SSL
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full leaderboard after day 3:
1. SSL Team Thailand – 10 points
2. SSL Team Malaysia – 17 points
3. SSL Team Myanmar – 21 points
4. SSL Team Philippines – 22 points
5. SSL Team Vietnam – 36 points
