The Switch Global Championships at Fraglia Vela Malcesine are about to begin!
by Fraglia Vela Malcesine 11 Sep 03:58 AEST
11-14 September 2025
Switch Global Championships at Fraglia Vela Malcesine © Fraglia Vela Malcesine
From September 11 to 14, the first international event for the brand-new Switch class will take place — a class that, in just one year, has seen astonishing growth. The Switch is a high-performance one-design single-handed foiling boat, built by Element Six, capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots.
More than 60 flying boats from 14 different nations will be competing — a clear sign of the class's rapid global expansion. Fraglia Vela Malcesine will host the athletes, confirming its status as a premier international venue for high-level racing.
In addition to the men's and women's categories competing for the first global title, there will be additional divisions awarding titles in the Master, Grand Master, Under 23, Under 19 and different weight categories.
"We are very pleased with the growth of the Switch class. From the very beginning, we believed that investing in a high-performance, strictly one-design boat was the right choice. Fast-paced racing where everyone can compete on equal terms, with many women, youth, masters, and even Olympic athletes involved," said John Higham, CCO of Element Six.
Among the top athletes, big names stand out such as Checco Bruni, Philip Buhl, Simon Hiscocks, Jordi Xammar, Victoria Schulteis, Wilma Bobeck and Elysia O'Leary.
"Malcesine is now firmly established as one of the most important destinations in the foiling world. We are very proud of the work done over the years to create the best conditions for all sailors, from top athletes to beginners. I couldn't have celebrated my birthday in a better way than with the first Global Championship of the Switch class," said Mattia Lonardi, director of Fraglia Vela Malcesine.
A full 15 races are scheduled over four days, starting Thursday, September 11, in the breathtaking setting of Lake Garda, with the support of the class partners: Element Six, Guess Jeans, Vaikobi, Ronstan, Negrinautica, and Codezero Digital — all very active and engaged throughout the season.