Progress and Lessons for Switzerland SailGP Team in Rio Debut
by Switzerland SailGP Team 13 Apr 02:18 UTC
11-12 April 2026
Switzerland SailGP Team at the ENEL Rio Sail Grand Prix © SailGP
The Switzerland SailGP Team delivered a progressively stronger performance across the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, competing in the league’s historic debut event in Brazil and integrating new crew member Arno de Planta into the line-up.
Racing on Guanabara Bay in light, unstable and gusty conditions, the team demonstrated clear advancement over the weekend. Starting execution stood out as a key strength, consistently placing the team in competitive positions off the line. This marks a step forward in race control and tactical positioning.
While the team remained regularly in contention within a tightly grouped fleet, the ability to convert opportunities into top results was constrained by a clear deficit in straight-line speed, now identified as the primary performance focus.
The Rio event also marked the SailGP debut of Arno de Planta as G2 grinder. He integrated rapidly into the crew during a technically demanding event, contributing to the team’s growing cohesion and stability onboard.
“It was a demanding weekend, but we stayed in the fight throughout,” said Arno de Planta. “Our starts improved significantly, which allowed us to be in the mix. At the same time, we know exactly where we need to improve, particularly in speed and execution under pressure.”
As conditions intensified with building breeze and the 27.5m wing configuration, the Swiss crew showed increasing confidence and alignment. The trajectory is positive, with stronger foundations now in place to unlock further performance gains.
Racing on Guanabara Bay in light, unstable and gusty conditions, the team demonstrated clear advancement over the weekend. Starting execution stood out as a key strength, consistently placing the team in competitive positions off the line. This marks a step forward in race control and tactical positioning.
While the team remained regularly in contention within a tightly grouped fleet, the ability to convert opportunities into top results was constrained by a clear deficit in straight-line speed, now identified as the primary performance focus.
The Rio event also marked the SailGP debut of Arno de Planta as G2 grinder. He integrated rapidly into the crew during a technically demanding event, contributing to the team’s growing cohesion and stability onboard.
“It was a demanding weekend, but we stayed in the fight throughout,” said Arno de Planta. “Our starts improved significantly, which allowed us to be in the mix. At the same time, we know exactly where we need to improve, particularly in speed and execution under pressure.”
As conditions intensified with building breeze and the 27.5m wing configuration, the Swiss crew showed increasing confidence and alignment. The trajectory is positive, with stronger foundations now in place to unlock further performance gains.
