Two teams - one main and a reserve squad - for each of the 12 classes, comprising Hobie 16, men's and women's 470, men's and women's 420, Laser standard, Laser radial, Supermod, boy's and girl's Optimist and teams Optimist and Platu, were named by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT).

The sailors had to compete in eight races over two days off Jomtien Beach with the worst race discarded.

No newcomers turned up in the test and the spotlight was on the Vongtim brothers, who won in the Hobie 16 class. Navy Thammasonthon, who won silver medal in the 15th Asian Games, took the boy's Optimist.

The girl's Optimist went to Noppakaw Poonpat, while veteran Wiwat Poonpat, who finished fourth in the Beneteau 7.5 class of the Asiad, and his crew sealed the win in the Platu category.

Kitipong Kambang and Worawit Worasenwon claimed the men's 470 class, while Purit Pholpitaksiri and Kirati Bualong sailed home first in the men's 420 division.

The winners in the women's 470 and 420 categories were Wandee Vongtim and crew Chutima Wikulthong and the team of Duangruthai Booncheud and Sai Chimsawat.

In the Optimist class, Navy, Noppakaw, Pholpet Suk-udom, Nattawut Panyaem and Patteera Meeyusamsen took the honours.

Rear Admiral Sunan Monthardpalin, the president of the selection committee, said every sailor will be given a chance to make it to the main team of the Games.

"Even a member from the reserve teams can make it to the first team but he or she must prove themselves in training," said Sunan.

The Thai teams will start training in May and may get a fair taste of the outcome in the Asean Games when six other participating countries start practising at the club, which is the official venue of all sailing events.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation