From clubhouse to cockpit – virtual sailing comes to Gstaad
Though Gstaad may be miles from the nearest coastline, the Gstaad Yacht Club continues to bridge the gap between mountain air and sea spray. This summer, the club has introduced a new venture into uncharted waters: virtual sailing.
Developed by former World Champion sailor Lars Linger, the VR sailing programme transformed the club’s multifunction room into a lifelike maritime classroom. With just a pair of goggles and a sense of curiosity, young members, and those simply young at heart, could now experience the feel of the helm, the play of the wind, and the dynamics of the open sea, all without leaving the comfort of the clubhouse.

Far from a mere simulation, this initiative is designed as a first step toward the real thing. By mastering the basics in a safe and engaging setting, budding sailors gain the confidence to set sail for real. It’s part of GYC’s broader mission: to cultivate a lifelong love of sailing, whether on Swiss lakes or the open ocean.

Boet Brinkgreve shares SailGP strategy in exclusive talk
The Gstaad Yacht Club not only train future sailors, but it also hosts some of the sport’s most influential voices. On 30 July, the Club welcomed Boet Brinkgreve, CEO of Switzerland SailGP, for a special evening that combined strategic insight, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most dynamic sailing formats.

A skilled sailor in his own right, Brinkgreve has logged countless hours in Olympic classes and high-performance catamarans. His down-to-earth presence resonated with the GYC audience as he described SailGP’s rapid rise, from technical innovation to the thrilling spectacle of hydrofoiling catamarans racing at blistering speeds just above the water’s surface.

He also touched on the human element behind the high-tech veneer: the athletes, the teamwork, and the Swiss team’s commitment to both excellence and inclusion. As the countdown begins for the Swiss SailGP Grand Prix in Geneva (20–21 September), GYC members are uniquely placed to appreciate what it takes to compete at the sport’s cutting edge.

And perhaps, come September, a few familiar faces from Gstaad will be spotted shoreside at Lac Léman, watching the boats fly.

GYC