Racing at the SSL Gold Cup Asia Qualifier begins tomorrow, 20 December, at Ocean Marina Jomtien Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand. Seven national teams will line up with two coveted places at the SSL Gold Cup 2026 in Rio de Janeiro at stake, an event often described as the “Football World Cup in sailing.” Identical boats, a high-points scoring format, and nation-against-nation racing featuring the best sailors from each country promise intense action from the first start.
Racing Nation Against Nation
The SSL Gold Cup Asia Qualifier is the first stop on the road to the SSL Gold Cup 2026. National teams race under their flags, with the spotlight firmly on the athletes and their teamwork.
Seven teams are competing in Thailand:
SSL Team United Arab Emirates – The Falcons
SSL Team Kazakhstan – Nomad Force
SSL Team Myanmar – Inya
SSL Team Vietnam – Golden Stars
SSL Team Philippines – Centennial Sailing Team
SSL Team Oman – Lions of the Sea
SSL Team South Korea – Red Fury
The teams are split into two groups where each group winner earns one of the final two Asian tickets to the SSL Gold Cup 2026. Four races are scheduled per day on identical SSL47 one-design yachts, where every race matters. The event uses a high-points format, where the race winner scores points equal to the number of boats on the start line. The format guarantees a level playing field and rewards tactical skill, clean maneuvers, and strong crew coordination.
“At this level, every moment counts, and strong teamwork across the whole crew is what makes the difference.” reinforces Yousuf AlBastaki, grinder for SSL Team United Arab Emirates. “We have trained together extensively, including preparation in Switzerland, and the team is in a very strong place. We are expecting a tough and exciting competition, and we are really looking forward to it.” he adds.
Six Asian nations have already qualified for Rio through the SSL Nations Ranking: Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and India. The qualifier winners will join them in Brazil to fight for the title of World Champion of Nations.
Final Preparations on the Water
Day 0 marked the start of official activities, including crew weigh-ins, registrations, and team photo sessions. On the water, the focus was on final training sessions. Crews tuned communication, practiced starts, and refined maneuvers on the SSL47s. Many of these teams have trained extensively on the boats during November. The emphasis today was on consistency and decision-making under pressure.
“We are very happy to be here in Thailand and grateful to the Star Sailors League for bringing us together to compete in the Asian Qualifier for the SSL Gold Cup. Today was our first official training day, and tomorrow the real battle begins. The team feels ready and confident. We have a strong group and a clear focus, and we are determined to perform at our best.” said Nasser Al Mashari, Captain of SSL Team Oman. “We know the level here is high, with many experienced teams on the water, but we trust our preparation and our teamwork. Every team brings its own strengths, and our goal is simply to sail as well as we can in every race.”
Sustainability in Action
Following leading global initiatives including Clean Regattas, World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030, and the IOC Sustainability Strategy, sustainability is embedded across the SEA Games sailing venue. Recycling bins are placed throughout the site, water refill stations encourage the use of reusable bottles, and a plastic-free policy is enforced across catering and operations.
Parallel to the on-water competition, another contest is taking place among the teams to crown the most sustainable sailing nation. Each team has appointed a sustainability ambassador, and on the water the message is clear: everything brought onboard must be taken back ashore. Nothing goes into the sea. Onshore, waste is collected and separated, all lunches are plastic-free, and food waste is redistributed where possible.
Today, SSL sailors also joined Amara Water Sports and 60 local children for a beach clean-up. 144 kg trash was collected, sorted for recycling, and the children were rewarded with a guided tour of the SSL47 yachts.