The level keeps rising as we introduce the final group of the European Qualifiers. Group F features SSL Team Portugal, a nation with a proud sailing tradition and a squad full of experience.
Portugal is currently 23rd in the SSL Nation Ranking. Two of the highest-ranked Portuguese sailors today are Diogo Costa and Beatriz Gago, the successful helms from 470 class.
With Olympians, world champions, and top international sailors in the lineup, Portugal will be one of the strongest teams in Group F.
The team captain is João Rodrigues, one of the greatest Portuguese sailors of all time. He represented Portugal at seven Olympic Games, from Barcelona 1992 to Rio 2016, making him the Portuguese athlete with the most Olympic appearances in sailing. During his career, he won three World Championship titles and five European Championship titles in windsurfing. His experience and leadership will be a key advantage for Portugal.
One of the team's leaders is Afonso Domingos, a sailor with decades of experience in different classes. Besides his Olympic career, he became the first European sailor to win the famous Bacardi Cup in the Star class. Today, he is also the CEO and skipper of the successful Portuguese keelboat team Bigamist.
The Portuguese lineup includes many famous names:
- Diana Neves – Olympian at London 2012 and silver medalist at the 2011 ISAF Nations Cup.
- Mariana Lobato – Olympian at London 2012, 2013 World Match Racing Champion, and winner of The Ocean Race Europe in 2021.
- Nuno Miguel Santos Barreto – Bronze medalist in the 470 class at the 1996 Olympic Games and two-time European Champion.
- Filipe Silva – World Masters Champion in the Finn class.
Portugal faces a difficult challenge in Group F, where they must finish ahead of Bulgaria and Turkey to continue their journey.
Looking back at the first edition of the SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria, Portugal was one of the teams that left a strong impression. They finished in 14th place, showing determination and fighting spirit. This year, with an even stronger squad, Portugal hopes to go even further.
