Estonia is back on the international stage with another opportunity to fight for a place at the SSL Gold Cup Finals in Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
The next step comes in Switzerland, where racing will take place from June 8–11. Estonia has been drawn into a qualifying group D, with Austria and Slovenia. Only one team will move forward.
Estonia has a unique place in SSL history. Back in 2019, the team became the first national squad officially welcomed into the Star Sailors League project. They were also one of the first crews to sail the new SSL 47 gold boats, becoming part of the story before the competition had fully taken shape.
Photos from 2019:
At the first edition of the SSL Gold Cup, Team Estonia finished 25th. For a nation of just 1.3 million people, the result was another reminder that Estonia’s influence in sailing has never been defined by size. Racing under the nickname “Icebreakers,” the team has built its identity on consistency, experience, and a willingness to take on bigger sailing nations.
Now, another qualification campaign begins. One place. Three teams. And Estonia knows exactly what is at stake!