The Gstaad Yacht Club and Saanenland continue to make significant contributions to the success of Swiss sailing sport. After launching the GYC Racing Team project in 2008, the club co-sponsored a range of athletes, many of whom have made their way into the spotlight of international sailing.

Elite Team 2022 selection
A group of seven young GYC sailors are currently members of the Swiss Sailing Team (SST). Joining the SST is a major step in a sailing career, as it allows athletes access to the facilities and programmes of the Swiss Sailing Federation, a real asset for future participation in international competitions.

Three members of this elect group of sailors are from the region or have a close connection to the Saanenland: Emilie Tschanz in the ILCA 6 class (SST Youth Team), Joshua Richner in the 49er Class (SST B-Kader), and Anja von Allmen ILCA 6 class (SST C-Kader). Nicolas Rolaz, Gauthier Verhulst, and Nilo Schärer are in the B-Kader; Martin Verhulst made his debut in the Youth team.

Silver medal in Oman
Anja von Allmen continues lining up successes. She showed a remarkable performance at the Youth World Championships in Oman, where she won the silver medal.

Oman delivered stunning weather for the 2021 Youth Sailing World Championships. A total of 433 sailors from 59 nations competed in Oman. Anja is happy with her result but still critically reviews the events: “It has been very tricky with so many ups and downs, too many mistakes, but as well many comebacks. It is an incredible feeling to represent our country at such an event, and I am super happy to be able to finish a strong season with another medal.”

Martin Verhulst also represented Switzerland in Oman. Martin showed a solid performance. After a great start, unfortunately, the second half proved more challenging for him. Eventually, he came in 16th in his class, an excellent result within a total of 50 nations represented. This event also marked his transition to the ILCA 7 class with a first deadline at the U21 European Championship.

Sailor of the Year
Nils Theuninck, who had begun his career in the Laser and now coaches aspiring sailing talents, could recently celebrate a very special achievement. In early December, he received the title Sportif de L’Année Vaudoise, seven years after receiving the same title in the Junior category.

GSTAAD YACHT CLUB