You might decide to spend this coming weekend in Geneva, browsing the boutiques on the famous Rue du Rhône. Maybe you’re looking for a watch, simply making a day trip, or choosing to end the week in the cradle of watchmaking. If so, why not take the route advised by the Geneva Watch Tour ? Another possibility for the ladies and gents of the lakeside city is to take in some sailing. This Saturday, hundreds of exceptional sailing yachts will take to the waters of the bay of Geneva, for a headlong race to the other end of the lake and back. The Bol d’Or Mirabaud, of which Hublot is official timekeeper for the 5th year running, is an unmissable event. Here are five good reasons to make the effort to witness this immense festival on Lake Geneva.
1. The world’s biggest inland regatta
The Bol d’Or brings together 400 boats every year, making it by far the biggest lake regatta in the world. The first edition took place in 1939 with 26 participants, and entry numbers rose to over 600 in the 1990s. An event that brings together so many different racing boats offers an amazing spectacle, whether you know anything about the sport or not. If you’re unable to be there in person you can follow the event live on local television station Léman Bleu which will begin its broadcast at 9.30 a.m. (also available online).
2. A thrilling start
The start is without doubt the most spectacular moment. To enjoy it to the full, make sure you have a good breakfast on Saturday morning, then make your way to the bay of Geneva, and watch the boats jockeying for position on the start line. The starting gun will be fired at 10 a.m. sharp. If the wind is coming from the north, the boats will be heeled sharply as they beat into the wind. If it’s a south-westerly, expect a carnival atmosphere as a plethora of multi-coloured spinnakers are unfurled!
3. Discover exceptional yachts
In yachting as in watchmaking, modern high-tech cohabits peacefully with tradition. 8m JI, 6m JI and 5m JI racing yachts from the 20th century will be seen facing off against today’s high-end racing machines. You will also see plenty of ultra-fast catamarans like the D35, which up to now has tended to dominate the field. But this weekend its supremacy will no doubt by called into question by the arrival of the Realteam GC32, which intends to use its foiling capability (its two v-shaped foils enable it to “fly” over the surface of the water) to capture the trophy. Realteam will be hoping for strong and stable winds to help it achieve this feat.
4. A festive finish
The Société Nautique de Genève opens its doors to visitors throughout the weekend, providing a friendly and festive welcome to the sailors as they come off the water. A dedicated area will also be set aside at Les Voiles, the outdoor pop-up lounge bar on the lake, which has a prime view of the finish line. The party will no doubt go on into the small hours.
5. Hublot: a prestigious partner
The watch brand whose name is synonymous with all things nautical is strengthening its links with Lake Geneva with the third edition of the Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud. This blue ceramic timepiece reflects the colours of the lake, and the caseback features the logo of the 79th Bol d’Or. This prestigious souvenir will grace the wrists of the winners of the three main prizes – the Bol d’Or (first place), the Bol de Vermeil (first monohull) and the ACVL-SRS Trophy (first on handicap) – as well as those of the 76 future owners of this limited series.
So, these are our five good reasons to watch the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. You can have a go at thinking up another 95 yourself.
