SSL Team Slovenia completes Group D alongside Austria and Estonia in the European Qualifiers.
Previously, the SSL Team Slovenia finished in 23rd place (1/8 Round of SSL Gold in Gran Canaria), starting from 1/32. Now they have one chance to gain the gold ticket to the Football World Cup in Sailing.
Although Slovenia has a population of just two million people, the country has built an impressive reputation in international sport, including sailing.
Slovenian sailors have won Olympic, World, and European medals across multiple classes, while the nation is also recognized for innovative yacht designers and successful sailing projects.
The team competes under the name KRPANI 1860, inspired by Martin Krpan, a legendary Slovenian folk hero known for strength, resilience, and determination values that perfectly reflect the spirit of the squad.
Leading the squad is Vasilij Žbogar, Slovenia’s most successful sailor and a three-time Olympic medalist. He won Olympic bronze in Athens 2004, silver in Beijing 2008 in the Laser class, and another silver medal at Rio 2016 in the Finn class. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Žbogar also collected multiple European and World Championship medals and was part of the legendary Esimit Europa 2 project.
Another major figure in the team is Igor Lah, former No.1 skipper in the SSL ranking and 44Cup World Champion with his CEEREF crew. The line-up is further strengthened by Tina Mrak, a three-time Olympian in the 470 class. Together with Veronika Macarol, she became a two-time European champion and achieved top finishes at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Since 2022, she has continued competing in the mixed 470 Olympic class.
