Star Sailors League: Thailand takes gold medal on home waters in a historic royal moment

SSL Team Thailand sealed victory at the Grand Finale of the SSL at the SEA Games, controlling the regatta from the first start and staying remarkably clean through four intense days. High-level mixed team racing kept the fleet locked together, with only meters separating the contenders in shifting tropical breeze. Every small gain was rewarded, while any mistake led to heavy losses. “Sailing with big teams from each nation really brings out the best of a country in this format,” said Dylan Whitcraft, trimmer on board SSL Team Thailand. “This is definitely the future of the sport.”

Navee Thamsoontorn and Nichapa Waiwai of SSL Team Thailand have now secured a second gold medal at the SEA Games, this time in the SSL47 keelboat class, following their earlier victory in the 470 Mixed. It marks Thailand’s fifth sailing gold at the 2025 Games. “We are very happy and excited to win another gold medal at the same Games. To achieve both an individual result and a victory for the nation is very special,” the team said at the press conference.

Grand Finale Medal Race

The final day began with light air and a postponement. Racing finally got underway at 12.40 with an 8-knot northwesterly and tropical heat building over the course. The pre-start was loud and fiercely competitive. SSL Team Malaysia launched well again from the leeward side, but Thailand matched and covered immediately. SSL Team Vietnam tacked early for clear air. The fleet split and the fight started straight away.

SSL Team Myanmar briefly hit the front mid-leg, before Thailand reeled them back in ahead of the first weather mark. Thailand rounded first with the fleet stacked behind, framed by Pattaya’s skyline. Downwind, gennakers were hoisted cleanly as the top teams matched each other in a gybing duel to cover. The race committee changed the course mid-run, stretching the pressure and testing focus.

At the leeward gate, Thailand kept their rhythm through another sharp hoist and drop sequence. The positions stayed compressed. Myanmar surged again, the Philippines pushed hard and Malaysia had work to do from the pack, but stayed in the overall medal hunt.

Malaysia Strikes Silver

Malaysia leave Pattaya with silver and belief, demonstrating outstanding consistency, determination, and true fighting spirit throughout the entire regatta. From the very first race to the final finish line, Malaysia stayed in the fight, never backing off. One of the standout moments of their campaign was a race win achieved in impressive, confident style, underlining both their speed and their excellent teamwork on board. It was a clear statement of intent and proof of their ability to perform at the highest level when it mattered most.

Throughout the event, SSL Team Malaysia showed great composure under pressure, smart tactical decision-making, and a willingness to push hard in challenging conditions. They fought for every meter of the course, right until the final race, earning their place on the podium through sheer persistence and quality sailing.

The Most Thrilling Storyline

Without question, the most thrilling storyline of the final day was the battle for the bronze medal, where SSL Team Myanmar edged out SSL Team Philippines by just two points. Separated by a single point going into the decisive race, the showdown quickly turned into near match racing, with both teams covering each other closely and responding to every move on the course. Every wind shift, crossing, and maneuver carried weight, and the margins remained razor thin from start to finish. Myanmar held their nerve through a tight final-leg battle to secure the podium.

A Double-Royal Celebration

Upon returning after racing, Thailand’s docking turned into a celebration. The skipper and crew were thrown into the water as the crowd roared. The result became a national moment, with live coverage and the Queen of Malaysia greeting Her Majesty Queen Suthida of Thailand, the winning team, and the other teams on the dock.

“Her Majesty is very special to the team. She helped in so many ways. She was the navigator during the SEA Games, and she used skills from her experience as a pilot. She reads the clouds and understands meteorology, which is very important for choosing where to go and predicting wind shifts. Her contribution there was extremely clear.“ said Noppakao. “Her attitude is also very inspiring. She is an idol for the whole team. She brings positive energy and lifts everyone up, even when the team feels nervous. She works very hard on board and hikes continuously. When the crew sees her pushing so hard, it motivates everyone to push even more. She is incredibly strong, both physically and mentally. I can truly say that Thailand has the best queen in the world, for me and for the team.”

The Grand Finale will be remembered as a historic royal moment in sailing, with Her Majesty Queen Suthida competing in a nation against nation race alongside elite sailors from across Southeast Asia, welcomed on the dock by Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia, and celebrated with His Majesty the King of Thailand during the prize giving ceremony.

The SSL now rolls straight into the Gold Cup Qualifier event, starting 20 December at Ocean Marina Jomtien in Pattaya.

Text and images courtesy of Star Sailors League.