The SEA Games 33 sailing competition took place from 15 to 18/12 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Sattahip district, Chonburi province. On 17/12, Thailand's queen arrived at Ocean Marina Pattaya to receive a technical report and directly participate in the third day of competition in the keelboat SSL47 event.

Queen Suthida waves to television viewers on the third day of the keelboat SS47 event in Chonburi, Thailand on 17/12. Photo: Khaosod

On this crucial competition day, the queen and members of the Thai team boarded keelboat SSL47 number 6 to compete in two races, the 6th and 7th, in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. They competed against teams from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and Myanmar. This marked the debut of the keelboat event in the SEA Games program.

According to Bangkokbiznews, on board, the queen served as strategist and navigator—a position critical for reading wind direction and currents and adjusting tactics to the constantly changing sea conditions. Accurate wind calculation helps optimize boat speed and advantage on the racecourse.

Amid complex waves and wind, the queen used a compass to analyze adverse and favorable factors, making appropriate navigation decisions. Additionally, she coordinated closely with team members, directly helping to balance the boat during critical moments. As the SSL47 boat lacks safety harnesses found on some other types of boats, every movement and effort to stabilize the boat demands physical strength, skill, and precise coordination, carrying many risks.

In the 6th race, the Thai sailing team finished second, 17 seconds behind the Malaysian team. In the 7th race, after adjusting their tactics, the SSL47 team crossed the finish line first, thereby widening their lead over rivals.

After seven of the 8 races, the Thai team accumulated a total of 10 penalty points, leading the standings. Malaysia ranked second with 17 penalty points, while Myanmar was third with 21 points. This result secured the gold medal for the SSL47 team ahead of the final race on 18/12. Under SEA Games 33 rules, the team with the lowest total penalty points wins the gold medal.

According to the schedule, at 17h today, Thailand's king will personally visit the Ocean Marina Yacht Club Pattaya to present medals to the winning teams of the SSL47 event and encourage the athletes. Thailand's queen, as an athlete on the team, will join her teammates in receiving this prestigious award.

This medal ceremony is considered historic, as the keelboat SSL47 event was included in the SEA Games program for the first time. The keelboat SSL47 uses a large sailboat measuring 47 feet, or about 14 m. This sport requires high technical skill, strength, precision, and teamwork to control the boat in varying wave and wind conditions. Each team comprises 8-10 male and female athletes, with a total weight not exceeding 730 kg.

Hong Duy (according to Khaosod, Bangkokbiznews)