On Saturday August 30 at 9:30am sharp, a cannon will fire at the foot of the Ylliam lighthouse, signalling the start of the 52nd edition of the Translémanique en Solitaire.
The most demanding single-handed regatta on Lake Geneva will take place from August 29 to 31, and will lead solo sailors in monohulls from Geneva to Vieux-Rhône and back, over a theoretical course of 125 kilometers.
More than 100 skippers have already confirmed their participation, with the limit set at 130. Among them, the real time title holder, Philippe Seguret, skipper of PRO YACHTING NIVOSE 1933, who will be sailing against six other Psaros 33 yachts. Among the big favourites for the event is Alexander De Weck at the helm of the Luthi 1090 Katana, who is still chasing his first Translem victory. As for François Thorens, at the helm of the Psaros 40 Cellmen Ardentis, he will be aiming for his fifth victory, which would put him one step behind Jean Psarofaghis, the most successful helmsman in the history of the race with six victories.
The Surprises will once again be the best-represented series in the race, with no fewer than 29 units entered at this stage. Among the one-designs, there are also eight Esse 850s and as many Grand Surprises.
Last but not least, the surprise entry of Alexis Rochat aboard the Libera Carondimonio, who we wonder how he’ll manage to sail this demanding yacht, designed for a dozen trapeze artists, single-handed; spectacle guaranteed!
Organized by the Société Nautique de Genève since 1974, the Translémanique is Switzerland’s leading single-handed regatta. Every year, it allows the most experienced sailors on the lake – and from abroad! – compete against amateurs and a handful of professionals aboard monohulls.
Finally, for the first time this year, a special prize will be awarded to the first woman in the compensated time rankings. Named Challenge Ella Maillart, in honor of the famous navigator and adventurer, the prize is designed to encourage female participation.