Sails of Change 8 claims victory at TF35 Trophy Geneva
by Soazig Gueho 12 Oct 2025 19:42 BST
Sails of Change - TF35 Trophy Geneva 2025 © Loris Von Siebenthal - Sails of Change
The fifth season of the TF35 Trophy came to a close in Geneva, the highlight of an exceptional year that saw another victory for the Sails of Change team, co-founded by Yann Guichard and Dona Bertarelli.
After a highly competitive season marked by six intense events and a wide range of wind conditions across Lake Geneva, Sails of Change 8, helmed by Yann Guichard, secured the 2025 TF35 Trophy title with a comfortable lead.
In its second year on the circuit, Sails of Change 10, led by Duncan Späth, finished in a solid 3th place overall, confirming the crew's remarkable progress throughout the season.
A commanding season for Sails of Change 8
Four event victories: in Mies, at the Bol d'Or du Léman, at the Grand Prix du Mailly, and at the Grand Prix de Crans, enabled Sails of Change 8 to secure the title even before the final event.
Yann Guichard, skipper Sails of Change 8: "2025 has been a wonderful sailing season. We had great wind conditions for most of the Grands Prix, and the racing was fierce. The level keeps rising every year. Unfortunately, we couldn't compete in the final Grand Prix due to a technical incident during training, when two boats, including ours, collided. Both were damaged, and neither Sails of Change 8 nor X-Wing could take part in the event. Of course, there's some disappointment, but the season had already been secured with a comfortable lead. And I truly enjoyed watching Duncan sail in the final Grand Prix, in such windy and spectacular conditions. I would also like to thank my entire team; it was a pleasure sailing with them this year."
The Sails of Change 8 crew: Yann Guichard, Noé Delpech, François Morvan, Bruno Mourniac, Adrien Mestre, and Solune Robert, thus claim their second consecutive TF35 championship title.
Sails of Change 10, building momentum
For Sails of Change 10, the 2025 season marked an important milestone. In this second campaign, the crew led by Duncan Späth delivered consistent performances, earning multiple podiums (3rd in Mies, 2nd in Mailly, 3rd in Crans) and establishing themselves as one of the most regular contenders in the fleet.
Duncan Späth, helm of Sails of Change 10: "This season has been very rewarding, with the arrival of Julien d'Ortoli and new dynamics on board. We trained hard, had great opportunities, and saw real improvements in our speed. We can see that the boat can be very competitive in critical moments. We really enjoyed those situations, and we end the season with a podium.
The greatest satisfaction this year was sailing with my team. They made me experience incredible moments, it was pure pleasure, especially performing well in challenging conditions. We're already looking forward to next year."
Onboard, Julien d'Ortoli (tactician), Jules Bidegaray, Pieter Tack, and Thibault Julien formed a cohesive and adaptable team, capable of performing in all conditions.
A strong team spirit
Beyond sporting success, the 2025 season showcased above all the strength of the Sails of Change collective. From the docks to the start line, every member of the team shares the same commitment to excellence and passion for performance.
Behind each TF35 event lies true synergy between the two Sails of Change crews. Throughout the season, both teams worked closely together in a spirit of constant improvement, collaboration that enabled them to achieve outstanding results.
Dona Bertarelli declares: "Having both boats on the podium is fantastic. Yann and his crew have been front-runners throughout the season, winning the championship for the second year in a row. I have a special thought for my son Duncan, who showed great consistency all season and managed to handle the pressure right up to the final race of the last Grand Prix to claim third place in the overall standings, just two years after taking the helm. Congratulations to his crew for building such strong team cohesion, an essential strength to achieve such a result on a highly technical boat and in such a competitive circuit."
A close fleet and spectacular competition
The TF35 fleet reached new levels of intensity this season. Each of the six competing teams made at least one podium appearance, confirming the exceptional competitiveness of the class.
Final 2025 TF35 Trophy podium:
1. Sails of Change 8
2. Ylliam 17
3. Sails of Change 10
Sails of Change: Commitment at the heart of performance
Beyond results, Sails of Change embodies a deep commitment to the protection of nature and the oceans.
Under its sails, the messages of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy and the Sports for Nature program highlight the importance of preserving the planet and its biodiversity.
Dona Bertarelli: "Since founding the team in 2011, our goal has been to share our deep connection with nature and raise awareness about its protection. Through Sails of Change, we want to show that performance and responsibility can go hand in hand."
Season close and future outlook
With a world-class lineup of teams, the TF35 Trophy continues to assert itself as the leading high-performance foiling series on Lake Geneva.
The entire Sails of Change team is already looking ahead to 2026, a sixth season that promises to be even more intense.
Sails of Change 8 (SUI8)
- Yann Guichard (FRA), skipper and helmsman
- Noé Delpech (FRA), tactician
- François Morvan (FRA), mainsail trimmer
- Bruno Mourniac (FRA), headsail trimmer
- Adrien Mestre (FRA), bowman
- Solune Robert (FRA), grinder
Sails of Change 10 (SUI10)
- Duncan Späth (SUI), skipper and helmsman
- Julien d'Ortoli (FRA), tactician
- Yann Jauvin (FRA), mainsail trimmer
- Jules Bidegaray (FRA), headsail trimmer
- Pieter Tack (BEL), bowman
- Thibault Julien (FRA), grinder