When you think of Colombia, you might picture coffee, football, or music. But it’s time to add sailing to that list. SSL Team Colombia, competing under the name Golden Coffee, enters the SSL Gold Cup with a unique blend of experience, youthful energy, and a deep passion for wind and water.
Their name is no coincidence — “Golden Coffee” is a national symbol, a prized export, and a perfect metaphor for this team: deep, intense, and energizing.
A Leader on a mission
At the helm of the Colombian team stands Simon Gomez — a sailor who has dedicated himself 100% to competitive sailing since the age of 12. A true multi-class talent (ILCA, Sunfish, Wingfoil, iQFoil), his impressive track record includes: Bolivarian Champion in Optimist and Sunfish, North American Champion in Sunfish, two-time Junior World Champion in Sunfish, and 5th place at the Pan American Games in iQFoil. He’s also an eleven-time national champion across multiple classes.
One of the strongest assets on board is Andrey Quintero — a legendary ILCA sailor, Olympian, and five-time Pan American Games representative. With 15 ILCA World Championships under his belt and a World Sailing Vice Champion title to his name, Quintero brings a wealth of experience, both in dinghies and offshore racing on 40-foot yachts.
He is joined by: Juan Esteban Restrepo – Bolivarian Games gold medalist and multi-time honoree by the Colombian Olympic Committee, Esteban Echavarria – two-time Colombian Sailor of the Year and Pan Am Games finalist, Julian Ramirez – Sunfish Youth World Champion, Juan Camilo Bustos – over 30 years of sailing experience in Sunfish, Lightning, and J24, with a long record of international success.
Each of them carries their own story — together, they form the backbone of a team built to endure.
Espresso Shots – the new wave
Golden Coffee also brings its own “espresso shots” — young sailors who not only complete the crew but often take center stage.
Ana Sofia Bermudez, the team’s tactician, is a standout in the Sunfish class with medals from the Central American and Caribbean Games, top finishes in the Junior and Women’s World Championships, and a versatile background in 420 and Lightning.
She’s joined by a new generation of Colombian talent: Paula Sánchez, Pablo Bright, Juan Diego Chaves, and James Medina, all with top national and international results in Sunfish, ILCA, Lightning, and 420 — and all under 25 years old.
Samuel Hormiga, the team’s physical and tactical coach. Active since 2010 in preparing high-performance athletes, Hormiga brings a scientific and strategic approach to the crew. Onboard, he will serve as mid-bow. He is currently the head coach of the Santander Sailing Team and led the Colombian national squad at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
On the waters of the SSL Gold Cup, Colombia isn’t just showing up — they’re reminding the world that sailing is a global sport. And the Golden Coffee crew is more than ready to make their mark.
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