The SAILGP – or Sail Grand Prix – is a sailing competition nicknamed Formula 1 of the seas. One of the races will take place for the first time in September on Lake Geneva, but by then several heats are arguing, including one that was held last weekend in Portsmouth. The Swiss team rose to third place.
It is the first podium of Sailgp for Switzerland. The competition took place on July 19 and 20 in the south of England. Each team sails an identical catamaran, an F50. These boats can reach speed tips close to 100 km/h.
“We fought well in this final, we won the departure so we were in the lead, and really well left to win. Then unfortunately we had some technical problems on the boat so we had to withdraw from the round. It is also part of the game with these mechanical sports, such as F1. We say that it will motivate us even more to redo a final to win ”enthuses Sébastien Schneiter, skipper of the Swiss team.
A competition in thirteen Grands Prix
The championship has thirteen Grands Prix. The Geneva skipper already has his eyes turned out of the season:
“Here we were in England, then we go back to Germany and then we go to France to St-Tropez. We come back to Geneva and then there is a competition in Spain, to Cadiz. It is really a fairly group circuit in Europe. Finally we end the season in the Middle East “lists the browser.
A GP in Geneva
On September 20 and 21, it is here in Geneva, on the small lake that one of the Grand Prix will be held:
“It is a huge pride to be able to bring this circuit here to Switzerland, in Geneva. It was one of our goals when we joined the League, we wanted to bring these boats to Lake Geneva. It will be the first Grand Prix on a lake. It’s going to be something special, all sailing and sport fans will be able to attend this event. It is an easy -to -understand competition, even for those who do not know the sail well. It is a very dynamic format, close to the edge. I encourage everyone to come see, it will be a very beautiful show, ”rejoices Sébastien Schneiter.
This weekend the F50 will replace the optimists. And on the shore, 6000 seats in a tutor to accommodate spectators.