SSL Gold Cup: Logistics problems cause premiere to be cancelled

A Star Sailors League (SSL) press release states: "It is with great regret that the SSL Gold Cup Final, which was due to take place in Bahrain from 28 October to 20 November 2022, has to be postponed."

The official statement continued: "The entire SSL team, the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association (BMSA) and the Sailing Athletes Foundation (SAF) are naturally dismayed to have to make this decision so close to the event, but logistical and technical challenges, compounded by the current world situation, have made it impossible to organise the event as it deserves."

"The goal remains as strong as ever"

At the same time, the SSL emphasised its intention to hold the Gold Cup Final at a later date. The statement said: "Bringing together the incredible national teams, made up of the most decorated sailors ever assembled at one event, remains the intention of the SSL team. And despite this setback, the goal remains as strong as ever. We share the disappointment of the sailors who will be competing. As do the sailing enthusiasts worldwide and the wider sporting public who were looking forward to watching the event."

There is still no information on when and where the final of the SSL Gold Cup can take place in the future. In cancelling the event, the SSL referred to planned discussions with the teams. The SSL sees itself as an association representing the interests of inshore sailing from dinghies to big boats, from club sailors to Olympic stars. The SSL was founded in 2012 by sailors for sailors. Its philosophy puts the athletes (not the boats) at the centre as "stars". A new and extremely elaborate world ranking list, which incorporates the results of more than 15,000 inshore regattas from club championships to the America's Cup, determines the best in the sport.

The search is on for the best inshore sailing nation in the world

The SSL Circuit is based on three pillars: The basis is the SSL ranking list, which is published every Tuesday and updates the position of more than 100,000 athletes worldwide. The sporting highlight is the SSL final, which should celebrate its premiere in 2022 and will always be held at the end of the season in November and December.

One hundred per cent national teams are required, each consisting of 20 to 25 of the highest-ranked athletes in the ranking list as well as other optional crew members under the direction of the respective team captain. Team Germany is led by two-time Starboat World Champion Frithjof Kleen. At the end of the final round, the world's best sailing nation will be crowned. A total of 56 nations took part in the inaugural season. Team Germany is one of the eight top nations seeded for the final round.

Frithjof Kleen: "An event like this can only take place with glitz and glamour"

Frithjof Kleen said for the German team: "We were forewarned. The decision didn't come as a complete surprise. The team is taking it well. We know that the SSL is working flat out on how to proceed. The feedback from all the teams and their reactions has been overwhelming. Everyone is sticking with it. Everyone is of the opinion that this event is a great thing. That's how we see it too. But we also realise that an event like this can only take place with glitz and glamour. So we can well understand the cancellation." Click here to go to the SSL homepage.