The GC32, D35 and Flying Phantom – the quickest catamarans in the business – are the stock in trade of this team which, in just a few short years, has already built itself a fearsome reputation. Back in 2014, the team led by skipper Jérôme Clerc ended the season on the third step of the podium of the Extreme Sailing Series, one of the world’s most high-profile regatta circuits. Since then, the multihull specialists have taken the ambitious decision to pursue three different programmes, while remaining at the top of their game. Here is an overview of the categories.
The indomitable GC32
As well as being the fastest class, this is also the most demanding. Reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h when foiling, this class attracts the best sailors in the sport. Realteam takes part in the GC32 Racing Tour, an annual European regatta circuit. With just two stages left, the penultimate one in Calvi from 13 to 16 September, and the final leg in Marseille from 12 to 15 October, the Swiss team is currently at the top of the rankings, ahead of the nine other teams in the running. The competition remains intense, however, and each remaining point will no doubt be fiercely contended.
The astonishing Flying Phantom
The Flying Phantom, a pocket rocket, is Realteam’s second foiling class. Originally, this small (5.52 m) sports catamaran was considered a stepping stone for introducing team members to the concept of foiling. Today, however, two members of the team have committed 100% to the class, and are currently dominating the Swiss Flying Phantom Series, having won every stage so far. Nevertheless, if they want to be sure to retain their lead they will have to hold their form for the next two fixtures, in September and October.
The legendary D35
The D35, known as the Lord of the Léman, remains unrivalled on its home water, even by the flying GC32. The D35 class was born in 2004 in the Lake Geneva region, and has become the Formula 1 of the lake. Thanks to its incredible power-to-weight ratio, tuned specifically for the region’s typically light airs, it is capable of astonishing performances. Realteam has set itself the target of climbing up the D35 rankings with owner-skipper Esteban Garcia. Given that he is not a sailing professional, overcoming this challenge will require some determination, if Realteam is to seriously threaten those at the top of the fleet. But they have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!
