Bol d'Or du Léman 2026: a test of resilience
by Sails of Change 7 Jun 12:13 PDT
The Bol d'Or du Léman is never a race like any other. On the same starting line, seasoned professionals and amateur crews share the same playing field. A demanding one, where skill, precision and adaptability often make the difference.
On Lake Geneva, nothing is ever guaranteed. The wind calls the shots, strategies evolve hour after hour, and mental strength can become the most valuable asset on board.
This 87th edition once again delivered on all its promises. The fleet got away in favourable conditions, allowing everyone to quickly settle into their rhythm.
The Sails of Change TF35s rapidly established themselves among the leading boats and engaged in an intense battle with the rest of the TF35 fleet. Up to the middle of the Grand Lac, conditions allowed for sustained speeds before the scenario suddenly changed. The wind faded. The cards were reshuffled.
Among the frontrunners before the turning point
Alongside X-Wing and Zen Too, Sails of Change 8 opted to follow the Swiss shoreline, a longer route that appeared to offer more opportunities. It was a deliberate choice based on a careful reading of the racecourse.
Meanwhile, Sails of Change 10 committed to the French shore, betting on a different trajectory in an attempt to capitalize on the evolving conditions.
But on Lake Geneva, a matter of minutes can completely change the outcome of a race. A favourable transition allowed the leading group to break away, while the boats behind became trapped in an area of unstable breeze.
From that moment on, the challenge was to hunt for every puff of wind and remain focused despite the growing gap. Back in the Petit Lac, the south-westerly breeze favoured the leaders and positions became increasingly difficult to recover. Yet on board, nobody gave up.
"We expected to finish much earlier, but we eventually crossed the line after nightfall. We fought hard all the way to the finish, even when the situation became difficult," said Yann Guichard, skipper of Sails of Change 8.
The strength of the team
Beyond the final results, this is perhaps what we will remember most from this edition: the team spirit, the commitment behind each of our two TF35s, and the collective determination to never give up, whatever the circumstances.
"It was a long and difficult race for everyone. We had less wind than forecast, and our strategy of racing with seven crew members did not work in our favour. We fought until the very end but were never able to reconnect with the main TF35 fleet," analysed Duncan Späth, skipper of Sails of Change 10.
Faced with the traps of Lake Geneva, missed transitions and hours spent searching for the slightest breath of wind, both Sails of Change crews demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering determination.
When the gaps widen and opportunities become scarce, there is one thing you can always rely on: the strength of the team. It is in moments like these that true teams reveal themselves, remaining committed right through to the finish line.
The entire Sails of Change team looks forward to seeing you again in early September for the continuation of the TF35 season.
Results
Sails of Change 8
Race time: 12h 03min 54sec
5th Overall - Bol d'Or du Léman
5th TF35
Sails of Change 10
Race time: 13h 50min 20sec
7th TF35
13th Overall - Bol d'Or du Léman
Crews
Sails of Change 8 (SUI8)
Yann Guichard (FRA & SUI) - Skipper & Helmsman
Noé Delpech (FRA) - Tactician
Billy Besson (FRA) - Mainsail Trimmer
Matthieu Ravussin (SUI) - Headsail Trimmer
Adrien Mestre (FRA) - Bowman
Solune Robert (FRA) - Grinder
François Morvan (FRA) - Grinder
Sails of Change 10 (SUI10)
Duncan Späth (SUI) - Skipper & Helmsman
Julien d'Ortoli (FRA) - Tactician
Yann Jauvin (FRA) - Mainsail Trimmer
Jules Bidegaray (FRA) - Headsail Trimmer
Pieter Tack (BEL) - Bowman
Thibault Julien (FRA) - Grinder
Gregory Gendron (FRA) - Grinder