In a shift of events, Gran Canaria's Las Palmas sees Rio de Janeiro step forward as its frontrunner.
The Star Sailors League (SSL) Gold Cup is set to make a splash in Rio de Janeiro for its second edition in 2026. With a confirmed participant list of 40 nations from five continents, the event promises to be a global spectacle.
The venue for this grand event will be Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, an iconic stage that will host the SSL Gold Cup in 2026. The inaugural host of the SSL was Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2023, where Hungary was crowned as the first champion.
Marina da Glória will welcome the public with a visitor village and live broadcasts on digital platforms, providing an immersive experience for both spectators and viewers at home. The official announcement for the 2026 SSL was made at Marina da Glória, with the official logo of the event also unveiled there.
World Sailing has granted the SSL Gold Cup "Special Event" status, a recognition reserved for few races worldwide. This prestigious event is modeled after the FIFA World Cup, promising a high-stakes battle for the world championship title.
Luiz Strauss, CEO of Visit Rio, emphasised that hosting the SSL Gold Cup strengthens Rio as a sports destination and boosts its Olympic legacy. Marco Aurélio, from Visit Rio, has highlighted that Brazil is ready to host the event, with more than 65 countries having confirmed their participation.
The SSL Gold Cup in 2026 will feature continental qualification for America from November 10 to 16. The second edition of the SSL will take place from November 18 to December 13, 2026. The president of the organizing committee for the 2026 Gold Cup in Rio de Janeiro is not publicly specified as of now.
Spain is the current runner-up of the SSL Gold Cup, having lost the final to Hungary in the Canary Islands in 2023. Notable performances from Brazil include finishing eighth in the SSL Gold Cup finals in 2023, led by Robert Scheidt and Martine Grael, among other Brazilian sailing stars.
As the countdown to the SSL Gold Cup in 2026 begins, Rio de Janeiro promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for sailors and spectators alike. With Guanabara Bay as the backdrop, this event is sure to be a highlight on the sailing calendar.
