Throughout August, the SSL Training Centre in Grandson, Switzerland, is becoming a meeting point for teams from around the world. Nations arrive, step onboard the SSL47s and spend days training on the beautiful waters of Lake Neuchâtel.
Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, Grandson plays an important role in the SSL Gold Cup journey. The SSL Training Centre gives teams from around the world the opportunity to train together, gain experience on the SSL47 yachts and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Some teams are finishing their preparations, while others are just getting started. It is great to see new nations arriving every week, training alongside each other and even racing against each other during their sessions. Every day on the water means more experience, better communication and stronger teamwork.
For many teams, training in Grandson is also an opportunity to get to know the SSL47 for the first time. With the support of professional coaches and the SSL shore team, sailors can focus on learning the boat, improving their boat handling and developing the teamwork needed for racing at the highest level.
The training sessions are not only about time on the water. Teams also take part in onshore workshops, work with coaches and learn more about the SSL vision, the boat and the format of the competition.
The atmosphere in Grandson is something special. Nations that may rarely meet on the water are now sharing the same training centre, exchanging experience, competing against each other and building connections through sailing.
And with every new team arriving, the energy keeps growing.
All of this has one common goal: to be as ready as possible when the SSL Gold Cup Final Series gets underway in Brazil.
