28th SEA Games at Singapore - Day 3
by Icarus Sailing Media 9 Jun 2015 20:18 BST
5-16 June 2015
Welcome back to the 28th South East Asian Games at Singapore's National Sailing Center. The triumph of the human spirit lies at the heart of the games, and in the theme "Celebrate the Extraordinary" – and for the sailors from different nations pursuing their dream of success.
After paying tribute with a 1 minute silence to the recent earthquake victims in Malaysia, athletes returned to the intense focus of boat preparation. Representing your country is a significant honour, and the elite level of competition demands precise attention to every detail.
Understanding the race track is essential, as sailors hunt out wind shifts to give themselves an advantage. Competition is hard and intense. One team's tactical move will force another team to make a counter move. Mastering maneuvers, mark roundings and anticipating how a rival's threat can be dealt with, reward teams with tactical and speed advantage around the course.
In the Men Fleet Racing Keelboat, a "chess game" unfolded between Singapore and the Philippines. Racing was neck and neck, as each team held their nerve in fierce boat on boat battles and impressive tactical showdown. With the aid of photo finishes, the nations end the day in a draw – 7 points each.
Three races today for the under 19 Laser Radial Men fleet. Singapore's Bernie Chin knows what it takes to win, and so far is setting the pace, counting 5 bullets from 8 races. Indonesia's Achmad Zainudin lost some ground, but the leaderboard remains open, with just 9 points separating the podium top three!
In the Women Fleet Racing Keelboat, Singapore's team skippered by Jovina Choo continue to put all their years of experience into play. The team has delivered a punishingly accurate partnership, which sees them unbeaten in the 6 races so far.
www.seagames2015.com/the-games/sports/sailing