Intro
When the Léman breathes, Geneva listens. Under golden skies and steady winds, the 85th Bol d’Or Mirabaud brought the lake to life again. A spectacle of silence, strategy, and speed, the 2024 edition restored its legend — champagne sailing after years of calm. At the heart of it all, a foiling fleet, a Swiss-built monohull, and a celebration worthy of its heritage.
The Setting
Held in 1939 on Lake Geneva, the Bol d’Or Mirabaud is the most prestigious inland regatta in the world. Its course — from Geneva to Le Bouveret and back — is framed by the Alps, the city, and one of Europe’s most discerning sailing cultures.
Three hundred ninety-eight boats crossed the starting line this year beneath InterContinental banners and warm southwest winds; unlike previous editions — dulled by still air or drenched in a storm — 2024 delivered balance: sun above, breeze below, and energy everywhere. From foiling catamarans to vintage monotypes, the Bol d’Or once again lived up to its reputation.
The Experience
From the terrace of the Société Nautique de Genève to the sun-dappled decks of spectator yachts, the regatta offered a weekend of movement and memory. On Saturday morning, sails billowed past Yvoire within the hour — an early sign of a fast race.
As the leaders rounded Le Bouveret, Realteam for Léman Hope set a new record for the first half. Yet it was the return leg that told the real story. In a decisive moment near Évian, Sails of Change 8 — a TF35 catamaran helmed by Yann Guichard — slipped into the lead with a perfectly timed manoeuvre. The onboard tension gave way to celebration, champagne flowing before sunset.
Meanwhile, the K2 monohull, crewed by Philippe de Weck and his two sons, seized the Bol de Vermeil on its debut, dethroning the Hungarian legend Raffica. Onlookers lined the piers to watch this generational moment.
The Sport
The foilers flew. TF35s claimed the top five spots, confirming their dominance in conditions that finally let them shine. Sails of Change 8 won in 6h22’24”, edging out Realteam by just 86 seconds. Yann Guichard celebrated his team’s third Bol d’Or victory — and the fifth.
Among monohulls, the newly launched K2 marked a paradigm shift. Lighter than its size suggests, it sailed past legends with grace and grit. In the Grand Surprises class, Bernard Borter made history, winning both class and corrected time — his seventh triumph in two decades.
From vintage Tiole Ypsos to pocket-sized foilers like the Flying Phantom, the Bol d’Or remained, as always, a regatta of stories as much as scores.
Quote
“C’était une très belle course, rapide, stratégique et intense. Nous nous sommes battus jusqu’à la dernière minute.”
— Yann Guichard, Skipper, Sails of Change 8
“It was a great race, fast, strategic and intense. We fought right up to the last minute.”
– Yann Guichard, Skipper, Sails of Change 8
What’s Next
As the sun set on the Léman and crews returned to shore, the Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2024 closed with elegance and applause. It was an edition that reminded us why this race matters — not just to sailing but to style, community, and the art of pushing forward. Next year’s sails are already being folded with care and purpose.