They may not have an ocean, but they have the drive, talent, and legacy to conquer the world of sailing. SSL Team Switzerland, host of the SSL Gold Cup 2026 Qualifiers, is here not just to compete — but to win. With deep-rooted traditions on the lakes of the Alps and experience across the world’s oceans, Swiss sailors are ready to put their precision and skill to the ultimate test.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has long nurtured a strong sailing culture — on its 1,500 lakes and far beyond. Swiss sailors made their mark internationally during the Whitbread Round the World Race in the 1980s and 1990s, with UBS Switzerland taking the win on elapsed time. They went on to compete in the Vendée Globe, Around Alone (with Bernard Stamm’s 2002 victory), as well as the Route du Rhum and Transat Jacques Vabre.
Switzerland’s image as a sailing nation transformed forever with Alinghi’s historic victory in the America’s Cup. Becoming the first European country to lift the trophy, and defending it successfully in Valencia, Switzerland proved that innovation and determination can overcome geography. These victories inspired a new generation and cemented the country’s place in global sailing.
Switzerland is also a leader in sailing technology, with revolutionary sailmaking techniques such as 3DL and 3Dideveloped around Lake Geneva — innovations that have shaped modern competitive sailing.
Eric Monnin – captain of the Helvetic Lakers
At the helm of SSL Team Switzerland stands Eric Monnin: self-made sailor, tactical mastermind, and former World No. 1 in Match Racing. A three-time European Champion and multi-time Bol d’Or Mirabaud winner, Monnin brings both strategic insight and calm leadership to the team. His experience spans monohulls, multihulls, and the highest levels of international competition.
Key team members include Sébastien Schneiter – Two-time Olympian in 49er, skipper of the Swiss SailGP team, and multi-class national and world champion, Kilian Wagen – J/70 World Champion and accomplished sailor with 470 Olympic campaign experience, Simon Brügger – Olympic veteran, three-time European Match Racing Champion, and tactical expert in multiple classes.
The Youth Factor
Switzerland’s sailing future is bright and ambitious. Young Swiss sailors have claimed Optimist World Championships in 2014 and 2016, while talents like Maud Jayet and Nils Theuninck have earned top results in Finn, Laser 4.7, and 470 classes at both European and World Championships.
Team Tilt’s podium in the Youth America’s Cup and Linda Fahrni & Maja Siegenthaler’s 4th place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are proof that the next generation is ready to challenge the world.
SSL Team Switzerland embodies the spirit of the SSL Gold Cup: national pride, team unity, and world-class performance. With a unique combination of Olympic discipline, offshore endurance, lake-born agility, and cutting-edge innovation, the Helvetic Lakers are not only the hosts — they are contenders.
Team Roster: Eric Monnin (Captain), Nils Theuninck, Sébastien Schneiter, Bryan Mettraux, Simon Brügger, Alexis Rochat, Linda Fahrni, Maja Siegenthaler, Eliot Merceron, Axel Grandjean, Nelson Mettraux, Guillaume Girod, Kilian Wagen, Morgan Lauber, Marc Monnin, Lukas Gerig, Mathieu Ravussin, Grégoire Siegwart, Arnaud Psarofaghis, Jean-Marc Monnard, Nick Zeltner, Jann Schüpbach.
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