TF35 Trophy – Act 1

Foils on Lake Geneva from May 1st

May 1st, 2026 — Lake Geneva awakens. After months in the sheds, tuning and simulating, the six flying catamarans of the TF35 Trophy reclaim the water for Act 1 of the season. First confrontation, first lessons learned — and already, the clock is ticking for the rest of the calendar.

A catamaran born from the lake

The TF35 isn't just another foiler. Direct heir to the D35, which ruled Lake Geneva for 16 seasons, it was designed by the owners themselves with a clear ambition: make high-level foiling accessible to a wider circle of sailors.

By 2026, the learning phase is over. Crews have mastered the automated flight assistance system — an onboard computer that manages flight and pitch in real time. Result: sailors focus on tactics and pure speed, not keeping the machine alive.

Fly early, fly fast

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Upwind takeoff from 9 knots of true wind, at twice wind speed
• Downwind takeoff from 7 knots, with peaks at three times wind speed
• 18-19 knots upwind speed, over 30 knots downwind
• Possible peaks at 35 knots in gusts

On a lake where spring thermal breezes remain capricious, this ability to take off early makes all the difference. Where other foilers would stay stuck to the surface, the TF35s fly — and the spectacle with them.

Six teams, six stories

The starting grid features radically different profiles. Passionate owners, world-class professionals, young talents lying in wait: the mix promises tight racing.

Sails of Change 8 — the benchmark

Yann Guichard and his crew — Noé Delpech, François Morvan — arrive as logical favorites. Dominant in 2024, champions in 2025, they're aiming for continuity from the opening. Hard to imagine them off the podium.

Sails of Change 10 — Spindrift's other card

Duncan Späth continues his progression at the helm of the team's second machine, with Yann Jauvin as tactician. A pairing gaining consistency season after season.

Ylliam XII - Comptoir Immobilier — the eternal rival

Bertrand Demole fields a formidable crew: Billy Besson bringing experience, the Bachelin brothers bringing energy. Always at the sharp end, always dangerous.

Ylliam 17 — building momentum

Julien Firmenich is betting on youth and the coaching of Stevie Morrison. Pre-season feedback is encouraging. The team that could spring a surprise.

ZEN Too — the technological gamble

Guy de Picciotto invested heavily in electronics and performance over winter. Loïc Forestier at the helm, the objective is clear: transform raw speed into consistent podiums.

X-WING — the challenger

Marco Favale starts his second season with support from Nicolas Charbonnier. After a debut in 2025, the ambition is to close the gap with the leaders.

Grand Prix format, reliability stakes

Act 1 is contested in Grand Prix format: short, intense races that put coordination under pressure. Each crew of six sailors — helmsman, tactician, mainsail and headsail trimmers, flight controller — must function as a single organism.

But the real challenge of this opener isn't victory at all costs. It's reliability. Teams must validate their winter developments without breaking gear before the major deadlines in June. Yann Guichard himself places the Bol d'Or Mirabaud as his season's "absolute priority." Act 1 is a full-scale test — not an all-in.

What to watch for

The central question: has the gap between the top and bottom of the fleet narrowed? Does Sails of Change 8 remain untouchable, or have the challengers used winter to close their deficit? The first races between Geneva and the still snow-capped peaks will provide some answers.

Find the complete TF35 Trophy calendar on spencer.club.