The LNM still canceled a few races in early July

After announcing 54 races in May and June following the compulsory judgment of two boats for asbestos removal work, the LNM, a company which sails on the lakes of Neuchâtel and Morat, also had to delete a few races punctually in early July. The company suffered “from an exceptional operational situation” with the judgment for medical reasons of three captains at the same time.

(Keystone-ATS) A captain suffered from an infection, another from a work accident and the 3rd of a long -term illness. “They alone represent more than 20% of the steering workforce,” the LNM said on Wednesday as part of a development following the “publication of inaccurate information in certain media”.

“Aware of the impact of racing cuts, the LNM immediately implemented concrete measures to restore the situation.” The company temporarily recalled a recently retired captain, made an accelerated recruitment of an external captain at the NMM and has carried out an internal reorganization of schedules and resources.

“Unlike other professions, for example air pilots, captains cannot indeed exercise freely from one basin to another, the driving of line boats being strictly framed by permits specific to the body of water concerned. It is therefore not possible to call on replacement staff without specific qualifications for lakes exploited, ”said the company.

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“This particularity considerably limits replacement flexibility and makes it difficult to use rapid external solutions,” said the company. The latter, who had to take measures in April to straighten the bar, recorded a loss of nearly 770,000 francs in 2024.

According to Arcinfo, the LNM sold more tickets in 2025 – despite the deletions – than twelve months earlier, at the same period, thanks to the weather and the actions undertaken.

The LNM will start strategic discussions this fall with its three sponsors, Neuchâtel, Vaud and Friborg this fall. The objectives are in particular to define a lasting financing framework adapted to the real needs of the company and to plan the investments necessary for the progressive renovation of the fleet.