2015 SSL Lake Grand Slam - Made in Brazil + Video

by Rachele Vitello on 28 Aug 2015 For the first ever SSL Lake Grand Slam the Star Sailors League has attracted a stellar cast of Olympic, World and European Champions. Brazil produced the first Star World Champion in 1989 and since then Brazilian sailors have been a potent force in the Star Class, winning numerous Olympic, World and Continental titles. Three teams of Brazilian sailors will be racing at the SSL Lake Grand Slam eight - twelve September and each will be aiming for one goal – to win.

Torben Grael and Guilherme de Almeida

The most decorated Brazilian sailor of all time is Torben Grael, with a sailing career nothing short of astounding. Torben has won medals at five Olympic Games, won the Louis Vuitton Cup with Luna Rossa as tactician, and won the Volvo Ocean Race with Ericsson 4 as skipper. There are few sailors, possibly none, that can match Torben for his success across these disciplines.

However, the Star Class has been Torben's most successful domain with four Olympic Medals including two Gold. Six World Championship medals including Gold and not to mention five European and five South American Titles.

At the SSL Lake Grand Slam, Torben Grael will be sailing with Guilherme de Almeida, who has won five Brazilian Championships and one North American Championship. This summer, alongside Torben Grael, the duo came third in the Star European Championship.

Jorge Zarif and Bruno Prada

Jorge João Zarif was born in Sao Paolo and both his father and grandfather were Olympic sailors. At just 19 years old, Jorge was selected to represent Brazil in the Finn at the 2012 London Olympic Games coming 20th. In 2013, Jorge won both the Finn Junior World title and the Finn Gold Cup. In winning the Finn Gold Cup, Jorge Zarif, at just 20 years old, is one the youngest Finn world champions ever and he is definitely the only sailor to hold the Silver and Gold Cups at the same time. Jorge showed his amazing ability in the Star at the 2014 SSL Finals in Nassau last December, making the final ahead of Torben Grael and Robert Sheidt, eventually coming fourth. Jorge is one of the hottest properties in Brazil and will be one of the favourites for the Gold Medal in the Finn Class at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Bruno Prada was born in São Paulo and is ranked number one Star Crew in the world by the Star Sailors League. Bruno is a popular member of the Star Class and is one of the most decorated sailors ever produced, winning more than 100 titles in three decades of sailing: Olympic Silver in Beijing (2008) and Bronze London (2012). Bruno alongside Robert Scheidt has won three Star World Championships and Bruno came desperately close to a fourth with Augie Diaz last year, leading the 87 boat fleet going into the last race, but ending up fourth overall. Bruno also won the Star European Championship in 2009.

Alan Adler and Marcelo Ferreira

Alan Adler has represented Brazil at three Olympic Games and won his Gold Star at the 1989 World Championship, becoming the first ever Brazilian Star World Champion. In a sailing career spanning over three decades, Alan has won numerous championships in the Soling and Match Racing Class. In recent years, Alan founded the Brasil 1 Sailing Team, promoting Brazilian sailing around the world, including the Volvo Ocean Race. Currently, Alan is part of the Olympic Committee for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Marcelo Bastos Ferreria comes from Rio de Janeiro and has represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in the Star class four times, medalling on three occasion with Torben Grael. Gold in Atlanta, Gold in Athens and Bronze in Sydney. Marcello has an astonishing record at the Star World Championship, winning twice and making the podium on ten occasions over the last 20 years. Marcelo has also joined his long time partner and friend Torben Grael to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Live Coverage eight - twelve September

At the SSL Lake Grand Slam, hosted by Cercle de la Voile de Grandson Switzerland, over 70 teams will be competing from 25 different countries. With an astounding 13 Olympic medallists, all on one race track.

Full coverage of all the action will be streamed live on the internet with expert commentary from special studio guests, including Dennis Conner. On the water, the latest in hi-tech camera technology, as well as Virtual Eye 3D Graphics, will provide thrilling viewing. Armchair sailors can also race the course with Virtual Regatta.