They don’t need to talk about what they can do. They prefer to show it on the water.
Ranked 10th in the SSL Nations Ranking, New Zealand returns to the SSL Gold Cup Final Series with a place secured directly in the 1/8 Finals, where they will race from 2–5 December.
The last time we saw the New Zealand team was in Gran Canaria in 2023, where the Guardians made it all the way to the Finals, finishing 6. Now, three years later, they are back with a young and ambitious crew, ready to test themselves against the world’s best sailing nations.
All sailors on board are under 30, bringing strength, energy and ambition to the team. Alongside them is the experience of co-captain Leslie Egnot, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished sailors.
Egnot won Olympic silver in the 470 at Barcelona 1992 and became the first woman to skipper an America’s Cup yacht. Her role is clear: prepare the team and then let them loose on the competition.
New Zealand’s sailing tradition gives the team plenty to live up to. Kiwi sailors have won 22 Olympic sailing medals, including four at the Rio 2016 Games.
For New Zealand, racing in Rio is more than another venue. It is a privilege to compete in a place that has hosted some of the world’s biggest sailing events - and an opportunity to measure themselves against the best.
The team is expecting a world-class level of competition on the SSL47 and sees the Gold Cup as a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage while adding another chapter to the rich history of New Zealand yachting.
Quietly prepared. Young. Ambitious.
The Guardians are locked and loaded for Rio.
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