Under tropical skies and light monsoon winds, three national teams - Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand — gathered in Pattaya for an intense week of training on the SSL47 yachts. The sessions marked a crucial phase ahead of the SEA Games and the upcoming Asian Qualification Series in December, where a spot in the SSL Gold Cup 2026 in Rio de Janeiro is at stake.
For many sailors, this was their first experience handling the high-performance SSL47. The Gulf of Thailand delivered everything from scorching sun and ultra-light winds to sudden rain showers and unpredictable gusts, testing the crews’ adaptability, focus, and teamwork.
A Historic First Step for Myanmar
For SSL Team Myanmar, this training week represented a milestone. It was their debut on the SSL47 and their first steps toward competing internationally at this level. The team, led by captain Sithu Myint, brought enthusiasm and determination to every session despite the light and unpredictable breeze.
“Oh, it feels tremendous,” said Myint. “When I asked the team how it felt, we said this is what greatness feels like. One of the guys even said it felt like Tony Stark putting on the Iron Man suit for the first time.”
The crew, based mostly on Yangon’s lakes, faced a steep learning curve transitioning from smaller boats to the powerful 47-foot keelboat. Yet progress came quickly.
“The first days were great, with 10 to 15 knots of wind,” Myint explained. “Midweek was tougher, with only four to five knots, very light and tricky. But the final weekend delivered what we had been waiting for: steady breeze around 10 knots, sunshine, and perfect sailing conditions. It was definitely the best training day of the week. Over the week, every start and every leg has been a learning moment.”
Tactician Su Myat Soe, one of the two women on board, reflected on the challenge: “I’ve never sailed on a keelboat before. Teamwork is the hardest part because we’ve never had 10 people working together on one boat. As a tactician, I have to call every move, and that can be stressful. But I want to do my best and deliver error-free sailing together with the team.”
Despite the demanding conditions, the team left Pattaya stronger and more united, ready to chase their dream of qualifying for Rio.
The Monsoon Momentum Returns for Malaysia
For SSL Team Malaysia, nicknamed The Monsoon, this camp was about regaining rhythm and refining coordination after their last appearance at the SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria. Captain Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy described it as a much-needed comeback.
“This was our second day after a long break since Gran Canaria,” Afendy said. “Yesterday we were a bit rusty, but today we made big gains. Everyone started remembering their roles and the sequence on board.”
The Malaysian crew has evolved since 2023. With two women now part of the regular line-up, the team adjusted their dynamics and crew positions to meet the new SSL requirements. “We’re adapting with a slightly smaller crew size and a more flexible setup,” Afendy explained. “It’s good to have the mix of strength and agility. The team seems happy!”
Looking ahead to December’s SEA Games, the captain’s expectations were clear.
“For sure, we want the best for the team and for Malaysia. The key is to enjoy it, and the results will follow. The monsoon season is coming, and we’ll be ready to rock.”
Malaysia’s blend of experience and youthful energy is shaping them into one of the most balanced Asian teams. Their familiarity with regional conditions in the South China Sea may also prove to be a major advantage.
Thailand Training with Purpose and Pride
As hosts, SSL Team Thailand had the home-water advantage and a powerful motivation to claim gold at the SEA Games on their own turf. Their training week was defined by focus, respect, and national pride.
During the sessions, the Thai sailors wore subdued black clothing in observance of the national mourning period following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit Kitiyakara. Despite the somber atmosphere on land, their energy on the water was anything but muted.
The crew spent the first days fine-tuning sails, equipment, and maneuvers before progressing into three-boat races against Myanmar and Malaysia. The week began with light and variable winds that tested their patience but ended on a high note as stronger breezes arrived for the final day.
Challenging conditions required precision and constant communication, sharpening the team’s coordination and adaptability. By the end of the week, Thailand had strengthened both confidence and cohesion. Their goal remains clear and ambitious: to stand on top of the podium at the SEA Games and continue Thailand’s proud tradition of excellence in Asian sailing.
Shared Waters, Shared Dreams
By the end of the week, camaraderie had grown among the three nations. The crystal-clear blue waters outside Ocean Marina Pattaya Jomtien had become not just a training ground but a stage for shared ambition. The sailors swapped experiences, cheered each other’s improvements, and pushed through heat, rain, and light winds together.
“We’re all learning from each other,” said Sithu Myint of Myanmar. “This is just the beginning. We’re aiming for Rio, and every day here takes us one step closer.”
Across teams, the message was the same: resilience, teamwork, and belief in the journey ahead. Whether they come from lakes, bays, or open seas, these sailors share one horizon — to represent Asia on the world stage at the SSL Gold Cup 2026.
As the sails dropped and the boats docked for the final time that week, the sense of purpose was clear. The SEA Games are next. The Gold Cup awaits. And Asia’s rising teams are ready to set their course.
Written by: Madeleine Lithvall
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