Bringing together some of Portugal’s best sailors, SSL Team Portugal stands as a showcase of the nation’s sailing excellence, a crew where Olympic experience meets tactical precision and passion for the sea.
After a series of focused training sessions in Grandson, Switzerland, completed this September, the team has been fine-tuning coordination, communication, and maneuvers in preparation for the next edition of the SSL Gold Cup, which will culminate in Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
Leading the squad is João Rodrigues, one of Portugal’s most accomplished sailors and the country’s Olympic record-holder with seven appearances. Born in Madeira, João brings decades of experience and a calm, strategic mindset to the team. As captain, he focuses on maximizing the crew’s strengths and fostering the unity needed to perform under pressure.
At the helm is Afonso Domingos, a veteran of three Olympic Games and one of Portugal’s most versatile sailors. From the 49er to the Star and on to modern keelboats, Afonso has claimed victories at some of sailing’s most prestigious events, including two world titles in the ORC class. His leadership on the water reflects both precision and composure — qualities that define SSL Team Portugal’s racing style.
Tactical decisions rest with Hugo Rocha, Olympic bronze medalist in the 470 class and one of the country’s most decorated sailors. With nine world titles and five European championships across multiple classes, Hugo’s deep understanding of strategy and teamwork makes him an invaluable part of the lineup. His offshore experience, including The Ocean Race with the all-Portuguese Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team, brings additional strength and perspective.
Together, Rodrigues, Domingos, and Rocha form a highly experienced core, sailors who have known each other for years and share a mutual respect built through decades of competition. Around them, a broader roster of Portuguese athletes contributes fresh energy and dedication, creating a balanced team with both heritage and ambition.
In 2023, Portugal reached the Round of 16 at the SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria, confirming their place among the sport’s elite. Now, with a renewed lineup and clear focus on Rio 2026, the team is once again setting its sights high.
The Portuguese roster is one of the deepest in the SSL fleet, reflecting the nation’s strong sailing tradition. From Olympic campaigns to world championships and offshore challenges, SSL Team Portugal represents a new chapter for a country whose connection to the sea runs centuries deep and whose best sailors continue to chart the course forward.
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