SSL set to shine at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand
by Star Sailors League 12 Nov 21:10 HKT
15-18 December 2025
Star Sailors League set to shine at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand © Star Sailors League
The Star Sailors League (SSL) joins the line-up of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games Thailand 2025), introducing the excitement of the SSL47 keelboat class to one of Asia's most prestigious multi-sport events.
From 15-18 December 2025, teams will battle it out at Ocean Marina Resort, in Chonburi Province, marking a milestone debut for professional-style keelboat racing at the region's largest sporting stage.
As part of the sailing competition's keelboat category, the SSL47 class will see mixed-gender teams from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar compete in a five-race series culminating in a final medal race. Each team will race aboard identical SSL47 one-design boats, ensuring that skill, teamwork, and strategy determine the winners. The event promises close, tactical racing and a new level of excitement for regional audiences.
"As one of the largest sailing events in Asia, we are extremely proud to be part of the SEA Games," affirms Xavier Rohart, President of the Star Sailors League (SSL). "Beyond the competition, it's about collaboration, sustainability, and fostering the next generation of sailors who embody the region's unity and talent."
Chonburi's Premier Sailing Stage
Set against the lush backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand, Chonburi Province will serve as the hub for all SEA Games water sports, including sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and swimming. With its natural coastline, modern marinas, and vibrant tourism scene, Chonburi offers ideal conditions for both athletes and spectators.
"We are confident in Chonburi's capacity, given its extensive experience in organizing sporting events," states Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
The sailing events will be held from 9 to 18 December at Ao Dong Tan and Ocean Marina, under the management of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT).
Her majesty takes the helm
In a historic announcement made during the "Meet the Press SEA Games 2025" conference held at Rajamangala National Stadium on 16 October 2025, Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana confirmed her participation in the SSL47 keelboat class. The news was received with great excitement across Thailand and beyond, as Her Majesty's involvement adds extraordinary prestige to the event and continues the Thai Royal Family's proud legacy in sailing.
This legacy dates back to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX), who, together with Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, won
a gold medal in the OK Dinghy class at the 4th SEAP Games in 1967 - sailing a boat His Majesty had designed and built himself.
Legacy fuels Asia's next sailing triumph
Sailing has been a cornerstone of the SEA Games since the 2nd edition in 1961, consistently attracting top athletes and nurturing generations of sailors across Southeast Asia. At the 2025 Games, the sailing competition will feature four event categories and six racing classes, including the ILCA (Laser), Optimist, Mixed 470, and Keelboat SSL47.
The inclusion of the SSL class brings a new dimension to the SEA Games, introducing the professional league's signature format of national team racing to the region. Designed for international-level competition, the 47-foot SSL47 yachts are fast, responsive, and built for close, tactical racing. With nine crew members per team, mixed by gender, each nation's crew will need to combine athleticism, precision, and coordination to master the challenging waters of Chonburi.
Representing the host nation, SSL Team Thailand will enter the SSL47 class with a crew composed of leading Thai sailors - some of whom have previously raced in dinghy and Olympic classes and are now stepping up to the keelboat arena. The team will be led by Captain Noppakao Poonpat (Nai), under the management of the YRAT, as Thailand aims to continue its tradition of excellence in regional sailing.
"I believe that Thailand will be an excellent host for the competition and will be able to inspire and support the next generation of sailors - both in the country and across Asia - to take a greater interest in sailing," comments Noppakao Poonpat, SSL Thailand team Captain.
Challenging the experienced SSL Team Thailand, the nations of Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar will also compete. SSL Team Malaysia brings valuable experience from the fleet, while the others join as new challengers - yet all fielding highly skilled sailors from other classes. Many of these athletes are transitioning from one-design dinghy racing to the larger SSL47 format. This crossover is set to elevate competition levels and further strengthen the long-term development of sailing across Southeast Asia.
Celebrating sport and sustainability
The 33rd SEA Games, officially titled SEA GAMES Thailand 2025, will take place from 9-20 December 2025, hosted across Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla Provinces. Sanctioned by the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), this edition will feature 50 official sports and three demonstration sports, and one value-added sport, with a total of 574 medal events across all disciplines. 12 506 athletes from 11 nations are registered to compete - making it one of the largest SEA Games in history. Host nation Thailand will field the biggest team as the Games promote athletic excellence alongside environmental responsibility and cultural connection.
The sailing events in Chonburi are expected to highlight Thailand's role as a global sailing destination and its commitment to sustainable water sports. The SSL47 class, with its one-design racing model and emphasis on teamwork over technology, embodies the SEA Games' values of fairness, inclusion, and unity.
Spectators and fans are encouraged to visit Ocean Marina, Sattahip District, to support their national teams and witness the excitement of high-level keelboat racing up close.
Event website: starsailors.com