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On this subject

SYZ & CO International Rally

Full-tilt offshore at Morges

Text: Jean-Guy Python

Year: 2011

Four classes of high-speed yachts lined up in winds varying between 5 and 20 knots. Weather conditions were quite tricky – rain, combined with cold and strong gusts of wind from the west – were accompanied by strings of substantial waves. Amongst these machines the Moth is currently the most successful flying monohull in its class. Its carbon construction guarantees a weight of about only 30 kilos, and in full flight it is able to attain a speed of more than 25 knots (45 km/h) !

The second type of boat represented was the Class A – the ‘Formula 1’ of single-handed catamarans. An extremely attractive series, this category is an essential platform for access to the Olympic class series. It is also an inexhaustible source of high level helmsmen. As for the 18 High Tech (HT), it has often been considered a Class A for the navigation crew. Very light, the 18 HT is not only very fast, but extremely lively. The reserves of this catamaran are very open, and it offers potential for unlimited development. Moreover, this series is host to a number of international events, transforming the challenge of Morges into a kind of “European HT”. As for the M3 class, into which all the multihulls of under seven metres are grouped, they are more or less the little brothers of the Décision 35 and the M2 sailing on the Swiss lakes.

The technical side of the event

Where did the idea originate – to bring together so many fast boats in one place? The response comes from Guy Delaloye, President of the Morges Free Sailing Club: “This is the first occasion on which these four categories have sailed the same stretch of water at one time. The idea was born of the desire to demonstrate what can be achieved by current technology.”

Guy Delaloye enthusiastically explains more about the amount of work which had to be undertaken to ensure that the event would run smoothly: “I was part of the creation of the event, but it was a team effort. It was the Club’s idea to launch this innovative competition, and today, there are about 40 volunteers working towards a successful outcome. This is fantastic. With the involvement of Australians, Italians, Germans and Swiss, it attracts a truly international clientèle.” Bringing together a group of boats that fly – was this just a dream? “For me, above all, it was the curiosity of seeing these boats up close, to be able to unite them all at our home, to share three days with them. It still seems a bit of a dream, but the heart of the event, now that’s a reality!”

Two different courses?

The reality was played out in the early wintry weather and mist of September on that stretch of water, the Moth in the lead, ensuring a spectacular contest. It was made more difficult by the waves produced by the west wind, as pointed out by Mikis Psarofaghis, who fought furiously to climb to second place: “Between the cold, the waves and the gusts, it was extremely physical. One certainly suffered much. I am, however, truly satisfied with my second place behind the big boss of the series, Matthias Renker. It was the first big event on the Léman with boats of the same speed. The weekend of the competition was quite extraordinary.”

With regard to format of the event, Psarofaghis is still a bit reserved: “In this type of event, where the Moth and Cats are mixed, there are pros and cons. To sail so many classes in these conditions, is a bit tricky. Perhaps it’s necessary to consider two different courses. On our Moth, there were at times perilous crossings between the Class A and the other catamarans which were going more slowly.”

To see some boats passing the buoy and the speed at which the catamarans and Moth arrived at the Dog Leg, the proximity of all these addicts of speed more than once came close to infringing the rules. Having said that, this first competition signals the start of a new adventure. On this point, Guy Delaloye remains a bit evasive: “I have not really had any contacts in this direction. It seems to me a good start for this event to be repeated next year – and the future will tell.”