The Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank captured their first-ever event victory at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, marking a historic moment as the league heads toward the winner-takes-all Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Challenging light-wind conditions on Lake Geneva set the tone for a tense final day. After a lengthy pause between the first and second races on Day 2, the wind returned just in time for the deciding showdown between Germany, BONDS Flying Roos (Australia), and home favorites Switzerland.
Germany executed a flawless start, surging into an early lead. Their advantage briefly slipped when they came off their foils at mark one, allowing Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos to close the gap. But the German team quickly regained control, recovered onto their foils, and held off the Australian charge to secure a hard-fought and emotional victory.
The win marks a remarkable turnaround for Germany, who began Season 2025 burdened by an unprecedented 12-point penalty. “It feels amazing, a little bit shocking as well but surprisingly good,” said driver Erik Heil after steering his team to their breakthrough triumph. “I think we had a good situation after the start, but I felt the pressure with the people behind us foiling. It is a very good time for the team to get some success, we have worked really hard and it is really cool.”
Despite finishing second, there was plenty to celebrate for the BONDS Flying Roos, who reclaimed the top spot in the overall season standings. Emirates GBR now sit in second place, with the Black Foils (New Zealand) in third.
The action continues with the penultimate event of the season, the DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix | Andalucía – Cádiz, taking place on October 4–5. The season will then conclude with the USD $2 million, winner-takes-all, three-boat showdown at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final on November 29–30.
