First day of SEA Games

Sailing events start today at the Southeast Asian Games in Port Dickson, Malaysia

Sailing events in the XXI Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) get underway today at Admiral Marina, Port Dickson, Malaysia. Competitors from six of the ten countries entered in the SEA Games are taking part in the sailing events and will be enjoying new dinghy facilities at the Malacca Straits coastal resort city.
This is the biggest International sailing event held in Olympic classes that the Malaysian Yachting Association have ever hosted and the first time some of these sailors have had the opportunity race against each other in local waters. Many have done well at European and World class championships held recently, including representing their country at the Sydney Olympics.

With thirteen gold medals up for competition their will be plenty of action in the seven different classes. The size of the regatta, with about 100 sailors, may be small by International standards but in growing Asia the size of a regatta fleet is not always considered important. The overall success will be measured by the quality of sportsmanship and skills the participants display during the competition.

Singapore's Roy Tay Junhao who took the Silver medal at the 420 World Youth championship and Malaysian Optimist sailor, Abdul Rahim who eventually finished third at the World championships in China, are out to prove their victories in light conditions where no fluke.

Also competing are Sydney Olympians Kevin Lim from Malaysia and Thailand's Veerasit Puangnak, who meet again in the men's Laser class.

The six countries competing in the sailing events are Indonesia, Malaysia, Mayanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Over 4000 competitors are taking in part in the games in 32 different sports. The SEA Games close on the 17 September.