The sailing competition, held from Dec. 15 to 18 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Sattahip, Chonburi, marked the debut of the SSL47 keelboat class in a SEA Games.
On Wednesday, the third day of competition, Queen Suthida boarded keelboat SSL47 number 6 to compete directly in the sixth and seventh races in the Gulf of Thailand. Facing rivals from Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Myanmar, the Queen served as the team’s tactician and navigator.
According to Bangkokbiznewsthis role was crucial for reading wind direction and currents to adjust tactics amidst constantly changing sea conditions. Her accurate calculations allowed the boat to optimize speed, while her use of a compass helped analyze favorable and unfavorable factors in complex wind and wave conditions.
Queen of Thailand Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana (C) before a race in the SSL47 keelboat event at the 33rd SEA Games. Photo by Instagram/@thairoyalfamily |
The Queen also worked closely with the crew to maintain the boat’s balance during critical moments. As the SSL47 lacks safety ropes found on other vessels, every move required significant physical strength, skill and precise coordination, posing considerable risks.
In the sixth race, Thailand finished second, just 17 seconds behind Malaysia. However, after adjusting their strategy for the seventh race, the team stormed to a first-place finish, widening the gap over their rivals.
After seven of the scheduled eight races, Thailand sits atop the standings with a total of 10 penalty points. Malaysia follows in second with 17 points and Myanmar is third with 21.
Under the SEA Games 33 format, where the team with the lowest total penalty points wins, this lead is enough to secure the gold medal for Thailand before the final race on Thursday.
 |
Queen Suthida and the Thailand sailing team compete in the 33rd SEA Games. Photo by Instagram/@thairoyalfamily |
King of Thailand Rama X is scheduled to visit Ocean Marina Yacht Club Pattaya at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday to present the medals to the winning teams and encourage the athletes. Queen Suthida will receive the prestigious award alongside her teammates in a historic moment for the Games.
The SSL47 keelboat event features large 47-foot (14 m) sailboats, requiring high technical skill and teamwork to navigate varying wind and wave conditions. Each team consists of 8-10 male and female athletes with a combined weight not exceeding 730 kg.
Queen Suthida, 47, married King Mara X in 2019. She holds a degree in Communication Arts from Assumption University in Bangkok and previously worked as a Thai Airways flight attendant. She joined the Thai military in 2010, later commanding the King’s Guard Special Forces unit, and currently holds the rank of general.
Comments are closed.