TF35 Geneva Grand Prix at Société Nautique de Genève - Day 2
by TF35 Class 11 Oct 2025 22:11 BST
10-12 October 2025
Day 2 of the TF35 Geneva Grand Prix delivered another day of foiling action, with five spectacular races sailed in a lively 10-15 knots on Lake Geneva.
At the halfway mark of the regatta, Realteam Spirit, returning to the circuit after a break during the first half of the season, holds the overall lead by a single point.
"Our main focus this year has been the Bol D'Or, so we entered this event mainly to see how we measured up against the others," said a Realteam Spirit's helm Jérôme Clerc. "What we're seeing is that the level has really risen this year. The fleet is incredibly tight - we've completed ten races in two days in 10-15 knots, and it's been magnificent. Now we really have to fight to maintain our level, and that's exciting for the future."
Duncan Späth's Sails of Change 10 was the standout performer of the day, delivering a string of podium finishes. Their best moment came in Race 7, where they led from the windward gate and, sailing in clear air, controlled the fleet to the finish.
After being forced to retire from the final race of Day 1 due to a technical issue, Julien Firmenich 's Ylliam 17 bounced back impressively. The team claimed victories in both the first and final races of the day. In Race 6, Ylliam 17 was locked in with Realteam Spirit, gaining a small early advantage on the first downwind leg before losing ground at the second windward mark to Realteam and Sails of Change 10. On the final run they were able to find the boat speed to pull ahead to take the win. Their final race was a more decisive affair — leading from the windward mark and extending to finish with a three-boat-length margin.
For Zen Too, it was a day of highs and lows. An OCS in the opening race proved a frustrating start. They followed it up with a fourth-place finish in Race 7 and then found their stride in Race 8 finishing second after a close contest with Ylliam 17. Their highlight came in Race 9, where they led from start to finish to claim a well-earned victory.
The day was less fortunate for Ylliam XII - Comptoir Immobilier, who capsized on the first beat of the opening race. Although no one was hurt and the boat suffered no damage they were unable to recover in time to compete and were forced to retire from the remainder of the day's racing. They will be back on the water tomorrow ready to race for points on the final day.
The TF35 Geneva Grand Prix concludes tomorrow with five races scheduled from 11:30.
Overheard on the dock:
"It's just magnificent to see boats that barely touch the water, reaching speeds of over 30 knots. It's quite a spectacle and a real challenge. Watching some of the world's best sailors go head-to-head on this kind of boat, coming from professional circuits all over the globe to compete here - it's the stuff of dreams. It's a real pleasure to umpire." - Arnaud Mante, international umpire