Bermuda will make their debut at the Star Sailors League Gold Cup final in Gran Canaria next month.

The island will be among the 40 countries represented after being granted a wild-card entry into the regatta being held in conjunction with the Real Federacion Canaria de Vela in Gran Canaria from November 10 to December 3.

“It comes with great pleasure to announce that Bermuda has been offered a wild-card entry to the SSL Gold Cup Final,” Bermuda captain Rockal Evans said in a press release.

“This is testament to the dedication and commitment of the team over the past year after narrowly missing out on a place in the qualification series in May 2022.”

Bermuda’s team also consists of Dale Brangman, Ruairi Brown, Peter Dill, Josh Greenslade, Somers Kempe, Aran McKittrick, Emily Nagel, Adriana Penruddocke, Thomas Penruddocke and Jade Smith.

Professional sailor Nagel comes highly qualified with her vast experience competing in world-class regattas while Adriana Penruddocke is presently representing Bermuda in the Laser Radial class at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.The biennial SSL Gold Cup is designed to determine the world’s best sailing nation, with teams competing in the one-design SSL 47 monohull.

“This event will grow sailing in emerging nations,” multiple national champion Evans added. “SSL Team Bermuda, a non-profit organisation, aims to introduce young sailors from across Bermuda into keelboat racing by giving them the opportunity to gain experience and train alongside more experienced sailors.”

Bermuda team selection was done so based on SSL and Captain’s Pick criteria as well as the sailor’s commitment to training, which included a five-day camp in Grandson, Switzerland in June under the guidance of professional sailor and coach Alex Gough.

The Australian, who has competed in the RC44 and TP52 classes as well as the prestigious Sydney Hobart Race and Volvo Ocean Race, came on-board to serve as the island’s coach on an interim basis.