50-boat International Six Metre fleet ready to race in Geneva on eve of Swiss National Championship

50-boat International Six Metre fleet ready to race in Geneva on eve of Swiss National Championship © Justin Chisholm / ISMA

50 International Six Metre crews have assembled at the Société Nautique de Genève on the eve of the 2026 Swiss National Championship, which begins tomorrow on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

Eight races are scheduled for the three-day event, which precedes the International Six Metre European Championships, taking place from Sunday, July 19 to Friday, July 24.

Two national titles are up for grabs at the Swiss Championship: the Open Championship for those yachts constructed and/or certificated since January 1, 1966; and the Classic Championship for those yachts constructed and/or certificated prior to that date.

The 30-strong Classic entry list includes 15 Swiss crews as well as visiting yachts from Finland (1), France (3), Germany (5), Great Britain (3), Italy (1), and Spain (2). Meanwhile, the 20-boat Open entry list is made up of 16 Swiss crews, along with yachts from Great Britain, Spain, Sweden, and the USA.

After successfully completing the meticulous measurement and scrutineering process over the last few days, all 50 of the event's International Six Metre yachts are now lined up stern-to and in age order on the main dock at the Société Nautique de Genève - making for a truly spectacular sight.

Like most of Europe currently, Geneva is experiencing a heatwave that has seen temperatures peak at 35C over recent days, making hats and sunscreen the order of the day for the Six Metre sailors preparing their boats. With today's prevailing conditions being strong sunshine and an average of four knots of wind, most of the fleet remained ashore, with just a determined few venturing out on to the glassy waters of Lake Geneva.

International Six Metre Class Association President Louis Heckly, skipper of FRA 11 Fun, competing in the Classic Championship, said the competitors were happy to be enjoying the excellent hospitality of the Société Nautique de Genève for this year's Swiss and European Championships.

"It is great to see so many boats here representing so many countries - that's a clear indication of how dynamic the class has become internationally," Heckly said.

"Huge congratulations to the measurement team, led by Guy-Roland Perrin, for processing 50 boats over two days. That's a massive achievement. Now, with everyone in the water, we can't wait to start racing at the Swiss Championship tomorrow."

The International Six Metre Swiss Championship gets under way tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15 - with a skippers' briefing at 1100 and the warning signal for Race 1 at 1300 - and runs through to Friday, July 17.

More information on the event can be found at the official regatta website.