Ecuador might not be the first country that comes to mind in the world of professional sailing, but SSL Team Ecuador is here to change that perception. This team brings together a mix of decorated veterans and rising stars — all driven by a shared love for the ocean and a deep commitment to representing their country at the highest level.
At the heart of the team is Julio Vélez, with over 30 years of sailing and countless national and international titles under his belt. A South American Champion in the Lightning Class, Vélez brings leadership, tactical depth, and experience as both helmsman and tactician aboard the Swan 45.
Joining him is Jonathan Martinetti, a two-time Lightning World Champion, Sunfish World Champion, Pan American Champion, and South American Optimist Champion. His competitive mindset and versatility across classes make him one of Ecuador’s most decorated sailors.
John Birkett brings over 15 years of high-level racing experience across classes such as the 470, Laser, Snipe and Sunfish. He is a multi-time national champion and known for his strong character and intensity on the water.
The team also features a rising generation of talent with a mix of dinghy and offshore experience. Sebastián and Samuel Herrera, both lifelong sailors, have represented Ecuador at Pan American Games and world championships, racing everything from Lightning to ORC.
Alfredo Ochoa brings a strong record in Lightning and ORC. A former national team racer in Optimist, Laser, and 470, he was part of the team that won the South American Lightning Championship in 2019 alongside Vélez and Irene Suarez.
At just 20 years old, Irene “Bebe” Suarez is already a multiple national and South American champion in the Lightning class. She’s been awarded Ecuador’s Best Female Sailor four years in a row by the Olympic Committee.
Alisson Haon, who only began sailing in 2023, has had a meteoric rise. She debuted at the Pan Am Games, placed 5th, and went on to win the South American and World Championships in the Lightning class within a single week. Her impact has been immediate and impressive.
Other key contributors include Juan Andres Santos, a three-time Pan Am Games competitor with a South American title in the Lightning class, and John Wiener, a passionate sailor and current ORC national champion.
With a balance of Olympic-class racing, offshore experience, and new-generation firepower, SSL Team Ecuador is more than ready to take on the world. From Salinas to Grandson, this crew is bringing passion, national pride, and serious sailing pedigree to the Star Sailors League.
#StarSailorsLeague #SSLGoldCup #RoadToGold #SSLTeamECU