The Gstaad Yacht Club has begun the year with momentum and clarity, reaffirming its position as a place where sport, culture, and community intersect. The opening weeks have been marked by decisive moments: a successful Annual General Meeting, international sporting recognition, and a cultural programme that set a confident tone for the year ahead.

The year began with a well-attended
Annual General Meeting, which gave members the opportunity to review the past season and confirm the Club’s strategic direction. The discussions were constructive and forward-looking, reflecting a high level of engagement and trust in the Club’s governance. Transparent reporting and open dialogue underscored the Club’s solid foundations and its readiness to continue developing. More than a statutory obligation, the AGM signalled a shared vision and a clear sense of long-term ambition as GYC moves into the new year.

On the sporting front, the Club celebrated notable success with the selection of several Racing Team members for the Swiss national sailing team. Anja von Allmen (ILCA 6), Elena Lengwiler (Formula Kite), and Elia Colombo (iQFoil) were named to the Cadre National. Joshua Richner and Nilo Schaerer (49er), together with Gauthier Verlhust (ILCA 7), joined Cadre B, while Martin Verhulst (ILCA 7) represents GYC in Cadre C. These selections reflect the Club’s high performance standards and ongoing commitment to competitive sailing at the highest level, while also serving as inspiration for younger sailors within the programme.

Youth development remains a key focus. Early in the season, the GYC Junior Racing Team will take part in the 15th edition of the Monaco Optimist Team Race, a prestigious international event bringing together leading junior sailors from top clubs. Participation in this competition places GYC’s youngest athletes on an international stage and offers valuable experience at a formative stage of their sporting development.

Culturally, the Club opened the year by hosting the 20th edition of its New Year’s Music Festival. Marking two decades, the anniversary edition reaffirmed the festival’s importance within GYC’s cultural identity. A carefully curated programme once again transformed the Club into a lively artistic venue, creating moments of shared experience and underscoring the Club’s role in culture.

The festival also included two literary lunches with authors Pilar de la Béraudière and Agatha Amzallag. These intimate events offered space for conversation and reflection, allowing members to engage directly with contemporary literary voices in an elegant and informal setting. The programme culminated in a gala festival’s 20th evening celebrating the anniversary, bringing together members, artists, partners, and guests for a moment that balanced tradition with renewal.

Together, these developments mark a coherent and confident start to the year. With strong governance, international sporting representation, a committed youth programme, and a rich cultural agenda, GYC enters the year with focus and purpose, setting the pace for the months ahead.

GYC