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At the starting line in Bol d’Or Mirabaud

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At the starting line in Bol d’Or Mirabaud
Switzerland is at the ready every year for the long-awaited thrill of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. And this year, it’ll take place from June 14th to 16th. You are invited to watch on the shores of Lake Geneva from under your boaters, wide brim hats, and baseball caps. While spectators hope for a gentle sun, sailors look to the skies for strong winds. But at BARNES and BARNES Yachts, we wish them the best.

Since 1939, this legendary regatta has been a lively competition for the most beautiful monohulls and multihulls, during which more than 500 vessels fill on the blue waters of Lake Geneva, on course for 123 kilometers (66.5 nautical miles) from Geneva to Le Bouveret and back. It’s one of the most important inland lake races in the world, a dazzling spectacle for viewers.

The race starts at 10 am in front of the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG); multihulls are divided into 2 zones at the northern line; monohulls into 4 zones at the southern line, overlooked by the Jet d’Eau. Whether you’re watching from the right or left bank, the viewpoints are magical. But if we had to choose, the Pré Byron in Cologny has a particularly dominating view of the lake. During the regatta, the entire city is in constant celebration and crowded with fans. The SNG even opens its doors to non-members so that they can join the party and watch the race on huge screens with fellow sailing enthusiasts.

The Bol d'Or Mirabaud is a fierce competition spanning the course of 2 days and 1 night. It’s not only a battleground for the sea’s biggest competitors, but also for the smallest sailboats. From the world stage to the most intimate dynamics, some crews are famous while others are family. This diversity of boats and crews has made this regatta a particularly special and popular event, appreciated by all.

Each year is full of surprises. Like in 2015, when the Décision 35 Team Tilt crossed the finish line 18 seconds ahead of Alinghi (two-time America’s Cup champion), led by with the youngest helmsman in the competition’s history, winning the Bol d’Or Sébastien Schneiter at just 19-years-old.

For these 2 summer days in June, from Geneva to Lausanne, Morges, Vevey, Montreux, Bouvrey, Thonon-les-Bains and all the towns and villages on the shores of Lake Geneva, we cheer on the fleet. BARNES Switzerland and BARNES Yachts, accompanied by their privileged clients, take part in the enthusiasm, encouraging the sailors who on put such a fantastic show for us every year at the Bol d’Or Mirabaud.

May the best win!