Belgium is making its return to the SSL Gold Cup with a renewed line-up and a clear mission. In 2022, the team failed to qualify for the SSL Gold Cup Finals in Gran Canaria, but now they are back with a stronger core and new energy. With the second edition of the World Cup in Sailing approaching, the Belgians know this is their chance to fight for a spot among the best sailing nations in the world.
The Olympic core: Belgium’s divine trio
At the center of the team stands Emma Plasschaert, captain and tactician. Twice world champion in the ILCA 6 and two-time Olympic top-8 finisher, she brings her sharp tactical vision and years of high-level racing to the Belgian campaign. For Emma, SSL is not just about competition, but about building a culture of performance, fun, and team spirit under the Belgian flag.
“We've got quite a new team compared to last time, so it was really about seeing if everyone would be a good fit for the boat, finding the right positions, and testing how we work together. We’re really happy with the people we brought here and now have a much better understanding of what the final team for the qualifiers could look like. Most importantly, we had fun and enjoyed great sailing conditions in Grandson, something we didn’t always have in the past. Of course, communication in the manoeuvres is still a challenge, but that’s exactly what these trainings are for. We’re a very happy Belgian team and motivated to keep improving,” – says Emma Plasschaert.
She is joined by Yannick Lefebvre at the helm and Tom Pelsmaekers as trimmer, teammates who campaigned together for nearly a decade in the 49er class, including two Olympic Games. With Yannick’s composure on the tiller and Tom’s instinct for boat speed at the front, the duo brings both experience and chemistry to the boat. Together with Emma, this trio of Olympians forms the backbone of SSL Team Belgium.
A wealth of Olympic experience
The team’s strength goes even deeper with other Olympians in the line-up. Wannes Van Laer, a three-time Olympian in the Laser/ILCA 7, brings consistency and a lifetime of racing experience. William Desmet, who competed at Paris 2024 and remains one of Europe’s strongest ILCA 7 sailors, adds sharp starting ability and determination. And Sébastien Godefroid, a legend of Belgian sailing with four Olympic campaigns, including a silver medal in Atlanta 1996, provides invaluable experience and perspective from decades at the top level.
Beyond the Olympic veterans, Belgium boasts a diverse crew of experienced dinghy sailors, offshore racers, and J/80 specialists. Aline Pierrard combines competitive sailing with her professional career at sea in offshore wind projects, while Yanic Darquenne, the youngest member of the team, already has J/80 World Championship experience. Sarah De Canniere brings her Snipe class leadership and recent Fastnet campaign, while Noah De Prest adds versatility from IRC and J/80 racing.
From Vito Feremans, who competes on Australia’s TP52 circuit, to Célestin Goubau, a youth skipper in J/80, and Toon Van Caneghem, a consistent performer in Europe and IRC fleets, SSL Team Belgium is a blend of experience, talent, and ambition.
Eyes on qualification
With their full training session in Grandson, Switzerland, complete, the Belgians are now focused on the crucial step ahead: the European qualifiers in 2025. This will be their opportunity to turn lessons from past attempts into results and secure their place at the SSL Gold Cup 2026 Grand Final.
For a nation with such depth of Olympic talent and a renewed spirit, Belgium’s comeback campaign promises to be one to watch.
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