Coaches of both teams said being accustomed already to the waters of Subic Bay, where both events will be held, definitely gives the Filipinos the hometown advantage.

Sailing team coach Remy Fidel said the Filipino bets have been practicing at the Subic Bay Yacht Club since early June, giving them enough time to master the wind and water current factor of the bay.

"We will be coming up with the final list of the team at the end of the month. This will give us more than enough time to further train and hone our skills for the Games in November," Fidel added.

Meanwhile, the country’s canoe/kayak teams are likewise confident about their present line-up, which has long been familiarizing itself with Subic’s complex water current changes.

Coach Leny Escollante said holding the event in Subic and not in Laguna as originally planned, was a good choice made by SEA Games organizers.

"Subic is an excellent choice for the canoe/kayak competitions. Athletes will definitely have a wonderful time doing their thing, with the wonderful scenery of the bay as backdrop," she noted.

She added the RP squad has been regularly practicing at Subic, whose water current directions are factors that could make the challenge more difficult for the competing teams.

"The waters of Malawaan Bay are tough to master. Currents do not only flow in one direction but actually meet in the middle. So this will truly be a test of endurance and skills," she said.

Canoe/kayak and sailing are two of four events to be held in the former American naval base, the other two being archery and triathlon.