TF35s Lead the Pack in 87th Bol d'Or Regatta

The traditional start cannon, fired this year by French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries Catherine Chabaud, launched the 87th Bol d'Or on Lake Geneva. A fleet of 391 crews, totaling nearly 1700 sailors, set off in pursuit of the prestigious trophy.

Within the first half-hour, the leading TF35 catamarans, Ylliam 12 and Ylliam 17, opted for a strategic path along the Swiss shore. Capitalizing on a light southwesterly breeze, they gained an early advantage, reaching Versoix swiftly. By the one-hour mark, these foiling machines had repositioned themselves along the French coast, with other TF35s like Realteam Spirit, Sail of Change 8 and 10, and X Wing closing in. Christian Wahl, aboard the Decision 35 Double You Team, initially held strong but lost ground as the race entered the larger expanse of the lake.

Meteorologist Lionel Fontannaz from MétéoSuisse had predicted a favorable "window" shortly after the start, a forecast that proved accurate. These rapid conditions are expected to persist for several more hours, offering a dynamic race for the participants. By midday, near Morges, a cluster of boats had formed around the leading TF35s, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.

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