Former Olympian Jesse Kirkland has been included as a late addition to Bermuda’s team that will compete in the inaugural Star Sailors League Gold Cup in Switzerland next month.

Kirkland is among four sailors confirmed to represent the island in the North American qualifying series from May 17 to 22 and will serve as the team’s tactician.

“Jesse Kirkland will be our tactician next month in Grandson,” the team confirmed in a statement. “Jesse and his brother Zander represented Bermuda at the London Olympic Games in 2012 in the 49er class. ”Since then Jesse has continued to race as a professional sailor with a particularly successful career in the Etchells class in the United States.

“We look forward to having him join the team and bring his expertise on the water.”

Joshua Greenslade, Adrianna Penruddocke and Julia Lines are also among team members to have been confirmed to date. 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.

Greenslade will serve as jib trimmer, Penruddocke as floater and Lines as downwind trimmer.

“Josh has sailed in multiple world championships and while attending St Mary’s College was named an All-American for his sailing performance,” the team statement read. “Josh brings a keen eye and attention to detail, a valuable asset to the team.

“Adrianna is one of our youngest sailors but as a true ILCA 6 sailor, one of the fittest on-board.

“Recently Adrianna competed in her first World Cup event in Palma, Spain, and qualified in Gold fleet.

“Big things to come from this powerhouse in the future as she campaigns towards Tokyo 2024.

“Julia is one of our more experienced keelboat sailors having raced on a variety of classes from J70s to mini maxis offshore.

“Most recently Julia competed in the World Match Racing Tour in an all-female team in the Bermuda Gold Cup.”

Bermuda will face off against Antigua & Barbuda, Puerto Rico and Tahiti in Group One, with the eventual top teams in the group advancing to the next qualifying round.

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

Teams will compete in the identical one-design SSL 47 monohull on windward-leeward Olympic courses during fleet races lasting between 45 to 75 minutes.