SailGP returns to Geneva in place of Saint-Tropez

SailGP has confirmed Geneva's return for a second consecutive year as the 11th of 13 rounds this season, locking in the lakeside venue for 19-20 September 2026. It's a vote of confidence after the Swiss city's debut last September, which delivered sold-out crowds and one of the season’s most dramatic storylines.

More than 8500 ticketed fans packed the shores of Lake Geneva to witness Germany's first-ever event win last year – a breakthrough moment that came after a rocky start to their season. The Germans kept their cool in tricky light-wind conditions on the final day, executing a perfect start in the three-boat final before holding off Tom Slingsby's Flying Roos to seal the win.

Geneva’s conditions last year threw up a proper test. Day two was fluky, patchy and difficult to read, with teams forced to wait for breeze before the final could start. When it arrived, keeping the F50s flying was the key, and Germany found just enough wind at the right moments to pull clear.

Home favourites Switzerland, led by Sébastien Schneiter, finished third – a solid result but tinged with disappointment given the weight of expectation from the home crowd.

“We are extremely excited to welcome SailGP back to Geneva this season,” Schneiter said. “We're proud to have another opportunity to race in front of our home crowd, and fight for a win this year. There's nothing better than the feeling of that home support – it gives us an extra edge.”

Replacing Saint-Tropez on the schedule, Geneva will act as the last European venue before teams head to the UAE's back-to-back finale. Both Middle East stops typically deliver similarly marginal conditions, so teams will get a proper dress rehearsal on Lake Geneva before heading into the pointy end of the season.

With Rolex continuing as title partner, Geneva looks to be cementing its place on the circuit. The news drops just four days before Season 6 kicks off in Perth, Western Australia, a first-time venue for the championship that is expected to be decidedly windier.