A light, shifty opening day on Lake Geneva saw five different winners in five fleet races. The Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team captivated the crowd, securing podium finishes in two of three races, including a standout victory in the second race, their first ever at home.
Foiling conditions were limited as the fleet battled winds as low as 5km/h. Teams capable of reading the shifts gained distance, while errors in judgement proved costly, leaving some teams stranded in the unpredictable breeze.
The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix is the 11th stop of 13 in the 2026 Season, crucial for those aiming to secure a spot in the Grand Final. After two fleet races, Rockwool Racing and Artemis led Group A with 6 points each, while the Bonds Flying Roos and New Zealand’s Black Foils topped Group B with 10 and 9 points, respectively. Group A’s third fleet race is scheduled for tomorrow.
NorthStar won the opening race after leading from the first mark, with the Black Foils finishing second despite an early penalty. The Bonds Flying Roos had a strong start but faced penalties alongside the Black Foils, while the home team, Explora Journeys Swiss, struggled with a last-place finish following a disastrous start.
In Group A’s first fleet race, Nathan Outteridge’s Artemis excelled, winning the opener, followed by Germany in second and Los Gallos in third. Brazil and the U.S. faced penalties, failing to score points.
Day one leader Outteridge is well-placed for a potential final appearance. “Every race matters,” he noted. “Conditions were challenging, but we are improving incrementally. It’s important to come out strong tomorrow to secure our place in the Final.”
The highlight of the day came when Switzerland transformed from last to first in Group B’s second race, claiming their first-ever home win, with Australia and the Black Foils following.
Driver Sébastien Schneiter expressed satisfaction with the team’s comeback after a tough start. “We felt the crowd’s support and are eager to continue racing tomorrow. Every point counts, so we must focus on each race.
ROCKWOOL Racing surpassed Mubadala Brazil in Group A’s second race, with Goodison’s team finishing second and DS Automobiles France in third.
In his first event as driver replacing Martine Grael, Goodison acknowledged the need to refine their starts after facing penalties in earlier races.
The final fleet race of the day saw the Bonds Flying Roos lead from mark one, securing their first Geneva win, with Emirates GBR and Explora Journeys Swiss finishing second and third, respectively. This resulted in five different winners across the day.
Martine Grael, stepping in for Taylor Canfield, struggled to secure points, reflecting on the day’s light winds as a significant challenge.
Racing resumes for Championship Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CEST, with live coverage available for Swiss fans on Blue Sport. For more information, visit SailGP.com/Watch.
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