Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix: Podium finish at home SailGP in Geneva
by Switzerland SailGP Team 22 Sep 05:42 AEST
Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix © Switzerland SailGP Team
Swiss SailGP Team showed up in Geneva this weekend, claiming a podium finish in front of sell-out crowds at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix.
The Swiss topped the scoreboard after five fleet races across two race days, before securing third place overall in the three-team final race - their second podium of the 2025 Season so far.
Home support powers the team
Driver Sébastien Schneiter described the atmosphere as unforgettable: "It's just been amazing to see so many people on the water and on shore. We didn't expect this level of passion, and it gave us such a boost. It was so special to represent Switzerland at home.
"I think this home event will be remembered for the people that attended, the support we got, and the emotions we lived. It's something we'll remember forever, and we really hope we can come back. But honestly, I think everybody wants to come back here."
A historic event on Lake Geneva
Geneva hosted the tenth stop of the 2025 Season, with all 12 international teams battling tricky, light conditions. For the first time, crews raced with new light-air rudders and T-Foils, while also adapting to a reduced three person crew instead of the usual six onboard.
The Swiss posted results of 5, 2, 8 on Saturday, finishing the day in podium position. On 'Super Sunday' they added a 7 and 2, locking in their place in the final alongside Australia's Bonds Flying Roos and Germany's Deutsche Bank SailGP Team.
A strong start for the Swiss was undone by an early penalty, allowing Germany to take the lead and claim the overall win, with Australia finishing in second and Switzerland proudly in third.
Schneiter continued: '"It's always the goal to be in that final race. I'm super proud of the team, how we reacted after a tricky first race today. We went all in in that second fleet race and it paid off. Then, in the final, we attacked it to win it, maybe got a bit greedy on the start and were over the line. But I think that was the only way to go.
"It's so great to be in another final, and doing it at home is extra special. It shows the good character of the team, being able to deliver under pressure. These are good signs for the future.'
Strategist Maud Jayet, "We're all super proud of the team. We had our first podium back in Portsmouth, then two events that were a little more difficult for us, so to be at our home event and make it back into the final is amazing. It wasn't easy out there, but the team did such a great job making the most of it. Finishing in the top three at home is incredibly special."
The racing continues
With this podium finish, Switzerland remains seventh overall in the Season 2025 standings heading into the penultimate event in Cadiz two weeks' time. The Season's Grand Final takes place in Abu Dhabi, 29-30 November - marking event 12.
Swiss 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