TF35 Nyon Grand Prix at Société Nautique de Nyon - Day 2
by TF35 Press 24 May 2025 23:58 BST
23-25 May 2025
TF35 Nyon Grand Prix 2025 Day 2 © Loris von Siebenthal
Sails of Change 10 makes it count in light air
Despite spending most of the day on the water patiently waiting for wind, the Race Committee eventually managed to squeeze in a single race in the faintest 5-6 knot Séchard breeze, the only scoring opportunity on day two of the TF35 Nyon Grand Prix.
When the start finally came, Sails of Change 10 got off the line well, while their teammates on Sails of Change 8 were called over early and forced to restart. In the light and shifty conditions of the opening beat, helm Duncan Späth—alongside tactician Julien D'Ortoli and a sharp crew featuring Jules Bidegaray, Pieter Tack, Thibault Julien, and Yann Jauvin —played a conservative hand up the middle of the course. At the windward gate they held a slender but crucial lead over the chasing pack that included Zen Too, Ylliam 17, and Ylliam XII – Comptoir Immobilier.
"A light breeze picked up, which allowed us to get in a tight race. It was pretty demanding — the boats were all very close, and it was tough to choose the right sides of the course. We had a bit of luck, and managed to pull ahead," explained helm Späth.
Downwind, the race split. Sails of Change 10 and Ylliam XII – Comptoir Immobilier chose the left-hand side, while the rest gambled right. The left side marginally paid, and Sails of Change 10 remained in control at the leeward gate.
With the breeze softening further on the second beat, PRO Benoit Deutsch called the race at the second windward mark. Sails of Change 10 secured their first win of the 2025 season, followed closely by Ylliam XII – Comptoir Immobilier in second, with Ylliam 17 in third. Zen Too, Sails of Change 8, and X-Wing completed the order.
"There are always things to improve, but overall we're quite happy with the result. We're always aiming higher — the goal is to finish on the podium, that would be fantastic. We know we're capable of it. There's great energy on board, we know each other well, and we know how to move forward together.", Duncan Späth, helm Sails of Change 10.
Results can be found at tf35.org/results