20 days to go! SSL Gold Cup 2026 Qualifiers are Just Around the Corner
by SSL Gold Cup 13 May 17:13 BST
2-4 & 8-11 June 2026
SSL Gold Cup racing on Lake Neuchâtel © Martina Orsini / SSL Gold Cup
Less than three weeks remain until the next crucial stage on the road to the Sailing Mundial. From June 2-11 in Switzerland, teams from Africa, Oceania, and Europe will battle for their golden tickets to the Football World Cup in Sailing, the SSL Gold Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro.
At Lake Neuchâtel, preparations are entering their final and most intense phase. Throughout May, teams have been pushing hard in training, focusing on sailing skills, endurance, and both physical and mental preparation.
"Our team preparations have intensified, both individually and collectively. We do not have this category of boat here in Mozambique, but we do train on boats with similar characteristics. I have increased both my time at sea and my gym sessions to be in the best possible shape for this competition and to help our team give its absolute best in qualification," said José Massaze, floater for SSL Team Mozambique.
"It has been serious teamwork, a lot of training, video analysis, and adapting to European conditions. We are focused and motivated," added Carlos Lino, trimmer of the SSL Team Mozambique.
The first teams to line up on the starting grid will be the representatives of Africa and Oceania. From June 2-4, Mozambique, Tahiti, Seychelles, and Morocco will compete for two qualification spots for Rio.
Europe Ready for Battle
Following the Africa and Oceania qualifiers, the European teams will begin their campaign. Only one team from each group will secure a place in Rio.
Group D: Austria, Slovenia, Estonia
Group E: Norway, Belgium, Lithuania, Serbia
Serbia has been working intensely throughout May, focusing on technical precision and team development.
When asked about preparations, the Serbian team shared:
"We're currently focused on manoeuvres, hoists, drops, and of course, boat speed. So far, we're really satisfied. We also have an international coach from Croatia, and his support has been a huge help."
The Serbian squad knows the challenge ahead.
"I believe everything will go smoothly. The teams in our group are all outstanding sailors, on paper, maybe even stronger than us. But Serbia has always loved difficult challenges and finding ways to win when it matters most."
After narrowly missing qualification in the first stage, the motivation is stronger than ever.
"The team progressed from working on the basics during the first days to performing some really great manoeuvres over the past few days. We're leaving Grandson in high spirits and are very eager to come back in a month for the qualifiers," said Goran Stevanovic, helmsman of the Serbian team.
"Right now, our focus is on how we can improve as a team, rather than blaming anyone for mistakes. That's easy to say, but not easy to achieve. We sail well together, we forgive mistakes, we move forward, and we genuinely enjoy being together as a team," he added.
Lithuania Eyes the Golden Ticket
The competition promises to be fierce. After impressive performances in Gran Canaria, SSL Team Lithuania arrives in Switzerland with confidence and ambition.
Led by helmsman Rokas Milevicius, the Lithuanian team has one clear objective, to fight for qualification.
"We are truly excited to begin a new cycle in the SSL Gold Cup! As there have been some changes in the team, in a few days we will begin our training clinic in Switzerland, dedicating ourselves fully for the time on the water, as well as detailed analysis and development of teamwork. We hope it is going to be a good warm-up before the main event. It is one of the most exciting thing about the SSL format that it is not the boat or other things, but specifically the people on the boat and their teamwork that determines the winners," said Rokas Milevicius.
With just 20 days to go to the Qualifiers, the countdown is on, and the race for Rio is about to begin.