SSL Team Colombia is getting ready for its biggest challenge yet.
Ranked 47th in the SSL Nations Ranking, Colombia has secured its place in the Round 1 of 32 of the SSL Gold Cup Final Series. This November, the Golden Coffee will join the world's sailing nations as the road to the title begins.
But their journey on the SSL47 did not start overnight.
FROM FIRST STEPS TO THE FINAL SERIES
SSL Team Colombia first arrived at the SSL Training Centre in Grandson in August 2025.
For the young Colombian squad, it was their first experience onboard the SSL47. Bigger sails, more speed and an entirely new type of teamwork presented a completely different challenge from the classes many of the sailors were used to.
After just a few days on the water, however, the team was already making progress.
Team captain Simon Gomez reflected on that first training camp:
“This is our first time on the boat, so we are really proud of the progression in these few days of training.”
The SSL47 was completely new territory, but the team quickly adapted and showed its potential.
A YOUNG GENERATION ON THE RISE
One of the defining characteristics of SSL Team Colombia is its youth.
The squad brings together a new generation of Colombian sailors, many of whom have known each other since their Optimist days. Coming from classes including ILCA, Sunfish, Optimist, windsurfing and foiling, they now share one goal, to represent Colombia as one national team.
For Gomez, this project has always been about more than one edition of the SSL Gold Cup.
“There is a young generation coming through, and the opportunity that SSL gives to young sailors is amazing.”
The team hopes this journey will help build an even stronger future for Colombian sailing and inspire more young athletes to pursue the sport at the highest level.
LED BY SIMON GOMEZ
At the helm of the Colombian project is Simon Gomez, a successful multi-class sailor who has dedicated himself to competitive sailing since the age of 12.
His experience stretches across ILCA, Sunfish, Wingfoil and IQFOiL. Among his achievements are Bolivarian titles in Optimist and Sunfish, two World Junior Sunfish titles, a North American Sunfish Championship and eleven national titles across multiple classes.
Now, Gomez is helping lead a new generation into the world of international team sailing.
Back in 2025, he described the SSL project as something with a long-term future:
“This is a project that we need to look at for the future, not just in 2026, but the next edition as well.”
That vision is now becoming reality.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Ranked 47th in the SSL Nations Ranking, SSL Team Colombia has earned its place in the Round of 32 of the SSL Gold Cup Final Series.
From their first steps on the SSL47 in August 2025 to returning to Grandson with more experience and ambition, the Golden Coffee are continuing to build.
They are one of the youngest teams in the competition, but youth brings energy, hunger and the willingness to learn.
Now, the next challenge awaits.
One boat. One team. One nation.
SSL Team Colombia is preparing to represent its colours on the world stage and their SSL story is only just beginning .
