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Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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Comet Champion Curtis set for SSL Gold Cup Debut in Rio
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Bermudian sailor Max Curtis will make his international debut on the global stage after being named to the SSL Team Bermuda squad for the upcoming SSL Gold Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Curtis steps into the prestigious one-design regatta—often referred to as the 'World Cup of Sailing'—on the back of an impressive record in domestic and regional racing.
His journey on the water began at the age of 11 after being introduced to the sport by his stepfather. Starting out in the grassroots Sunfish dinghy, Curtis developed an appetite for racing that eventually carried him to the top of the island's traditional Comet fleet.
He etched his name into local sailing folklore in 2020 by capturing the grueling Bermuda Long Distance Comet Race, before testing himself internationally with a top-four finish at the 2024 International Comet Regatta.
Stepping up to the high-performance SSL47 yacht represents a significant gear change, but Curtis sees the South American assignment as a crucial stepping stone.
"It’s an honour," Curtis said. "It gives me the opportunity to compete against talented sailors, gain valuable experience and proudly represent our island and its sailing community."
Beyond mastering the larger boat, the regatta presents the challenge of lining up against Olympic medallists and world champions in Rio's testing waters.
Curtis believes collective preparation and technical insight will be key to bridging the gap.
"Focused training and expert guidance can help the team strengthen communication, refine racing techniques and build the confidence to compete with the best," he noted, adding that the knowledge acquired in Brazil will provide lasting benefits to Bermuda's broader sailing community.
As the squad ramps up preparations for the regatta, Team Bermuda is currently pushing to secure vital funding for a dedicated coach to accompany the sailors to Rio.
With races decided by fractions of a second in identical boats, the team views expert tactical oversight on the water as an essential asset in their pursuit of a knockout-stage run.
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Monday, October 12, 2026
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Vieira and Rodrigues in Championships Action
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Bermuda sailors Jordan Vieira and PJ Rodrigues featured prominently as Eckerd College battled testing conditions to conclude the Open Atlantic Coast Championships Round 1A.
Rain and gusty easterly breezes framed a challenging morning on the water, allowing race officials to complete the final four races before midday.
Eckerd finished 11th overall in the team standings with 259 points, missing out on qualification for the Atlantic Coast Championship Finals in a fiercely contested regatta.
Stanford lived up to their billing by taking the Round 1A crown, while the US Coast Guard Academy Bears mounted a storming charge—posting top-three finishes in seven of their final eight races—to secure the last remaining berth.
In Division A, Vieira teamed up with crew William Alvarado, tallying 144 points to place 12th in a competitive fleet.
Rodrigues enjoyed a sharper outing in Division B alongside crew Peyton Seidle. The pair produced a consistent series to finish 10th on 115 points, helping anchor Eckerd's combined team score against collegiate sailing's elite.
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Monday, October 12, 2026
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Bermuda's Smith Primed for Second SSL Gold Cup Campaign
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Bermudian sailor Jade Smith is set to return to the international stage after being confirmed for his second appearance at the prestigious SSL Gold Cup.
At 22, Smith will bring vital campaign experience to the island's crew as they prepare to take on the world's finest sailing nations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A passionate waterman from an early age, Smith transitioned from multiple watersports into competitive sailing, where he now splits his time between high-level racing and coaching the next generation of sailors on the water.
His initial taste of the regatta—often dubbed the 'World Cup of Sailing'—remains a career highlight, not least the demanding shift to handling the one-design SSL47 yachts used for the event.
"It’s a high achievement representing Bermuda for any sport," Smith said. "This means I get a chance to show and promote Bermudian talent on a global stage."
Looking ahead to the conditions and atmosphere awaiting the team in Brazil, Smith's target remains straightforward: "Great racing and good vibes."
As preparations intensify, Bermuda's squad is focusing heavily on fine margins, with Smith emphasizing the tactical value of high-level coaching to unlock the boat's full potential.
"Everyone has room to improve," he explained, noting that dedicated technical oversight to spot weaknesses and implement adjustments will be crucial against world-class opposition.
The Bermuda team is currently conducting a funding drive to ensure a dedicated coach can travel with the squad to Rio, providing the tactical edge and cohesion required to push for the podium.
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Sunday, October 11, 2026
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Frith Pair Hold Nerve to claim Albert Simons Regatta Honours
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Alan and Sarah Frith produced a commanding opening sequence on the water to be crowned Albert Simons Regatta champions in St George's Harbour.
In a tightly contested four-race regatta decided by low-points scoring, the Friths laid down an early marker that proved just enough to secure the silverware on four points.
After opening their account with a solid second-place finish in race one, the pair took complete control of the fleet, registering back-to-back victories in races two and three. With sufficient cushion built heading into the final stages, they opted not to start the fourth and decisive race, relying on their early haul to hold off a late charge from the chasing pack.
Maxwell Curtis and Wesley Tucker applied fierce pressure down the stretch, taking runner-up honours overall with five points. Following a sluggish start that saw them cross the line fourth in race one, Curtis and Tucker regrouped to post consecutive second-place finishes before claiming line honours in the final contest.
Dale Brangman and crew Tre’sure Nanette completed the podium placings in third on seven points. The duo opened their regatta in style by taking victory in race one, but slipped to consecutive third-place finishes before failing to finish the fourth race.
Albert Simons Regatta Results
04 Alan Frith/ Sarah Frith
05 Max Curtis/ Wesley Tucker
07 Dale Brangman/ Tre’sure Nanette
10 Greg Wade/ Geno Smith
15 Geovanni Hayward/ Eli Furbert
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Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Vieira & Rodrigues Represent Eckerd in Atlantic Coast
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Bermuda sailors Jordan Vieira and PJ Rodrigues featured prominently as Eckerd College navigated testing waters to secure a top-10 finish at the Open Atlantic Coast Championships Round 1A.
Hosted by St Mary’s College of Maryland, the regional collegiate regatta brought together a fiercely competitive fleet, with the Tritons battling through the fleet to finish the opening day 10th overall on 167 points.
Vieira took the helm in the A Division boat, steering Eckerd to 10th place in the fleet with a 91-point return across the series.
The Bermudian found his rhythm in the second half of the slate, showcasing fine boat handling to notch back-to-back regatta-best fifth-place finishes in races nine and 10.
In the B Division, compatriot Rodrigues enjoyed a strong run on the water, guiding his crew to seventh place with 76 points.
Rodrigues saved his best performance for the final stretch, mounting a sharp challenge near the front of the fleet to cross the line third in the 10th race and solidify Eckerd's position inside the overall top 10.
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