SSL Team Austria will compete from 8–11 June in Group D, facing Slovenia and Estonia.
After an early exit in the SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria, where the team finished in the Round of 16, Austria is now fully focused on the upcoming qualifiers in Switzerland.
Although Austria is traditionally known as a winter sports nation, it has produced several world-class sailing talents. Among them are Lara Vadlau and Lukas Mähr, Olympic gold medalists in the 470 class from Paris 2024.
The new generation is also making a strong impact on the international stage. Keanu Prettner and Jakob Flachberger, recently crowned World Championship silver medalists in the 49er class, continue to strengthen Austria’s position in elite sailing.
Strong Reinforcements on Board
The team will also be boosted by Lukas Haberl, an Olympian from the Paris 2024 Games in the Nacra 17 class, alongside experienced Nacra 17 sailors Matthäus Zöchling and Laura Farese.
With Haberl and Prettner on board, combined with the strong Nacra 17 crew, the squad brings both Olympic experience and fresh talent, making this one of the most balanced and powerful line-ups SSL Team Austria has had in recent years. Also joining the campaign is David Hussl, a multiple-time Olympian in the 49er class, who has already competed in previous SSL events and brings valuable experience to the team.
Team Capitan: Thomas Zajac
Thomas is an Austrian sailor with Polish roots. He competed successfully in junior classes, winning European and World titles in the 420 class, before moving on to Olympic sailing. His career highlights include a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Tanja Frank and participation in Tokyo 2020 with Barbara Matz. Today, Thomas is the skipper of the super maxi yacht EWOL (formerly Morning Glory) and leads SSL Team Austria as captain, including during the SSL Gold Cup 2023.
