Only two days to the 83rd Bol d'Or Mirabaud
by Bol d'Or Mirabaud 9 Jun 2022 16:53 BST
10-12 June 2022
Bol d'Or Mirabaud © Nicolas Jutzi
This morning, the organizers of the 83rd Bol d'Or Mirabaud presented the final details of the world's most important regatta held on a lake, which promises to be exceptional both on land and on the water.
The 83rd edition of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud promises to be intense on the water and rich in festivities on land! No less than 438 yachts have confirmed their participation, including many spectacular prototypes that promise an exceptional show. The new village dedicated to the event, in the heart of the Société Nautique de Genève, is now fully operational and will serve as the backdrop for this great public celebration.
"We are looking forward to welcoming all competitors, both amateurs and professionals, as well as all those who love sailing and Lake Geneva ", says Yann Petremand, president of the organizing committee. "This edition is a great opportunity to revive the great lake celebration so dear to the Société Nautique de Genève. We have worked intensively to set up a dynamic village, with many activities. This year is also special because we are celebrating the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our club and the BOM kicks off that celebration! "
A unique challenge of sport and technology
The starting gun for the 2022 edition will be fired on Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 am off Geneva. No fewer than 2000 sailors will be on the water this weekend.
Seven TF35 foiling catamarans are the favorites for the scratch ranking. Smaller M2 catamarans will also be watched closely, as they are very efficient in light wind, while two Decision 35s will try steal the victory.
Among monohulls, the Hungarian Libera Raffica, winner of the last two editions, is the favorite. Psaros 33s and 40s, as well as Luthi 1090s and F10s will do their best to prevent her from winning a third Bol de Vermeil Challenge. The most numerous classes will once again be Surprises and Grand Surprises.
The Sailing Squad, BOM22 Ambassadors
The Sailing Squad, a project by our partner Mirabaud, is back for another season! Four young sailors, Amanda Anastassov (SUI), Daniela Moroz (USA), Odile Van Aanholt (NED) and Francesca Bergamo (ITA), coached by two-time Olympic champion Shirley Robertson, are the ambassadors for this 2022 edition. They will be aboard a 69F Persico hydrofoil monohull and will undoubtedly contribute to the show.
The Sailing Squad is also a mini-series, immersing viewers in these young women's training, and is available on the BOM's social networks: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The third episode will be available tomorrow.
A great public celebration
The new Société Nautique de Genève infrastructure is now operational. The esplanade located in front of the sports pavilion will host the opening ceremony, winner celebrations and the prize ceremony. It will also host partner stands and will be the setting for the many activities planned throughout the weekend.
A giant screen will broadcast the race live, while spectators will be able to watch the start and finish from the north jetty.
Finally, three concerts and a dj set are planned throughout the weekend: "Time Machine" on Friday at 20:30, "Back to the Eighties" on Saturday at 20:30, and "Ladylicious" on Sunday at 16:00.
Weather forecast
According to Lionel Fontannaz from Météo Suisse, the weather forecast for the weekend is favourable, with sunny, warm and stable weather on Saturday. No thunderstorms are expected.
The departure will take place under a regime of light thermal breezes. In the late morning and afternoon, the Séchard (local sea breeze) should strengthen over the Petit Lac. In the Grand Lac and the Haut Lac there will also be a light thermal breeze regime (Rebat).
The thermal breezes, often light, should continue during the night with a tendency to Morget on the northern shore.
The weather will also be sunny and warm on Sunday, with a slight risk of thunderstorms at the end of the day.
Quotes
Alan Roura, Hublot IMOCA skipper: "The BOM is the most beautiful Swiss race for me, the most beautiful in the world on a closed course. It's a very complicated event tactically, it's a great challenge. And when there is wind, it's a treat! I've been lucky enough to take part three times and to win it in the Surprise category, which is a real honour and a great local recognition. I'm disappointed I won't be able to race this year, but I hope to be there next year!"
Daniela Moroz, five-time world kite champion: "The Sailing Squad is such a cool experience so far, it's so special to get the opportunity to bond with three other incredible sailors. I'm really grateful to be part of this project and to show the female power. I'm looking forward to this weekend at the Bol d'Or Mirabaud!"
Challenges and key statistics of the 83rd edition:
- Bertrand Demole and his Ylliam XII Comptoir Immobilier are the current holders of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud
- The Hungarian Libera Raffica, owned by Zsolt Király, is the current holder of the Bol de Vermeil. Having won the last two editions, the boat's in position to win its third Bol de Vermeil Challenge.
- Christian Wahl could set a new record for number of victories if he manages to win aboard his D35 W-Team. This would be his eighth.
- The speed records to beat are 5:01:50 for multihulls (set in 1994 by the trimaran Triga IV) and 8:09:33 for monohulls (set in 2014 by Syz & Co)
- Total distance of the straight-line course: 123 kilometers (66.5 nautical miles)
- Record number of victories: 7 - Philippe Stern, Philippe Durr, Pierre-Yves Jorand, Alex Schneiter, Christian Wahl
- Participation record: 684 competitors registered (all classes combined) in 1990