TF35 Racing Returns to Rolle for Les Voiles de Choisi
Les Voiles de Choisi – TF35 Racing Resumes in Rolle
30 August – 1 September 2024
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After a two-month summer break, the TF35 fleet is ready to race again on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, for the fifth event of the 2024 season, the Les Voiles de Choisi.
Hosted by the Société Nautique Rolloise, the event will take place at the Villa Choisi estate from 30 August to 1 September. The six high-performance one-design catamarans will resume competition after Sails of Change 8’s victory in the 85th Bol d’Or Mirabaud.
The favorites entering this second half of the season include Yann Guichard’s Sails of Change 8, who currently leads the 2024 TF35 season with wins in both long-distance races—the Bol d’Or and the Geneve-Rolle—along with the season-opening grand prix in Nyon. Guichard’s new crew has gelled well, as Olympian Noé Delpech noted, highlighting their strong teamwork.
Esteban Garcia’s Realteam Sailing, led by Jérôme Clerc, has been a dominant force since the TF35’s inception, having secured the tour titles in 2021 and 2023. This season, a winter software upgrade has improved boat performance, making the competition fiercer. Clerc emphasized consistency, referencing their solid finishing in races, which secured them the TF35 Mies Grand Prix title.
Bertrand Demole’s Ylliam XII—Comptoir Immobilier has shown promise, achieving third-place results in Nyon and at the Bol d’Or. Similarly, Guy de Picciotto’s ZEN Too, helmed by Loïc Forestier, has made strides, finishing on the podium for the first time and aiming for more success as they progress.
New contenders Julien Firmenich’s Ylliam 17 team almost secured a podium at the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, missing third by just seven seconds, while Duncan Späth’s Sails of Change 10 displayed their potential with a solid fourth place finish in the TF35 Mies Cup.
Racing kicks off on 30 August at 11:30 local time. For more information, visit tf35.org.
TF35 Trophy Ranking 2024:
1. Sails of Change 8 (SUI 8) – 1 2 1 – 4pts
2. Realteam Sailing (SUI 7) – 2 1 2 – 5pts
3. Ylliam XII—Comptoir Immobilier (SUI 12) – 3 5 3 – 11pts
4. ZEN Too (SUI 4) – 4 3 5 – 12pts
5. Sails of Change 10 (SUI 10) – 5 4 6 – 15pts
6. Ylliam 17 (SUI 17) – 6 6 4 – 16pts
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.