History

2023

François Thorens wins the Syz Translémanique in real time after an anthology finale

The skipper of the Psaros 40 Cellmen Ardentis won in 12h48'54'', 15 seconds ahead of the Psaros 33 Pro Yachting, skippered by Philippe Seguret. The fiftieth edition of the legendary solo race was contested in difficult conditions.

The most spectacular and sharp monohulls of Lake Geneva dominated the race in real time. But it was the venerable 6.5m SI Ondine, skippered by Christian Monachon, who won the race on corrected time.

2022

Cédric Pochelon, big winner of the 49th Syz Translémanique in Solo

The main solo regatta in Lake Geneva, organized by the Société Nautique de Genève, brought together 125 competitors this weekend in splendid conditions. François Thorens, at the helm of Cellmen ARDENTIS, was the first to cross the finish line after 11h10' of racing. But it was Cédric Pochelon on his Surprise Kahlua who won on corrected time.

2021

48th edition: Vendée Globe and Mini-Transat in the spotlight

Charlie Dalin, second in the last Vendée Globe and guest of honor of the race, was the first to cross the finish line. But it was Arnaud Machado, a veteran of the Mini-Transat, who won on corrected time on his Surprise Du Leman a l'Ocean.

The regatta, which brought together 107 competitors, took place in dream conditions, with a beautiful well-established Bise. The winner emerged after 10:12:58 hours of racing.

2020

47th edition: the victory of youth!

Joshua Schopfer, 21, won the race aboard the Surprise Spirit Of… under a leaden sky, in light to moderate conditions. Vaudois François Thorens, skipper of Cellmen TBS, won the real-time ranking.
100 sailors once again competed in the Translem, organized by the new president of the Organizing Committee Christophe Amberger.

2019

46th edition: for all tastes

The 46th edition took place in a wide variety of weather conditions, with almost no wind at the start, thermal breezes in the afternoon then a sometimes strong and slightly stormy southwest wind at night from Saturday to Sunday. .

André Bals, skipper of the Luthi 990 IKI Samsic, won on corrected time ahead of David Bugnon (Mb's) and Joshua Schopfer (Mirabaud 1), while the real-time victory went to Patrick Girod on Raijin.

Ambassador of the event, British sailor Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail around the world from east to west and 6th in the 2008 Vendée Globe, enjoyed the exercise and won the Grand Surprise category.

2018

45th Edition

The year of all records!

The 45th edition of the SYZ Translémanique en Solitaire took place in sustained windy conditions (20-25 knots), established over the entire course between Geneva and Villeneuve. It crowned sailors with great seamanship, and put the 102 participants to the test. Antonio Da Cruz won on corrected time and Patrick Girod in real time, completing his course in 8h17'30'', less than an hour from the Purple Ribbon!

2017

44th edition

The SYZ Translémanique en Solitaire 2017 - 44th edition of this great Lake Geneva classic organized by the Société Nautique de Genève - will remain in the memories of its competitors. For the first time, the race was contested on a course making the complete circuit of Lake Geneva, with a halfway mark positioned in Villeneuve. It took place in demanding conditions, with often strong but very irregular winds, which generated a fast race.

The winner in real time, François Thorens, entered aboard the Psaros 40 TBS, led the fleet of 107 sailboats for most of the day. He won in 12 hours, 13 minutes and 20 seconds ahead of Oyster Funds (Nicolas Groux) and Fujin (Alain Gautier).

2016

43rd edition

The 43rd edition of the SYZ Translémanique en Solitaire took place in typically Lake Geneva conditions, with great calm at the start of the race, beautiful gusts during the afternoon and a small storm at the start of the evening, followed by a nice night breeze; in short, a mix of conditions to which Lake Geneva sailors are accustomed.

Competed by 115 competitors divided into eight different classes, the race was won on corrected time by Cédric Pochelon, aboard the Surprise CER 2 Genève Aéroport, who won the “TUIGA” Challenge in 16 h 25 36”.

The real-time ranking (Challenge DRAGON) was won by French sailor Alain Gautier aboard the Psaros 33 Fujin. Gautier beat the Vaudois sailor François Bopp, president of the Club Nautique de Pully, who was sailing aboard his Psaros 40 Outsider 5.

Cédric Pochelon, aboard the Surprise CER 2 Genève Aéroport, winner of the general classification on corrected time. (Copyright David Carlier / Syz Translémanique en Solitaire)

2015

42nd edition

Jean-Luc Lévêque becomes the new president of the Organizing Committee; he succeeds Jacques Emery.

After more than 29 hours of racing (real navigation time), the final winner on corrected time of the 2015 solo SYZ Translémanique is Alain Hostettler, on the 6.5m SI Nicolas, built in 1955. The navigator completes the Geneva-Lutry course -Geneva in 29 hours. “The Vendée Globe du Léman”, as Michel Desjoyeaux called it during the opening ceremony, reserved very light conditions for the 110 participants. The Psaros 40 led by Genevan Jean Psarofaghis is the first boat to cross the finish line, at 6:30 a.m.

The winner in Surprise is Yannick Preitner (Luc Voile-Forum EPFL).

On the sidelines of the competition, the first edition of the Junior Translem’ was held on Saturday. A race reserved for sailors under 15 years old who sailed in an Optimist on a long distance course between OMC and Versoix. Arnaud Grange, from the Société Nautique de Genève, won after almost four hours of navigation!

Michel Desjoyeaux, big winner of the race in real time, with the new President of the Organizing Committee Jean-Luc Lévêque and Olivier Luthi, the manufacturer of the Luthi F10, designed by Desjoyeaux. (Copyright: David Carlier / Syz Translémanique en Solitaire)

2014

41st edition

This 41st edition is - exceptionally - open to competition multihulls, which demonstrate their obvious superiority. Helmed by Christophe Péclard, Zenith Fresh crosses the finish line in the lead.

The first monohull arrives in the early evening; This is the Psaros 33 Raïjin, helmed by the experienced Alain Gautier. Already a scratch winner in 2013, the winner of the 1992 - 93 Vendée Globe therefore retained his title by a narrow margin, ahead of another French sailor, Nicolas Bérenger (Fujin) and Jean Psarofaghis (Syz and Co).

In Surprise, the most represented class, a fierce fight between the two friends Patrick Girod and Cédric Pochelon (they won the 5 days of Lake Geneva together), as well as the young Valentin Gautier raged for a good part of the night. With a final advantage of just one minute 30 for Girod, who is ahead of Valentin Gautier and Cédric Pochelon.

André Bals wins the classification on corrected time aboard Iky.

As of 2014, Banque SYZ is the title sponsor of the event, which is now called SYZ Translémanique en Solitaire.

The Zenith Fresh catamaran, helmed by Christophe Péclard. (Copyright: Jean-François Hervo - Translémanique en Solitaire)

2013

40th edition

The A27 Mister Be, helmed by Philippe Raphoz, won the fortieth edition of the Translémanique in Solo on corrected time, in 16h55. He is ahead of Thursday 12 Nanook, from Mr Gerber and the Luthi 34 Pro Yachting from Mr Seguret. 91 competitors started the race, marked by very light conditions. The Surprises once again made up the Queen category, with 24 boats and a great victory for Bernard Gianola, on Biensur Jr.

The first to cross the finish line is none other than Alain Gautier, at the helm of the Psaros 33 Raijin, which confirms its status as “the sailboat to beat”! He is ahead of Banque Pâris Bertrand Sturdza (Luc Munier) and Psaros (Guy Vermeil).

Alain Gautier, winner in real time aboard the Psaros 33 Raijin. (Copyright: Jean-François Hervo - Translémanique en Solitaire)

2012

39th edition

Strong conditions for this 39th edition, with a strong breeze on the program, which generates gusts of more than 30 knots! Only 40 of the 92 competitors managed to complete the course, the force of the wind and the cold getting the better of the other competitors. The Toucans particularly suffered, and only one of them managed to cross the finish line, Luc Munier's Carpediem Bis.

Jean-Pierre Ziegert won in real time, aboard the Psaros 33 Raijin, of which this was the first appearance, at the end of a difficult race since his sailboat took on water. However, it was Patrick Girod, in full preparation for the Mini-Transat, who won the compensated time aboard the family Surprise Mordicus Girod Piscines.

Benoît Morelle, on the Grand Surprise Ad Maiora, during the 2012 Translémanique. (Copyright: DR)

2011

38th edition

The 38th Solo Translémanique takes place in tough conditions, which put the nerves of the solo sailors to the test and require a significant physical commitment on their part. 105 competitors crossed the starting line, and offered a magnificent spectacle by setting off under spinnaker, in a south-west wind blowing at 3 Beaufort and quickly strengthening to 4, 5 then 6 Bft in the strongest gusts. The descent to Lutry is difficult, many competitors go luffing, spinnakers tear; Eric Beausse fell into the water while going around the Lutry mark, fortunately without harm; the Amethyst Melody Nelson is in great difficulty, 180 m2 spinnaker wrapped around the forestay while the squalls follow one another, with a ton of water in the bottom...

In the end it was Bernard Vananti who won in corrected time on FLOFIL IV, an Archambault 35, while Serge Patry won for the fourth consecutive year in real time at the helm of his Luthy 34 Perchette.

Man overboard off the coast of Lutry, aboard the Luthi Ardizio. (Yves Ryncki)

2010

37th edition

With 99 sailboats on the starting line, the Translem’ confirms that it has once again become one of the most important regattas on the annual calendar. The conditions are variable, with a nice breeze at the time of departure, then air holes, shifts, unforeseen gusts... In the end, 84 sailboats are classified. Michel Rotach won in corrected time aboard the Grand Surprise Twister, while Serge Patry once again crossed the finish line in the lead in real time.

Jacques Emery becomes the new President of the Organizing Committee of the event.

A cross between two Grand Surprises, one of the classes best suited to solo sailing. (Copyright: Ocean Racing)

2009

36th edition

Organized by Rodolphe Gautier, the 36th Translémanique en Solitaire bears for the first time in its history the name of a sponsor: Coficap, a financial credit and investment company. The regatta brings together 105 competitors and takes place in legendary conditions, with a very nice wind of force 3-4 which allows all the sailboats to return to the SNG before 2:00 a.m.

Serge Patry and his Luthi 34 Perchette won in real time, after 9h41 minutes of racing, and established a new reference time on this course (Port Noir-Lutry-St-Prex-Port Noir).

Once is not customary, a Surprise wins the general classification on corrected time; it is Avocado, helmed by Cédric Schmidt, who crosses the finish line 2 seconds ahead of Nicolas Pialopoulos' Surprise Bliss.

Departure from the 36th Translémanique, with a beautiful breeze. (Copyright: David Carlier)

2008

35th edition

The Translémanique en Solitaire is being contested for the first time with a full house: the limit of one hundred competitors, recently introduced, having been reached. Olivier Beck, aboard his Surprise Beck'O, won on corrected time while Serge Patry won for the first time in real time aboard his Luthi Perchette. This is the first victory in a long series to come!

It is a race of patience, punctuated by light airs. Only 65 boats managed to finish the race on time. The first three, however, crossed the finish line separated by barely twenty minutes, and reported a very competitive race.

The Luthi 34 Perchette, helmed by Serge Patry. (Copyright: David Carlier)

2007

34th edition

Contested shortly after Alinghi's victorious defense of the America's Cup in Valencia, the 34th Translémanique en Solitaire brings together 97 competitors in capricious and rather light airs. This is the first time that the course takes the competitors to Lutry: until now there was a course mark in Hermance, during which the rest of the course was announced. An electronic scoring system is also inaugurated.

The Psaros 40 Syz & Co, helmed by Jean Psarofaghis, won in real time ahead of Luc Munier's Toucan Carpediem and the Psaros 40 Tilt, while Xavier Lambert won the classification on corrected time ahead of Pierre Mercier and his 6m50 Nausicaa. Daniel Straumann wins in the L2 class and Alain Corthésy wins in Surprise on Nauti-Surprise.

Seventeen sailboats flying a flag other than Swiss are listed, among which the majority are French.

The Psaros 40 Syz & Co, helmed by Jean Psarofaghis. (Copyright: Jean-François Hervo)

2006

33rd edition

“The Toucans, masters of the Translem”, declares the SNG directory. Not for long: this will indeed be their last victory. Luc Munier, on Aquanautic, won against a fleet of 94 competitors in a time of 23h26' which is enough to describe the weakness of the winds encountered. Munier is ahead of another Toucan, Samaoui, helmed by Yvan Girardet, while Pierre Jutzi's Surprise Takata wins the classification on corrected time.

The Toucan Carpediem, helmed by Luc Munier. (Copyright: David Carlier)

2005

32nd edition

It was under a magnificent sky and a timid southwest wind that the 64 men and women of the 32nd Translémanique ventured into this crossing on the long route, i.e. Port-Noir - Hermance - Cully-Moratel - Saint- Prex - Port-Noir.

On the way back, around 11 p.m., the predicted rain and storms fell violently on the solo sailors. Lightning and claps of thunder greet the competitors, some of whom record wind gusts of more than 30 knots.

Once this "smog" was over, Jean Psarofaghis on Syz and Co crossed the finish line at 23 hours and 24 minutes, followed by Axel Meyer on Magico Papacarlo (1st class 3) 28 minutes later, himself followed by the first Grand-Surprise Apsara by Pascal Cattaneo.

On corrected time, it was the navigator Jacques Emery on Blue Marlin (1st class 6), who won, ahead of Bruscolo of Sergio Rémy (1st class 5) and the Grand Surprise of Pascal Cattaneo (1st class 4).

Jean Psarofaghis and his Psaros 40 Syz&Co, back in business 20 years after his last victory. (Copyright: David Carlier)

2004

31st edition

Rodolphe Gautier becomes president of the Organizing Committee of the Translémanique en Solitaire. For the first time, all competitors have a geo-positioning beacon and their route can be followed live on the Internet.

70 competitors are taking part in the race, the start of which has been postponed to 9:30 a.m. Conditions are very light at the start of the race, and many abandonments are reported. Météorite, Syz & Co and Perchette crossed the first course mark, at Hermance, at 1:45 p.m., while a light westerly wind finally established itself on the small lake. Due to weak winds, the course is shortened and competitors must cross a buoy at Saint-Sulpice before returning to Geneva via St-Prex. Thunderstorms mark the return journey. Syz&Co, helmed by Arnaud Psarofaghis, won the real-time ranking on Syz & Co ahead of Serge Patry's Perchette and Twister, the first Grand Surprise, helmed by Michel Rotach.

Loss of control under spinnaker aboard Perchette, helmed by Serge Patry. (Copyright: Jean-François Hervo)

2003

30th edition

An epic breeze, blowing between 25 and 30 knots, greets the thirtieth edition of the Translémanique en Solitaire and allows the 73 competitors to cross the finish line before midnight. Surprise in the general classification: it was the comfortable Grand Soleil 40 Bruscolo, which sailed in Class 5, which won. Helmed by Sergio Remy, he crossed the finish line at 6:30 p.m. He is half an hour ahead of Météorite HPC (Thierry Paridant) and the Grand Surprise Apsara of Pascal Cattaneo. The race was marked by a dozen abandonments and numerous luffing starts!

Bruscolo also won the corrected time ranking, ahead of Grand Surprise Apsara and Y2K Logics.

The Grand Soleil 40 Bruscolo, sailing in Class 5, helmed by Sergio Remy, won a comfortable victory. (Copyright: DR)

2002

29th edition

First to the Cully mark, the Grand Soleil 40 Bruscolo, helmed by Sergio Remy, benefits best from the force of the wind - a powerful breeze. During the return journey, he was logically caught by Météorite (Thierry Paridant) and also the Mumm 30 Triga V, helmed by Mr. Fornallaz. Six Grand-Surprises complete the real-time ranking, led by Apsara (Cattaneo). A sign of the times, the first Toucan is only 14th.

On corrected time, it was the Mumm 30 Triga V that triumphed, ahead of Axel Meyer's Swan 41 Anaxel and the Grand Soleil 40 Bruscolo. A ranking that would not have been out of place on a Tour de Corsica or a crossing of the Channel…!

Module 105 Meteorite, winner in real time. (Copyright: SNG)

2001

28th edition

Contested on the long course, to Cully, this 28th edition brings together 64 competitors; around ten fewer than the previous year, marked by a powerful westerly wind. In 2001, the wind was very weak. The new Luthi 870, Aza, bites the starting line and is recalled. Météorite starts in the lead and passes the Yvoire mark 13 minutes ahead of Triga V.

The wind falls off the coast of Lausanne, and generates a redistribution of the cards. Mr. Girardet's Toucan Samaoui is the first to cross the halfway mark, at Cully-Moratel. Most of the competitors cross the mark in half an hour; the regatta is relaunched!

The west wind picks up, and allows Triga V, helmed by Mr. Péclard, to win in real time ahead of the Grand Surprise Twister of Jean-Marc Deryng and Wahoo of François Séchaud, who was 45th at Cully!

In corrected time, the winner is a Soling, Mr. Penseyres' Tamahine, which completes the course in 17h58'41'', in 32nd place in real time.

11:24:32

Triga V, helmed by Christophe Péclard, winner of the 28th Translémanique in Solo in real time. (Copyright: SNG)

2000

27th edition

More than 70 competitors on the starting line and a well-established westerly wind, which allows a very rapid descent towards Cully. The strong wind caused fear for some competitors. The Modulo 105 Météorite dismasted, while numerous departures from the luff were observed. Elie Ohayon, at the helm of the Mumm 30 Triga V, won in real time ahead of the Luthi 50èmes Hurlants helmed by Mr Arnulf and another Mumm 30, Ville de Genève, helmed by Damien Cardenoso. Hayon also won the classification on corrected time, ahead of Cardenoso and the Grand Surprise Wahoo of François Séchaud.

The Luthi 952 50èmes Hurlants shortly after passing the halfway mark. (Copyright: Yves Ryncki)

1999

26th edition

64 boats found themselves on the starting line of this 26th edition, on September 18 at 8:00 a.m. The Toucans and other Amethysts were as usual the most prominent series, but this edition is marked by the arrival of new units of modest size but nevertheless very efficient: the DOD 24.5, JOD 24, Dolphin 81 and other Melges 24 .

The real-time victory goes to the Modulo 105 Meteorite, of Thierry Paridant, ahead of the Modulo 93 Opel Annemasse of Mr Chenus and the Toucan Passetougrain of Bénédict Devaud.

Alain Corthésy wins the classification on corrected time aboard the Dod 24.5 Nauti Fun, ahead of MM. Chenus and Paridant.

The Meteorite by Thierry Paridant, winner in real time. (Copyright: SNG)

1998

25th edition

Participation is stagnating, with only 45 sailboats classified. Thierry Paridant won for the second consecutive year in real time aboard his Meteorite sailboat, ahead of a handful of Toucans (Quartette, E-Basta K).

The tiny Sprinto (6m60) of Jacques Valente won on corrected time ahead of Surprise Carré d'As (Lefort) and Anisera (Vananty). The small sailboats are celebrating, and occupy the first fifteen places in the ranking.

Second consecutive victory for Module 105 Meteorite. (Copyright: Meteorite)

1997

24th edition

Record edition of the Translémanique in Solo, won with flying colors by Thierry Paridant on Météorite in 8h43'17'' - a time which is still a reference, on the Cully Moratel course. Paridant is ahead of Ben Devaud's Toucan Passetougrain and Charles Pictet's 50èmes Hurlants, but he is only in 36th place in corrected time, won by Renaud Stitelmann's Surprise Strike. The smaller sailboats allowed themselves to attack in the breeze, and no less than six Surprises dominate this ranking, with Xavier Lambert 2nd and Grégoire Bordier 3rd.

Photo: A powerful kiss greets the 1997 edition. (Copyright: ASPRO Surprise)

1996

23rd edition

52 sailboats started the race under spinnaker, on a light Molaine. Led by Denis Ménétrey, the imposing Belotti of Jean-Claude Fert won in real time in 10 h 18', three minutes ahead of the Toucan Passetougrain led by Bénédict Devaud, who was ahead of the Toucan E himself. -Basta K from Mr Vez in a handful of seconds.

A Surprise wins on corrected time: Mea Coulepa, led by Mr Robin, ahead of the Sprint Menate of Philippe Raphoz and the Surprise Chaud Bise of Mr. Cunat.

The breeze rises on Sunday morning, and gives a hard time to those who are late.

Designed to be sailed by half a dozen crew, Belotti won in 1996, skippered by Denis Menetrey. (Copyright: Decision SA)

1995

22nd edition

60 competitors take the start of the 22nd Translémanique in Solo, in light wind conditions which are perfectly suited to the sleds of Lake Geneva.

Bernard Schopfer won in real time at the helm of the Améryste Melody Nelson, after 16 hours 03' of racing, followed by the Toucan Carpediem of Luc Munier and the Luthi 50èmes Hurlants of Charles Pictet.

Arnaud Gavairon wins the corrected time ranking in the Surprise SLAM, ahead of Bernard Schopfer and G. Gadella (Thursday 12).

The Amethyst Melody Nelson and her 180 m2 spinnaker, winners in real time, helmed by Bernard Schopfer. (Copyright: Jeff Hervo - SNG)

1994

21st edition

The competitors all sail again on the same course, regardless of the size of their boat. Forty-four sailboats manage to cross the finish line, at the end of a course completed in 12 hours and 21 minutes by the winner Michel Paquet, on the Toucan Exponential, ahead of the Amethyst Melody Nelson of Bernard Schopfer and the Luthi 952 DHL of Elie Ohayon.

The classification on corrected time is reversed, with the victory of Bernard Schopfer ahead of Michel Paquet and Elie Ohayon.

The first Surprise, Renaud Stitelmann's Dipadova Transport, finished twelfth overall and sixth overall. There are only five Toucans left among the registered, while the fifteen Surprises registered constitute a third of the fleet.

Winner in real time, Amethyst Melody Nelson completed her course in 21h21’. (Copyright: Loris von Siebenthal)

1993

20th edition

Victory for Luc Munier on his Toucan Carpediem, ahead of the Améthyste Passetougrain helmed by Ben Devaud, winner (and only competitor) of class A, ahead of the Puffin Galopin of U. Vetsch and the Toucan Portofino of A. Matthey.

Munier also won the classification on corrected time, while Renaud Stitelmann took victory on the short course, ahead of the Choucas Aqualook of L. Voros and the Surprise Avocado of M. Schmidt. Only 28 sailboats are classified.

The Toucan Carpediem, by Luc Munier, winner in real time and on corrected time. (Copyright: Yves Ryncki (2011))

1992

19th edition

A quick edition, completed in less than twelve hours by the real-time winner Michel Paquet, on the Toucan Exponential, ahead of Luc Munier and the Puffin of Mr Vetsch, who won on corrected time in categories A and B (large course).

François Séchaud won the corrected time on the short course, ahead of Choucas Nickel of Fred Moura and Zed of Bruno Scherrer. Very committed for years, Séchaud thus concludes a splendid season, punctuated by victories acquired at Genève-Rolle-Genève, at the Bol d'Or (in his class, 28th overall), as well as at the 6 Hours of Nernier

Victory in real time for the Toucan Exponential, helmed by Michel Paquet. (Copyright: Ben Schagen)

1991

18th edition

Contested in a moderate south-westerly wind, this eighteenth edition of the Translémanique en Solitaire was won by scratch by Bernard Schopfer, aboard the Améthyste Melody Nelson, in 14:05. Mr Malatesta's Toucan Toucange finished second , in front of Luc Munier's Carpediem. The regatta took place under heavy skies, and the return journey was marred by storms.

Fred Moura won the short course on his Choucas Nickel, ahead of three Sprints: Vignando of Philippe Raphoz, Ciana of R. Moser and Pélagie of M. Colomb.

Departure from the Translémanique in Solitaire 1991, with the Amethyst in the foreground. (Copyright: DR)

1990

17th edition

The photos of the start attest to a contested start in light weather. The wind picks up quickly, however, and allows for a quick race. The helmsmen of large monohulls, designed to have at least three or four crew members on the trapeze, still sail using the trapeze (the regulations will soon prohibit it). Each of them yields 0.5 knots; the game is worth the candle!

Sailboats are divided into five classes: monologues A & B, C & D and multihulls. The winner of the long course on corrected time is G. Scrétan, on the Luthi 33 Moony, while it is the Choucas of Mr Detraz which wins on the short course.

In real time, it was Mr. Beauverd's Toucan Passe-Partout which won, ahead of Quartet (Paquet) and Tchaika (Viazemski). The large monohulls struggle against the Toucans, which are easier to maneuver; the AKVA8 Kiss Eye won its class ahead of Gérard Devaud's Amétthyste, but it was 20 minutes behind the first Toucan. The short course was won by François Séchaud, on Cafés Trottet, ahead of another Sprint: Les Montres VI by J.C. Castagna. Allegro, by R. Martin Du Pan wins the Surprises class ahead of P’tite Annick (Claude Lacour) and Zigs (Bordier).

Daggers drawn fight between the best Surprises, finally concluded with the victory of Allegro, by R. Martin Du Pan. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1989

16th edition

The sailboats are always divided into classes, and sail on courses of different lengths. Pierre-Yves Jorand wins once again aboard his Tiolu Bon Père, ahead of the Toucans Carpediem (Luc Munier) and Coque Pitch (Christian Wahl).

On the other hand, it is G. Scrétan's Luthi 33 Moony which wins the compensated time in the large monohull category (categories A and B). The “small course” was won once again by Isidore Stitelmann, on the Surprise Genève I, ahead of Slim (G. Fatio) and Allegro (V. Jeanneret).

The Tiolu Bon Père, helmed by Pierre-Yves Jorand, wins the sixteenth edition of the Translémanique. (Copyright: DR)

1988

15th edition

Christian Wahl won for the second time, aboard the Toucan Coque-Pitch, in 10h17'. He is ahead of four Toucans, including J-Bird (Elie Ohayon), and Portofino (A. Matthey). The Surprises category once again gives rise to an intense fight; it was won by Isidore Stitelmann, on the CER Genève 3 sailboat ahead of Pee Wee (A. Cloux) and Genève I (P.Sauthier). There are no multihulls this year, and only 33 sailboats are classified.

Five Toucans occupy the first five places in the general classification (Illustrative photo Copyright: Jean-François Hervo)

1987

14th edition

The SNG directory only mentions the first three per category, without specifying the times. As for the press clippings from the time, they are unfortunately incomplete... We do know, however, that the Formula 30 SSCI, led by Bernard Vananty, won the multihull race ahead of Pierre's Oiseau Roc IV (a one-design RC 27). Muskens. In monohulls, another victory in real time for Pierre-Yves Jorand on the Bon Père, ahead of Luc Munier on the Toucan Carpediem, for which this is the first (but by far not the last!) appearance at the forefront.

Second in the general classification on his Toucan Carpediem, Luc Munier appears at the forefront of the Translémanique. (illustrative photo Copyright: Jean-François Hervo)

1986

13th edition

51 classified sailboats: participation is gradually increasing. The trimaran Triga (Peter Leuenberger) won ahead of the catamaran SSCI (Bernard Vananty) and Oiseau Roc I (Christophe Magnin).

Among the monohulls, victory for the X 95 Pee Wee helmed by Alain Cloux ahead of Dimitri Viazemski's Choucas Tchaïka. Engaged on a longer course, the big names from Lake Geneva finish behind the “little ones”; Bon Père (Pierre-Yves Jorand) won ahead of Elie Ohayon, on the Toucan Nefertiti, and Pierre Girard.

Jean-Luc Lévêque, president of the Organizing Committee since 2015, competed in his first Translem in 1986; he ranks second in class D, aboard a First Class 8.

Peter Leuenberger's trimaran Triga won the general classification. (Copyright: DR)

1985

12th edition

Philippe Stern is back, aboard the Altair XI catamaran. He won ahead of Triga (Peter Leuenberger) and Delirium (Philippe Von der Weid). The four registered multihulls left half an hour before the other competitors.

The conditions are exceptional, with a breeze of 2 to 4 Beaufort and a very pleasant temperature. Jean Psarofaghis won the scratch in the monohull category, while the corrected time classification was won by the Suspense Transat, helmed by Claude Wehrli, ahead of the Choucas Tchaïka (Viazemski) and the X 95 Pee Wee (Alain Cloux). There are only five Surprises classified, the victory going to Sylber II of Thierry Charpiot, aged 16!

First victory for a catamaran: Altair XI of Philippe Stern. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1984

11th edition

Christian Wahl makes his appearance on the Translémanique in Solo, and wins aboard the Toucan Coque-Pitch ahead of Love Machine 2 (Pierre-Yves Firmenich), who had difficulty crossing the St-Prex buoy (it's is what the press of the time said but we don't know more…), and Poseidon (Foray). Dominique Wavre is competing in his second Translémanique, aboard the Akvavite 7 prototype.

The first Surprise ranks 16th, four hours behind the winner; there are only 33 competitors classified, the smallest number since the creation of the regatta.

The monthly Nautique Romand takes a special tip of the hat to Pierre Girard, “aged 58!” ". The author of the article is far from suspecting that Girard, true hero of the Translémanique en Solitaire, has not missed many since 1984; he still participates valiantly, discreetly and brilliantly in the queen of Lake Geneva solitaires!

Dominique Wavre is competing in his second Translémanique, aboard the Akvavite 7 prototype. (Copyright: DR)

1983

10th edition

Participation continues to erode, with only 42 sailboats classified. The multihulls also abandoned the race, and only two of them crossed the finish line (out of four at the start). The risks are considered too great, and the effort too intense...

For the first time, the departure of the multihulls is separate from that of the monohulls, the former leaving at 8:00 a.m., an hour before the latter; a test for the Bol d’Or, which did not prove conclusive.

Jean Psarofaghis wins for the second time, aboard the Toucan Psaros. Seven Toucans once again appear among the top ten, with only Gérard Devaud's Amethyst managing to disrupt this order, in 5th place.

Four Surprises dominate the corrected time ranking: Molaine VII helmed by Bourquin, Gigolo (Pictet), Situation (Golaz) and Fou d’Avril (Modzelewski).

Jean Psarofaghis, aged 29, won the Translémanique in Solo for the second time. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1982

9th edition

Multihulls are now well established at the forefront, and six of them are among the top seven. The spoilsport and winner of the monohulls is Pierre-Yves Jorand, at the helm of the Tiolu Bon Père, fifth in the scratch ranking and who also won in corrected time, ahead of the Tiolu “Le Niolu” and two Super-Arlequins.
The real-time victory went to the trimaran l'Oiseau Roc III of Pierre Muskens in 10h27', ahead of the trimaran Altair X (Philippe Stern) and Slap Shot (Bachelin).

The Roc Bird of Pierre Muskens wins the victory in front of Altair X. He takes his revenge on the Bol d'Or, which he has just let slip away for 7 seconds. (Copyright: Jacques-Henri Addor)

1981

8th edition

Second consecutive victory for Philippe Stern, this time aboard Altair the last victory of a monohull at the Bol d'Or). Charles Favre obtained a remarkable second place (2h30 behind the winner) aboard a monohull Macareux, in front of a very grouped fleet made up of Toucans, Typhoons trimarans, Tiolus and other Amérystes.

Participation is down, with around seventy units on the starting line and 51 classified sailboats. Jacques Milliquet won the corrected time aboard “Bes’t”, despite a fuel oil leak and severe seasickness resulting from the smell of fuel…

The Tri Honda, the first sponsored sailboat in Lake Geneva, is officially admitted, but it must be renamed. Its skipper, Pierre Muskens, named it “The Innommable”. Two months earlier, he had been excluded from the Bol d’Or, the concept of sponsorship causing a scandal at the SNG.

Renamed The Unnamable, Tri Honda was finally allowed to participate. (Copyright: Jacques-Henri Addor)

1980

7th edition

Multihulls are gaining the upper hand and are now three among the top four. Philippe Stern has just won the first Bol d’Or in a multihull; he confirms his domination over the Translémanique, aboard Altair IX, designed by Bernard Dunand and built by Philippe Durr. This is the beginning of the long Altair saga! Phil Durr is second aboard Tri 83, while the Amethyst once again climbs onto the podium, despite being two hours behind the winner. The latter, however, won the compensated time ahead of François Séchaud's Surprise Party. Dominique Wavre also competed in his first Translem, which he finished in 32nd place, under the colors of the CNV.

With 93 registered, participation is considered low by the organizers, who explain it by the Double competition, created the same year at the initiative of the CNV.

Three multihulls occupy the first four places in the ranking, dominated by Philippe Stern's Altair IX. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1979

6th edition

The real-time victory is the talk of the town: it went to a trimaran, Pierre Muskens' Oiseau Roc, which won 50 minutes ahead of F. Hagler's Milan and against a record fleet of 117 sailboats.

Starting among the last, and generating many jokes (at a time when multihulls were not welcome at the SNG), the Oiseau Roc nevertheless quickly made up for its delay, taking the lead alongside Rolle and finally establishing a new reference time.

Fourteen Toucans are ranked among the top twenty.

For the first time, a Surprise wins on compensated time; this is Surprise Party, led by François Séchaud.

The press of the time hailed Muskens' victory, but asked: "Should monohulls and multihulls be allowed to race together? »

A true pioneer of multihulls, Pierre Muskens won for the first time aboard a trimaran, Oiseau Roc. (Copyright: DR)

1978

5th edition

Jean Psarofaghis, aged 24, wins for the first time in real time, aboard the Toucan Psaros, which he built. He has just won the Bol d’Or as well as the Lake Neuchâtel Cup, and achieved a hat-trick described as historic.

Psarofaghis will be one of the main leaders of Translémanique for the… forty years to come! He is ahead of another Toucan, Ciana, by R. Moser and Tiolu Jeml’O by Claude Fehlmann. Amethyst appears for the first time on the ranking, in fourth place. Helmed by Jean-Claude L’Huillier, he finished four minutes behind the winner.

Surprise monotypes are also making an appearance. Helmed by François Séchaud, who imported the series to Switzerland, Surprise Party finished 27th and ahead of eight other Surprises, making it the second class in terms of participation. The Grouik, designed and helmed by Bernard Dunand, won the classification on corrected time, ahead of the Mille-Pattes (also designed by Dunand), helmed by Daniel Stampfli. The first Surprise is sixth in the corrected time ranking for his first participation.

First victory for Jean Psarofaghis, Monsieur Translémanique, 40 years of success in front of his bows (photo taken in 2009). (Copyright: Loris von Siebenthal)

1977

4th edition

Speed record broken by the Toucan Coud’Tabac, which lives up to its name, helmed by the American James Gray in 10h46’. The regatta takes place in a strong breeze, and brings together 102 boats. It is marked by the sinking of a Soling, the dismasting of the Akva Selzer and the collision between two sailboats - the skipper of one of them returned to Nautique "with a bloody face", according to the press of the time.

Claude Fehlmann's Tiolu Jeml'o won the corrected time and ranked second overall ahead of P. Girard's 5.5 m JI Yannick VIII. The new so-called “measurement” sailboats occupy the first five places in the corrected time ranking.

The Toucan Coud’Tabac, led by the American James Grey, on his way to victory. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1976

3rd edition

Victory for J. Breitenmoser aboard the Toucan Sansnom, ahead of Ciana IV (R. Moser) and Altair (P. Stern). Philippe Durr ranks fourth aboard the Tiolu, designed by Bernard Dunand, which is causing a sensation (he has just placed second in the Bol d'Or). Durr dreamed of winning his third consecutive victory, like Horace Juilliard at the Bol d'Or with the 8m JI Marie-José in 1961, 62 and 63. He must be disillusioned.
Le record de participation est battu, avec 107 voiliers inscrits et 70 classés. Un classement au temps compensé est publié pour la première fois; il voit la victoire de Cabassou (classe ABC), barré par A.Gysler. On note la participation de Bernard Dunand, Gérard Devaud, François Séchaud, Daniel Metzger ou Bernard Haissly pour ne citer qu’eux.

La régate s’est disputée sur le parcours no2: Nautique, Yvoire, Ouchy, St-Prex, Nautique.

Departure of the third Translémanique solo. Helmed by Phil Durr, Tiolu is at the forefront. (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1975

2nd edition

Another victory for Philippe Durr, this time aboard the Toucan Sansouci in 19h51', ahead of three other Toucans: Altair (Philippe Stern), Sansnom (H. Breitenmoser) and Ciana IV (R. Moser).

The race is very slow; the winner crosses the finish line in the early morning while the last classified take almost 30 hours to complete their course.

Among the competitors, there are many metric gauge sailboats: 5.5 m JI and 6 m JI as well as numerous Lacustres and other Solings. Several big names from Lake Geneva are also present: L’Huillier, Devaud, Béchard, Haissly, Favre, Girod, Bordier, Mercier, Bieler, Metzger… The Translémanique has established itself from its beginnings as a major event, in which it is worth participating.

First launching of the Tolu, designed by Bernard Dunand and intended to break the hegemony of the Toucans. A bomb! (Copyright: Nautisme Romand)

1974

1st edition

90 competitors compete in the first edition of the Translémanique Solo; a regatta considered daring, whose innovative concept caused a sensation! The conditions are humid, with a light breeze blowing between 5-8 knots during the climb to Yvoire, which takes place in light rain. The competitors then head for the Tour de Peilz “under downpours”.

Three Toucans lead the race from start to finish and succeed one another in first place: “Le Transat”, helmed by Philippe Durr (“one of the youngest skippers in the regatta”, specifies 24 Heures), Nelson (R. Bettens ) and X (H. Breitenmoser).

Durr finally won this inaugural edition in 14 h 26', ahead of Nelson and X.

A catamaran is competing in the inaugural edition of the Translémanique: D. Hohn's Gytaplat, which will have difficulty crossing the halfway mark and will avoid finishing on the pier thanks to the help of a providential support boat.

Due to the rain and difficult conditions, only 56 courageous sailors crossed the finish line, while four competitors were disqualified for lack of lighting (already!).

Phil Durr's "cabin" Toucan was specially built by the René Luthi shipyard for the French sailor Alain Glicksman, who was looking for a boat to take part in the English solo Transat in 1972 (he brilliantly placed 8th, after 29 days at sea, behind Alain Colas's Pen Duick IV which won this legendary solo crossing).

Philippe Durr, one of the big names in Swiss sailing and the Translémanique in Solo, winner of the first edition of the Translémanique. He poses with the cap and the Olympic medal of his hero: Louis Noverraz. (Copyright: Bernard Schopfer / MaxComm)