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Realteam Spirit at the Bol d’Or: a strong performance at a thrilling edition

  • 6 June 2026
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Realteam Spirit at the Bol d’Or delivered a strong performance. The team finished in 4th place at the 87th edition of the world’s largest regatta on an enclosed body of water. Led by Yacht Club de Monaco’s Esteban Garcia, the crew were in the vanguard for much of this race contested in highly variable conditions over the 66,5 nautical miles course between Geneva and Le Bouveret then back to Geneva.

Realteam Spirit at the Bol d'Or: competing in a race full of twists and turns

This 2026 edition was not like any other. From the starting gun fired in front of the Société Nautique de Genève, the seven TF35s had to contend with light thermal breezes before finding a more established air flow in which to deploy their foils. Conditions became more complicated on several occasions, with gaps between boats constantly changing as they navigated windless zones, delicate transitions and opposing strategic options. Off Lausanne, Realteam Spirit, along with Ylliam 17 and Sails of Change 10, chose a more central route towards the French coast, while several other contestants opted to hug the Swiss coast.

A tactical battle across Lake Geneva

As is often the case at the Bol d’Or, speed isn’t everything and this time crews had to be patient sometimes for long minutes, even several hours in areas where the wind had dropped completely. The Le Bouveret passage was a turning point as a fresh breeze gradually picked up on the return, allowing the TF35s to showcase their full potential. As the catamarans flew across the water, they were tacking in up to 20 knots, completely transforming the nature of the race.

A hard-fought finish to the end

The battle for ultimate victory remained wide open down to the last few kilometres. Z-WING appeared to have the upper hand before Ylliam XII – Comptoir Immobilier found an opening in the last part of the race to win it. Behind the top three, Realteam Spirit maintained their position in contact with the leaders and crossed the line in 4th position. With all the changes of pace, long periods of waiting and spectacular comebacks on foils, this edition of the Bol d’Or confirmed yet again why it is a truly legendary event. The result of Realteam Spirit at the Bol d’Or adds another solid performance to a TF35 season that proves the team is one of the best on the circuit.

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