Malcesine (Garda Lake), January 23rd 2026 – With just over 100 days until the first event of the 69F Cup scheduled at Fraglia Vela Malcesine from May 27 to 30, preparations for the new season are underway. The Bayerischer Yacht Club, which has participated for three consecutive years, was among the first to adopt the Formula 69F, ensuring its presence at all 69F Cup regattas. Team Manager Fabian Duttler shared insights on their plans and expectations, highlighting the motivation behind focusing on 69F for the development of young sailors.
Regarding BYC’s return to the 69F Cup, Duttler stated, “For BYC, the 69F is the perfect extension of our Foiling Academy, complementing SWITCH and WASZP sailing. It allows our top athletes to broaden their horizons, work in a larger team structure, and apply foiling skills in a highly professional racing setting. The circuit offers the platform we need to cultivate the next level of sailors.”
When asked about the advantages of the 69F from a team manager’s perspective, he added, “The 69F combines performance, structure, and safety at the highest level. The standardized platform and clear processes let us focus on training quality, team development, and long-term strategies while prioritising safety to ensure every session is conducted in a controlled and professional environment.”
On lessons learned from sailing the 69F, he remarked, “Foiling in a 69F requires absolute clarity in communication, roles, and decision-making. Last season illustrated the importance of stable structures for performance. It’s a demanding setting but provides invaluable learning opportunities – technically, tactically, and mentally.”
Will there be team changes compared to last season? Duttler confirmed, “Yes, we are forming fixed teams with defined positions that will sail together consistently. This is pivotal for enhancing our performance and aiming for a competitive edge.”
As for the goals this season, he emphasised, “Our aim is to transition from development to performance. We want to consistently perform at a high level across the season while reducing variability and competing at the forefront. We see the 69F as a key educational platform for nurturing our top talents.”
Finally, regarding why other teams should join the full 69F circuit, he advised, “It’s one of the best global platforms for young talents to develop. They learn high-performance foiling, teamwork, and professional racing in a safe, structured setting. For some, it could serve as a stepping stone to SailGP or the America’s Cup.”
@69Fsailing #69FCup #BYC #SailingAustralia #FoilingAcademy #SailGP
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
Follow our coverage of what’s happening in the foiling World Click here
