GSTAAD YACHT CLUB SAILORS COMPETE FROM THE CYCLADES TO KIEL
18.07.2025 Sports & Leisure, GYC - Gstaad Yacht ClubThe second edition of the Cyclades Cup wrapped up on 15 June 2025 after three thrilling days of superyacht racing through the Greek islands. With the Aegean Sea as a dramatic backdrop, the regatta delivered excitement, elegance – and a tribute to GYC co-founder and patron, the late King Constantine of Greece.
Nostromo, owned by Sir Andrew Cook, proudly represented the Gstaad Yacht Club (GYC), flying its burgee across the five racing classes: Meltemi, Cyclades, Apollo, Nireas, and Skyphian. Sanctioned by the Superyacht Racing Association and co-hosted by the Yacht Club of Greece, the event drew an elite field of competitors.
Meltemi winds gusting up to 27 knots defined the opening day, challenging sailors to navigate shifting gusts and tight island passages. Aiolos, Barong D, Puritan, Nostromo, and FIVEA claimed victories. Day two brought near-perfect conditions, with steady 15–25 knot breezes allowing Nostromo to secure another decisive win in the Skyphian Class.
Racing on the final day was cancelled due to wind speeds exceeding 30 knots, prioritising crew safety. Sir Andrew Cook summed it up: “Good winds, perfect weather, and excellent organisation by the Yacht Club of Greece made for a highly enjoyable event. We now look forward to the Ibiza Joysail in September and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.”
Further north, GYC member Paulo Mirpuri competed at the Argentario Sailing Week in Porto Santo Stefano on 22 June 2025. Racing aboard Falcon in the Vintage Marconi Class, he faced off against 30 crews from nine nations over four days of competitive sailing. In ideal final-day conditions, Falcon finished 3rd in her class.
A standout moment came from Leonore, the two-time winner celebrating her 100th birthday with yet another victory. She now qualifies for the GYC Centenary Trophy this October in Saint-Tropez, where she may face off against fellow two-time champion Oriole.
Meanwhile, the GYC Racing Team took part in Kieler Woche 2025, one of the most important events for Olympic classes:
– Anja von Allmen placed 17th overall
in the ILCA 6 among 88 competitors.
– Gauthier Verhulst finished 26th out of 147 in ILCA 7.
– Nilo Schaerer and Joshua Richner,
reunited in the 49er class, ended the week in a solid 18th position after a competitive series.
Joshua shared: “We were in a good position to qualify for the medal race, but on the last day we didn’t catch the right shifts. Still, we’re happy with our performance and proud of our progress. Now, a short break before training resumes for the Worlds!”
As the third of five Grand Slam events, Kiel confirmed the team’s steady upward trajectory. With continued focus – and a bit of luck – podium finishes may soon follow. Next stop: Long Beach, USA.
GYC
GYC’s Youngest Racer Heads to Worlds
Lou Eisenhut had her eyes on qualifying for the 2025 European
Championships – but instead, she secured direct qualification for the World Championships in Portorož, Slovenia.
Challenging winds tested the 281 sailors throughout the week, offering Lou a steep but rewarding learning curve. She finished proud and inspired, joining in to celebrate her training partner, Olga Lubianska, who won the girls’ title.