During the first week of July, two teams – SSL Team Australia and SSL Team Ecuador – spent time at Lake Neuchâtel, training and getting to know the SSL47 boat better.
“It’s great to be back in Grandson! I think it’s been about four years since I first came here and did some sailing. It’s nice to return, reconnect with the team, get back on the water, and re-learn how to sail the SSL47. After a few years away, I’m excited to be part of the Star Sailors League project again,” said Matt Wearn, double Olympic champion and skipper for SSL Team Australia.
This training is part of the teams’ preparations for the SSL Gold Cup qualifiers and final in 2026 – like the Football World Cup, but for Sailing!
“The Star Sailors League plays a really important role in the sailing world. The idea of racing by nation is fantastic. I didn’t fully appreciate it when I was sailing in the Olympics, because I competed alone. But being part of a team – especially one representing your country – is a fantastic experience,” said McKenzie.
“It’s drawing in the best sailors, and the growing media profile is attracting even more. Most sailors want to be part of this event – it’s truly a top-level competition. In recent decades, the sailing world has moved away from big team formats, and SSL is one of the few places where teams from many nations can still compete on this scale.”
“Hungary showed last time that with strong teamwork, a good leader, and dedication, you can go a long way – even without having many top-ranked stars. That example gives all of us, including our team, the hope that we can follow a similar path and reach a whole new level.”
Five days of training, different weather conditions, hours on the water – and still lots more to learn!