This weekend marks the 86th edition of the Bol d’Or du Léman, an iconic race and a highlight of the TF35 calendar. With 404 boats and nearly 2,000 sailors on the starting line, the TF35 fleet will join the historic challenge on Lake Geneva’s 123 km course, from the Société Nautique de Genève to Le Bouveret and back.

The atmosphere at the Bol d’Or Village will be festive, but all eyes will be on the weather, which looks to be the race’s biggest wildcard."We’re in a complex weather scenario," says Lionel Fontannaz from MétéoSuisse. "Saturday will bring intense heat, sunshine and 32°C, with the possibility of wind in the Petit-Lac. Sunday is far less predictable, and with a temperature drop overnight flexibility will be key."

For the TF35s, light and variable conditions add another layer of complexity. Teams will face a critical choice between sailing on foils or switching to C-boards, a decision that could make or break their race. Strategy, timing, and responsiveness will be everything.

"It’s a special race, for sure," says Ylliam 17 skipper Julien Firmenich. "We prepare with full focus, but when Saturday morning comes, it’s all about being in the moment and enjoying the challenge."

In 2024, Sails of Change 8, skippered by Yann Guichard, claimed victory in 6h 22m 24s. With the race record (5h 01m 50s, Triga IV, 1994) likely out of reach in this year's conditions, the door is open for tactical brilliance to shine.