Bermuda’s qualifying group for the inaugural Star Sailors League Gold Cup has been revised.

The island had initially been pitted with Canada, Guatemala and Mexico in the North American qualifying series.

However, they will now face off against Antigua & Barbuda, Puerto Rico and Tahiti in Group 1 instead, with the eventual top teams in the group advancing to the next qualifying round.

“Match boards have been revised which sees Bermuda up against new competition,” read a Bermuda team statement. “A historical moment which will see the team take part in the very first round of the SSL qualifying series May 17 – 22, 2022.

“We're excited about the SSL opportunity. It's an incredible chance for young and established Bermudian sailors to get onto the world stage – especially those who have never had the opportunity to compete at such a high level before.”

Rockal Evans, the multiple national champion, is the captain of Bermuda’s team while experienced and highly decorated offshore sailor Emily Nagel will serve as vice-captain.

Kelsey Durham, Adriana Penruddocke, Michael Wollmann, Dale Brangman, Peter Dill, Tre Maxwell, Joshua Greenslade, Philip Worboys, Thomas Penruddocke, Campbell Patton, Somers Kemp, Benn Smith and Adam Barboza are among the island’s provisional training squad.

Team selection is based on SSL criteria and Captain’s Pick criteria, including training commitment and performance.

Bermuda’s sailors achieved a milestone during a highly successful training camp in Grandson, Switzerland last September after securing a maiden win while competing against Antigua & Barbuda, Slovenia and Poland, whose teams featured America's Cup sailors and Olympic medal-winners.

The SSL Gold Cup is a new international sporting event designed to determine the world’s best sailing nation.

The inaugural biennial event will be held in Switzerland between May and June and will see teams compete in the identical one-design SSL 47 monohull on windward-leeward Olympic courses during fleet races lasting between 45 to 75 minutes.