Rollercoaster Racing in LA
by Switzerland SailGP Team 17 Mar 17:55 AEDT
15-16 March 2025
Fleet start - Day 1 Rolex Los Angeles SailGP - March 15, 2025 © Jason Ludlow/SailGP
The first of two consecutive events in California got under way this weekend, in the Port of Los Angeles. It was a weekend of two halves on the water; Saturday was thrilling with a big breeze and gusts up to 35 km/h (22 mph). In contrast, Sunday brought lighter winds, leading to more tactical and strategic racing, as teams competed with a reduced crew of four, rather than the usual six.
On day one, Switzerland SailGP Team couldn't quite find the rhythm in the breeze and paired with some unlucky moments around the course - including seaweed on the rudder - saw them place 5,11,11, 10. The team improved in the light breeze today, with good start timing and mid-fleet results of 6,5 and 9. 10th overall leaves the Swiss motivated and fired up to get back out on the course next weekend in San Francisco.
Despite all 12 teams lining up to start on Saturday, ROCKWOOL Denmark were ruled out of the competition due to significant damage after hitting a mark in the first race. Australia, NorthStar SailGP Team and the Black Foils made Sunday's three-team final, with NorthStar SailGP Team winning overall. It was SailGP's second time racing in the city and chose LA to introduce the team's new 'pit lane' style bases.
Driver Sebastien Schneiter on today's racing. "We liked it out there today. There was a lot going on and lots to look at! We improved a lot on our starts, but then we were struggling to stay in front. We were struggling a bit technically with our configuration, losing some metres in every manoeuvre, but it was a positive day compared to yesterday.
"If you are confident and go for a mode [foiling or H1] and it pays off, it builds your confidence throughout the day. I think we were a bit hesitant in choosing these good modes and therefore lost a bit of confidence during the day. So that's definitely something for us to work on.
"Now we are really looking forward to San Francisco. It's a great venue - it's great here in LA too - but I think San Francisco conditions will suit us a bit better and we are looking forward to more racing."
The SailGP racing in California continues next weekend with the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix, taking place 22-23 March from 14:30 local time. The fifth event of the 2025 Season takes place in the heart of San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge serving as a stunning and dramatic backdrop. It will be the third time racing in the city for the Swiss and with a history of strong currents and unpredictable winds it's always a big event for the team.
Fans in Switzerland can watch all the action live on Blue Zoom, along with SailGP's YouTube channel, from 22:30 - 23:00 CET.
Switzerland SailGP Team crew line-up:
- Sebastien Schneiter - driver
- Maud Jayet - strategist
- Arnaud Psarofaghis - wing trimmer
- Bryan Mettraux - flight controller
- Matt Gotrel - grinder (G1)
- Stewart Dodson - grinder (G2)
- Arno de Planta - reserve & pathway athlete