champions and experience high-performance racing firsthand.

“I was watching the amazing live broadcasting, the commentary was excellent, and everything was filmed perfectly. I stayed hooked the entire time, and of course, I was supporting my team in Thailand,” said one of the ILCA 4 Thai sailors.

 The sailors of SSL Team Thailand have a powerful and positive influence on the younger generation within the Thai sailing community. A single meeting, shared training session, or casual conversation can become an authentic and credible form of inspiration. This occasion was no exception.

 On board the SSL47, knowledge and experience were shared by top-level sailors, including Nichapa Waiwai, trimmer and Sea Games champion in the 470 class; Dylan Whitcraft, trimmer and a 49er sailor; and Nut Butmarasri, an experienced grinder with extensive SSL and TP52 experience.

Nearly ten young sailors from feeder classes such as ILCA and Optimist took part in the training. Under the guidance of SSL Team Thailand members, they had the chance to sail a fast, agile, high-performance yacht — for most of them, it was their very first time on a boat of this type.

“This was my first time sailing on a bigger boat. I’m only used to sailing by myself, so it was super fun. The most challenging part was staying focused on driving the boat and not getting distracted — that was difficult, but at the same time incredibly exciting,” said the Thai training member.

 During the training sesion, young sailors rotated through different roles on board. Some practiced hiking and ballast work, others quickly felt at home behind the helm, while the rest learned sail trimming and grinding techniques.

 Sailing is, above all, a team sport. Young athletes learn how to listen to others, communicate clearly, and solve problems together. Every action on board matters, making responsibility a natural and essential lesson. Mastering wind, maneuvers, and unexpected challenges shows young sailors that “I can handle this” — building confidence, resilience, and belief in their own abilities.

 “Everyone has to work as a team, and everyone has their own role. You can’t sail a boat like this with just one person doing everything. Keeping the boat balanced and fast means working closely with the whole crew — it’s very different from dinghy sailing, and it was a completely new experience for me,” said the Optimist sailor.

One of the most exciting moments of the day was hoisting the gennaker and feeling the sudden surge of speed while sailing downwind.

 “One of the most exciting moments was during the maneuvers, jibing and tacking. Everyone was doing their own job, and I had to maintain the correct angle while crossing. It was super interesting and really challenging,” added the Thai sailor.

 Experiences like this training session go far beyond a single day on the water. They ignite ambition, open new perspectives, and show young sailors what is possible with dedication and teamwork. By connecting elite professionals with emerging talent, the Star Sailors League continues to build a strong foundation for the future of sailing in Thailand — inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, sail faster, and aim higher on their path toward professional careers.

 "These boats are safe, they’re fast, they’re impressive, and for a young kid who just sails a dinghy, my goodness. Putting them on was the right decision, and you could see all the smiles this morning," says Jevan Tan.