On Monday 4 December, the inaugural SSL Gold Cup concluded with Hungary’s ‘Shamans’ team being crowned the world champions of sailing nations. The competition began with 56 nations, with 40 teams making it to the Gran Canaria Final Series in Spain. After five rounds of competition, the final four teams competed in an intense one-race shoot-out for the title.
The start saw Spain and The Netherlands crossing the line at speed, while Hungary were shut out at the committee boat end by The Netherlands, and Italy, who approached the line too low. Recovering from their poor start, the Hungarian team chose a perfect track on the first upwind leg and outmanoeuvred the Spanish on the final approach to the windward mark. This was tactical sailing at its finest.
Downwind, the ‘Shamans’ risked it all by going left while the rest of the fleet went right – a brave move by the Hungarian captain and tactician Zsombor Berecz. The ‘Gladiators’ also put ‘La Armada’ to the sword as the Spanish were still suffering from their windward mark mauling, while the ‘Dutch Lions’ roared back into contention.
The ‘Shamans’ conjured a stunning spinnaker drop, while the ‘Dutch Lions’ rounded just 25 seconds behind, overtaking the ‘Gladiators’ and ‘La Armada’ in the process. However, the Hungarian team had read the local winds and waves to perfection and they rounded the windward mark with a 46 second lead, securing the SSL Gold Cup.
The Italian ‘Gladiators’ sealed silver, while The Netherlands’ ‘Dutch Gladiators’ took bronze. The competition was heralded by a drum parade and the teams were greeted by rapturous applause and kids asking for their SSL jerseys to be signed by their new sailing heroes.
World Sailing Vice President Yann Rocherieux spoke of the importance of the SSL Gold Cup, especially how it promotes sailing participation globally, with its Special Event status.
The SSL Gold Cup had exceptionally high expectations and to have delivered on its promise in the inaugural edition is a remarkable achievement. Hungary’s Captain and Tactician Zsombor Berecz said: “The boat was going super nicely and I was confident with our team that nobody can drive the boat faster than we are, so from that moment on a fast boat it’s a pleasure to be a tactician.” Hungary’s helm Robert Bakoczy added: “I think all of us still can’t believe it. It’s amazing and crazy.”
After 23 days and 64 races in Gran Canaria, Hungary’s ‘Shamans’ team have been crowned the world champions of sailing nations at the inaugural SSL Gold Cup. The competition, billed as the football world cup in sailing, has delivered on its promise and is set to become an important and prestigious international event.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.