Switzerland SailGP Team Set for Historic Debut in Rio
by Switzerland SailGP Team 10 Apr 00:27 PDT
11-12 April 2026
Switzerland SailGP Team in Rio de Janeiro © SailGP
The Switzerland SailGP Team makes its historic debut in Rio de Janeiro this weekend, as SailGP arrives in Brazil for the first time.
From high-speed racing just meters from shore to a vibrant local atmosphere, Rio combines intensity, energy, and technical complexity as SailGP expands into South America.
The Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix (11-12 April 2026) introduces one of the most dynamic and tactically demanding venues on the global championship calendar.
Rio also marks a clear step forward for the team. Arno de Planta long-time teammate of Sébastien Schneiter, former reserve athlete, and now stepping into the race line-up strengthens a crew built on trust, shared instinct, and proven collaboration. The objective is clear: raise confidence on board, sharpen execution, and unlock the next level of performance.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Guanabara Bay, Rio presents highly complex racing conditions, shaped by unstable wind patterns and strong tidal flows. It is a venue where execution, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure will define performance. The team enters Rio focused on converting strong underlying speed into consistent results in an increasingly competitive fleet.
Race Schedule - Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
Live racing and replays will be available throughout the weekend on Blue Sport and SailGP's YouTube channel.
Race Day 1 - Saturday, 11 April
Race Times: 15:00 - 16:30 (Local time, BRT)
Race Day 2 - Sunday, 12 April
Race Times: 15:00 - 16:30 (Local time, BRT)
Team Update: New Line-up for Rio
The Switzerland SailGP Team will start the Rio event with a renewed crew line-up, marking a deliberate reset as the team enters the American leg of the season.
Arno de Planta steps into the role of G2 Grinder, replacing Stewart Dodson. Sébastien and Arno have sailed together for a long period and are now engaged in a new Olympic cycle, bringing a well-established working relationship into the team. Arno has also been part of the SailGP environment as a reserve, gaining experience on the F50, but this will be his first time racing in competition.
This combination allows existing trust, intuition, and communication to translate onto the race course strengthening confidence, improving cooperation under pressure, and enabling the team to take the next step in performance through the American events.
This move also reflects the team's long-term commitment to developing Swiss talent through its pathway program, while maintaining competitive intensity within the fleet.