SSL Snipe Challenge

The iconic waters of Rio de Janeiro are set to become the stage for a unique fusion of tradition and intense competition. On November 24-25, 2026, the Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro—with the patronage of the Star Sailors League (SSL) and the Sailing Athletes Foundation (SAF) —will host the inaugural SSL Snipe Challenge.

Scheduled strategically as a side event of the SSL Gold Cup (taking place between the 1/32 and 1/16 finals), this invitational regatta aims to bring the prestigious “Grand Slam” atmosphere of the SSL Finals to the Snipe Class. Thanks to the support of the SSL and the SAF, this event provides the Snipe Class with the global visibility it truly deserves.

A Strategic Intersection of Excellence

In Brazil, the Snipe is more than just a boat; it is a legacy. As the nation with the highest number of World Champions in the class, Brazil’s sailing culture is deeply rooted in the Snipe.

The SSL Snipe Challenge is perfectly positioned on the calendar, falling between the Campeonato Carioca and the Women’s Hemisphere Cup, ensuring a fleet of peak performance and strategic depth.

Key Event Features

The event will feature a fleet of 20 boats including both Male and Women’s teams. The entry list is designed for maximum impact:

Global Representation: Aiming for the widest possible range of nations.
Sailing Legends: A roster of elite names, including legends from outside the Snipe class.
SSL Gold Cup Connection: Featuring athletes currently competing in the SSL Gold Cup Finals or the Pan-Am Qualifiers.
Host Nation (Brazil): Representation via invited legends and a limited selection from the Carioca Championship.
Female Excellence: Top-tier female teams invited from the legends pool and the Hemisphere Cup entries.

The SSL “Knock-out” Format

The SSL Snipe Challenge will adopt the thrilling, high-pressure format made famous by the SSL Finals.

Day 1: Fleet racing. Only the top 10 teams advance.
Day 2: The Final Phase. Points are reset, and it becomes a game of “sudden death” elimination.

Phase	Participants	Who Advances
Quarter-Finals	Teams ranked 3rd to 10th (8 boats)	Top 5 advance to Semi-Final
Semi-Final	5 qualifiers + 2nd ranked from Day 1 (6-7 boats)	Top 3 advance to Final
Final	3 qualifiers + 1st ranked from Day 1 (4 boats)	Winner-takes-all

Note: This is an invitational event. The final number of teams, selection criteria, and details regarding charter equipment are currently being finalized. More details will be released soon. Stay tuned!

About the SSL Gold Cup

SAILING 2026 will be the year that hosts the second edition of the SSL Gold Cup, the Football World Cup… in sailing. This edition will feature the participation of 66nations, with 40 competing in the final series, and an expected audience of 10 million viewers.

Football has its World Cup, sailing now has its own: the SSL GOLD CUP, the ultimate challenge between nations to crown the Nations World Champion. Developed from an initiative by the best sailors on the planet and founders of the Star Sailors League (SSL), the SSL GOLD CUP will be raced in spectacular 14m yachts with a format modelled on the Football World Cup. Like that pinnacle event in football, national teams of 10 athletes will compete for the SSL Gold Cup, each wearing the colours of their country (affiliated with World Sailing: totalling 144 member national authorities).

Like the Football World Cup, the SSL GOLD CUP will bring together sailing’s best athletes who, thanks to the support of the event’s organizers, will enjoy the use of the boats and the training centre for regular scheduled training and the competition. In short, this represents a giant first for sailing!

The SSL Gold Cup is recognized by World Sailing as a World Sailing Special Event.

SSL Gold Cup event hub (World of Sailors): sslgoldcup.worldofsailors.com

Instagram: @starsailorsleague @sslgoldcup

Facebook: @StarSailorsLeague @SSLGoldCup

LinkedIn: @star-sailors-league