Sometimes sailing on the SSL 47 boat can feel like piloting a jet – and sometimes even better!
This high-performance racing boat is designed for teamwork, precision, and speed. At every moment, there are eight to ten people on board, and each of them has a clearly defined role. Every movement matters: trimming sails, steering, adjusting weight, communicating wind changes, and reacting instantly to what is happening on the water – a bit like a jet plane. While each sailor focuses on their specific task, everyone is ultimately working toward the same goal – to get the boat around the racecourse as fast as possible.
In today’s reel, we can see an SSL Team Philippines highlight led by Ridgely Balladares, the captain of the Philippine team. Ridgely is a retired Philippine Navy Petty Officer whose passion for the sea continues to shape his life and career.
Beyond competition, he is deeply involved in developing sailing in his region. He founded the “I PHILSAILing” program, an initiative focused on building the next generation of sailing professionals by helping develop Basic Sailing Instructors and improving coach boat handling skills across the region.
Programs like this show that sailing is not only about racing, it is also about sharing knowledge, building communities, and inspiring future sailors.
By finishing 1st in their group at the Asian Qualifiers, the SSL Team Philippines secured their place at the SSL Gold Cup in Brazil. The team, led by Ridgely Balladares, currently holds 65th in the SSL Nations Ranking.