The countdown to the Pan-American Qualifiers is on! From 12-16 November, eight teams will compete in two groups of four for last places in the SSL Gold Cup Final Series. We begin our team introductions with SSL Team Uruguay, featuring world-class 49er sailors and an ambitious crew ready to fight for qualification.
Representing Uruguay in Group H, alongside Venezuela, Antigua and Barbuda, and Puerto Rico, the team combines the speed and precision of Olympic-class sailing with experience across different racing formats.
At the helm is 25-year-old Hernán Umpierre, one of the most exciting talents in international sailing. Together with his 49er teammate Fernando Diz, who takes on the tactical role, he brings a strong partnership forged through high-performance racing. Umpierre and Diz became 49er European Champions and reached the top of the 2026 49er World Ranking, arriving at the qualifiers with impressive credentials and plenty of confidence.
The crew also features Dominique Knüppel on bow, bringing valuable experience from some of sailing’s biggest stages. Her background includes the Olympic Games, The Ocean Race, TP52 Super Series and Maxi Worlds. She has also competed in the foiling Nacra 17 class at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, adding another dimension to the team’s experience.
With an average age of 36, SSL Team Uruguay brings together youthful ambition, international experience and a strong competitive spirit. Their mission is clear: navigate Group H, secure qualification and take one step closer to the SSL Gold Cup Final Series.
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