Switzerland SailGP Team ready to go 'all in' at home event in Geneva
by Switzerland SailGP Team 20 Sep 07:09 AEST
The Switzerland SailGP Team © SailGP
The Switzerland SailGP Team is in full fight mode ahead of its long-awaited home debut this weekend at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, taking place between 15:30 - 17:00 on Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 September in Geneva.
With the iconic Swiss Alps as a backdrop and the unique challenges of racing in confined waters, the stage is set for a spectacular weekend as the 12-strong SailGP fleet brings high-speed action to Swiss waters for the first time.
Led by Geneva native Sébastien Schneiter, a three-time Olympian, the Swiss team embodies national pride, innovation, and collaboration on the global stage.
Schneiter is joined onboard F50 Eiger by an impressive line-up including his Olympic teammate Arno de Planta and double Olympian Maud Jayet, who finished fourth at the Paris 2024 Games. Both sailors are from Canton de Vaud.
Geneva's Arnaud Psarofaghis and Bryan Mettraux bring experience and talent in the crucial wing trimmer and flight controller roles. The crew is also bolstered by top international grinders Matt Gotrel (GBR), an Olympic gold medallist in rowing, and Stuart Dodson (NZL), last season's SailGP Champion with Spain.
Currently sitting seventh overall after nine events, the Swiss are fired up to deliver in front of their home crowd.
"For us, it's all about this event and we're going all in," said driver Schneiter. "We have the fire after a tough outing in Saint-Tropez, but we've shown we can win races and fight for a spot in the final. That's our goal here this weekend."
Team CEO Boet Brinkgreve on the significance of bringing SailGP to Switzerland: "Hosting a home event has always been a dream - and now it's a reality. Geneva presented unique logistical challenges, but the result is extraordinary. This will be one of the city's biggest outdoor sporting events of the past decade, and the largest ever on the lake. The backdrop is unlike anything SailGP has seen before. We're deeply grateful to our partners and stakeholders who have helped to make it all possible."
Bringing light to Switzerland's pioneering spirit, Swiss SailGP Team joins forces with H55 pushing the limits of sustainable mobility.
Ahead of racing each day (between 15:10 and 15:20), aviation trailblazer André Borschberg will perform flybys over Lake Geneva aboard H55's fully electric B23 Energic airplane, thrilling spectators and global audiences alike.
Earlier this week, team strategist Maud Jayet joined pilot Borschberg for an exclusive tour of the aircraft, marking the start of an inspiring collaboration between sailing and aviation innovation.
Crew:
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