Rolex SailGP
The three events Down Under turned into a debacle for SĂ©bastien Schneiter’s crew. After a collision and a series of setbacks, all that remained in the end was a disappointing last place. A look back at a thoroughly unsuccessful start to the season.
The first Grand Prix of the 2026 season in Perth in mid-January got off to the worst possible start for the Swiss team. Just one minute after the start, Peter Burling at the wheel of the New Zealand F50 took the right of way from the Swiss. SĂ©bastien Schneiter tried to take evasive action, but was unable to prevent the crash. In the collision, a meter of the stern of the Black Foil’s port hull was torn off and the bow of the Swiss boat was destroyed. Miraculously, there was no material damage despite the high speeds. The collision between Black Foils and DS Team France was much more serious. Peter Burling lost control of his F50 and cut off the French, who crashed into the New Zealand boat with full force. Two crew members were injured in the horror crash: New Zealand grinder Louis Sinclair broke both legs and French strategist Manon Audinet suffered severe bruising. Regardless of the mental impact of these accidents, the Switzerland SailGP Team’s start to the season was a crash landing. The Swiss team finished at the back of the field at all three events in Australia. A 2nd place in 17 races was the highest of feelings. At the end of February in Sydney, in decidedly “Swiss” conditions
conditions, the results again fell short of expectations.
Although the Swiss F50 made a few good starts, it was practically always pushed to the back after that. When asked where the shoe pinches, skipper SĂ©bastien Schneiter said: “It’s a paradox. The mood in the team is good, we’re in midfield in terms of speed and our starts have improved significantly. Nevertheless, we are constantly being overtaken.” CEO Boet Brinkgreve agrees with Schneiter: “The team has worked intensively on the starts. Around half of our starts are now average to good. And the data analysis confirms that our speed is in line with the fleet average. So the basics are right. What is still lacking is the implementation. We change tactics during the race instead of sticking to the original plan. Now we have to learn to consistently implement our strategies and deal with risks better.” The biggest problem on board the Eiger is the lack of self-confidence. Fundamental personnel changes are therefore not even up for discussion, they would be poison. Both the skipper and the team director see cohesion as one of the team’s greatest strengths. And this is crucial at such extreme speeds.
At the bottom of the overall standings, the Swiss team has nothing left to lose. Perhaps this is precisely where they have a chance, despite the low morale and palpable frustration in Sydney. “The tide can turn very quickly in the SailGP,” says Brinkgreve. On April 11 and 12, Rio de Janeiro offers the opportunity to strike a blow. The competition shows that a turnaround is possible. The US SailGP team has made an impressive comeback after a disastrous 2025 season and is currently in third place behind Emirates GBR and the Bonds Flying Roos. This comeback shows that nothing is set in stone in the SailGP. We wish the Swiss team a similar scenario in their battle with the best sailors in the world.
The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix returns to Geneva
The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix will officially return to Geneva on September 19 and 20, 2026. The guest appearance in French-speaking Switzerland is considered a strategically important date by teams and organizers alike. “Sailing in front of a home crowd is a huge advantage. The support of the fans spurs us on to surpass ourselves,” emphasizes SĂ©bastien Schneiter. Even at the premiere, the enthusiasm along the waterfront increased the visibility of the Swiss team and lent additional intensity to the sporting competition. This success is no coincidence. According to Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, Geneva is ideally placed to establish itself permanently in the calendar: “The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix has become one of the biggest outdoor sporting events ever organized in Geneva and the most important on Lake Geneva. We need to build on this success if we want to create a coherent calendar with iconic venues.” The Geneva harbor basin, with its impressive backdrop and close proximity to the public, offers the best conditions for the fast, spectacular races.
As title partner, Rolex also plays a central role in this local anchoring. “It is a great honor to welcome the SailGP to Rolex’s home town,” says Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communications and Marketing for the watch brand. Beyond the sporting competition, the event strengthens Geneva’s image as an international sports destination. By firmly anchoring itself in the regatta calendar, the International Sailing League underlines Geneva’s status as a stronghold of modern sailing, attracting the world’s best sailors and inspiring a growing audience.
