The Swiss SailGP Team shows resilience in challenging Perth conditions
by Switzerland SailGP Team 18 Jan 05:31 PST
17-18 January 2026
Aerial view as Black Foils SailGP Team helmed by Peter Burling collide with Switzerland SailGP Team helmed by Sebastien Schneiter during fleet race number 1 on Race Day 1 of the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG in Perth, Australia © Jason Ludlow for SailGP
The Switzerland SailGP Team delivered a determined performance at the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, facing some of the toughest conditions seen this season on the Indian Ocean.
Saturday's racing began positively, with a strong start in Race 1 and a solid third place at the first mark. An incident at the leeward gate with New Zealand, in which the Swiss boat was on starboard, resulted in a penalty for the opposing team. While no injuries were sustained, significant damage forced Switzerland out of the remaining races for the day. The team's technical crew worked tirelessly overnight to return the F50 to the racecourse for Sunday.
Back on the water, the team showed clear resilience in survival conditions, with strong winds, heavy seas and the 18m wing in play. After a challenging opening race, Switzerland regrouped and fought hard through three demanding races, finishing the weekend on a high with a 5th and 7th position.
Driver Sébastien Schneiter said:
"We made strong improvements compared to our last windy event in St Tropez and were racing consistently in the front half of the fleet. That's a great step forward, especially as the level across the fleet continues to rise at the very top of the sport. There were plenty of positives to take away, and it felt fantastic to be back on the water after missing Saturday and to gain valuable strong-wind experience. Everyone is pushing the limits in these boats. It's an incredible level of racing, and the F50s are amazing to sail in those conditions."
With valuable experience gained in extreme conditions, the Switzerland SailGP Team now turns its focus to Auckland in four weeks' time, ready to build on the lessons learned in Perth.