“There are small ships, tall ships, and ships that sail the sea… but the best ships are partner’ships’, long may they be!“

Gstaad is a village that attracts people from all over the world, with different visions and experiences but a common goal to get the best out of life here. GYC has since long surpassed the label of being a local club only; today, members come from all over the globe, as do their guests when they attend the social events hosted by the club. And because of this diversity, the club has created exciting global partnerships.

In 2021 the club could welcome BUCHERER 1888 onboard as a sponsor on the mast, and together with Robbe & Berking, the sponsor on the main sail, they represent the strong bonds between the brands and club and are all institutions of sailing.

A longstanding collaboration and friendship have been developed with the yacht club SNST (Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez), which hosts the GYC Centenary Trophy in the waters of the South of France.

Italian luxury pen manufacturer Montegrappa is also an active supporter and a sponsor on the bow and has presented limited edition items to interested GYC members. A bit closer to home, Swiss cutlery brand SKNIFE is the sponsor on the pulpit and represented in the GYC restaurant.

Also, other sponsors find their way onboard – one so is AQUON – a greener and more sustainable catamaran with staggering zero emissions and offering all the luxury and comfort onboard. From the mountains to the seas, knots of partnerships are tied everywhere.

Gstaad Yacht Club Centenarian of the Year 2022 – Firefly

The Gstaad Yacht Club is honoured to partner with the Classic Boat Magazine for the 6th edition for the attribution of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenarian of the Year Award. As the name indicates, the award is given to a boat over 100 years old. It is carefully selected from a short list provided to the jury by an International independent panel.

The Gstaad Yacht Club is delighted to announce the winner of the 2022 Edition of the prestigious Centenarian of the Year Award: Firefly. She is a Gaff Yawl from 1922, designed by Albert Strange and later modified by Harrison Butler to a Yawl Rig with her draught reduced for use on the Norfolk Broads.

Her two masts make her easy to recognise, and she has a red prominent main four-corner sail, a hallmark of Stranges work. Firefly was initially built as an auxiliary sloop so she could be beached in mudflats of estuaries.

The Gstaad Yacht Club extends congratulations to the Clay Family, remarkably keeping Firefly in the family since 1934 — passing her on from one generation to the other. Gracefully ageing, proving that all her dense power of attraction has been aged, refined, and renewed through the times. Due to her age, Firefly is a rare example of long-term ownership, clearly stating the meaning she has to the Clay Family.

GSTAAD YACHT CLUB