Spindrift racing

Technologically advanced by Swiss engineers sharpened by the technical constraints and requirements of the America’s Cup, the D35 attracts lovers of speed and battles the world over. Since almost a decade, a dozen of the one-design D35 catamarans have raced on Lake Geneva each summer. All participants race with the same style boats, competing in Grand Prix events and endurance races such as the famous Bol d’Or Mirabaud.

An innovative boat, designed for racing on Lake Geneva

Designed by architect Sebastian Schmidt, and built in series by the Decision SA shipyard. The catamaran is made entirely of materials from the latest technological innovations. The “skin” of the prepreg carbon hulls, which is less than one millimetre thick, is a perfect illustration.

With more than 160 square metres of upwind sail area, this catamaran is definitely a boat for a sporting use. The D35 is specifically tailored to the conditions and particular and demanding navigation of Lake Geneva and can reach a speed of 27 knots (50 km/h).

Its structure has the distinction of being composed of three shells: two of them are floats, with the central hull for structural stiffening element, replacing the usual network cables. At the same time as being more efficient and lightweight, this innovative solution also enables better aerodynamics.

Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing on the front lines

Décision 35 Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing is the root of the partnership between Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard. Aboard together, they race against some of the world’s finest multihull sailors.

In 2010, Dona Bertarelli became the first woman to skipper an all-female crew to victory in the Bol d’Or Mirabaud at the helm of Ladycat. When Spindrift racing was formed in 2011, the D35 became one of the team’s most important boats, allowing the team to race in both Brittany and Switzerland. In 2012, Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing achieved three podium finishes in the Grand Prix season and finished third in the annual Vulcain Trophy championship.

In 2014, Spindrift racing’s sailors alternated between podium finishes aboard Ladycat and sailing to prepare for an attempt to beat the North Atlantic Record aboard Spindrift 2. In the D35 class, the highlights of the season included yet another victory in the Bol d’Or Mirabaud and a third-place finish in the overall season Championship.

The team has increased the size of its flotilla for 2015, but the D35 is still part of the programme, helping to galvanise the members of the Spindrift racing team.

The team has claimed the top podium position of the 2016 D35 Trophy for the first time since its frst participation in 2007, after winning several competitions such as the Geneva-Rolle-Geneva, the Grand Prix Realstone or the Bol d'Or Mirabaud. With this victory on the Bol d'Or, Spindrift racing added its name for the 3rd time to the impressive list of winners of this legendary race.