DESIGNED FOR PERFECTION: At the camp, the young sailors are given an idea of
what to expect during the actual competition in Thailand. -- ST PHOTO: ALBERT SIM

STRONG winds, urine tests and even 'ghosts'.

That is what Singapore's sailors have to deal with at their 'boot camp' at Changi, ahead of
December's South-east Asia Games.

The six-day stint, which began on Sunday, has been designed to replicate conditions in Chonburi, Thailand - the venue for the Games' sailing events.

The smallest details - from the security passes to the meal times - have been included to mirror their routine in Chonburi.

'We want them to get used to being in a major Games and give them an idea of what to expect in Thailand,' said Andrew Sanders, SingaporeSailing's executive director.

A similar camp was held last year, ahead of the Asian Games in Doha. It reaped dividends, as Singapore returned with five golds. At the last SEA Games in Manila, Singapore won seven golds. This time, the target is just four, owing to the youthfulness of the team.

Out of the 25-member squad, 18 are SEA Games debutants. Eight of them are aged 16 or below.

Singapore's elite sailors have been excluded, because they are preparing for a series of pre-Olympic qualifying events in Sydney.

Although fewer golds are expected, SingaporeSailing is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations.

Even the sailors' quarters at Changi were picked because their training site is just a 10-minute bus ride away - the same time it will take for the team to travel between their accommodation and the competition venue in Chonburi.

Each day, the sailors spend at least five hours at sea at the SAF Yacht Club.

The venue was chosen because the strong winds and choppy waters there are similar to the conditions they will face in Thailand.

Aside from sailing, the squad also undergo physical fitness training, as well as classes on sports psychology.

The sailors are also urine-tested daily, to check whether they have consumed enough water and to simulate doping tests.

Only one thing was unplanned - 'supernatural sightings' at their temporary home in Changi.

'The bungalows are haunted,' said Darren Choy, 13, an Optimist sailor and the youngest member of the Singapore contingent. 'I saw a door slam shut and there was no one around,' he said.

Darren and his teammates, however, are eager to impress at the Dec 6-15 Games despite their inexperience.

Said Optimist sailor Rachel Lee, 13: 'This camp is a good preparation. I want to do well and, if I can, win a medal for Singapore.'

Read more stories on the 24th SEA Games here.