It’s a bit like Netflix. When a really good series comes to an end, the first thing fans want to know is: when and where can we watch Season 2? “We’re setting off on a new adventure, but the scenario is a bit different,” explains Daniel Faigaux, head of sponsorship and events for Banque Mirabaud. “We developed this mini-series project after bringing together a team to compete in the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. In 2021, in the middle of Covid, the initiative gave us a reason to be present on social media, and to get people talking about us.”
This original project took shape after discussions with the organisers of the world’s biggest inland regatta. But there was one major issue: while the Bol d’Or Mirabaud has a very high profile in French-speaking Switzerland, it’s less well-known on the German-speaking side. And internationally, only France has strong links with the regatta, after some of its top ocean sailors decided to come and pit their wits against the fickle winds of Lake Geneva. “For us, it’s also important to be able to reach a broader international audience,” Dany Faigaux continues. “The Banque Mirabaud is active in a number of countries, and the Bol d’Or, with its prestige and its history, deserves to be better known outside our borders.”
A Legendary Coach
The team they have built is young, dynamic, talented and international. And their coach is a sailing superstar in her own right. “Shirley Robertson was the obvious choice,” notes Dany Faigaux. “She has a huge amount of sailing experience, but she’s also an incredible communicator. She’s worked for years with the biggest mainstream media channels including CNN and the BBC. Shirley is the voice of the America’s Cup.”
Before honing her skills with the microphone, she was enormously successful at the helm of a number of different boat classes. This Scotswoman, who has lived in Cowes for 20 years, never let success go to her head. She won two Olympic gold medals – single-handed in the Europe class in Sydney in 2000, and alongside Sarah Webb and Sarah Ayton in an Yngling in Athens 2004 – and was awarded an OBE. All that to say that the Banque Mirabaud has found a true grande dame of sailing to mentor its Sailing Squad.
100% Female Team
Shirley Robertson will have the opportunity to coach a 100% female team aboard the cutting-edge foiling sailboat, the Persico 69F. “It’s a far more dynamic boat, which is right for our times,” Dany Faigaux underlines. “We know it’s a risk, because if the winds are light for the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, things will be difficult for our Sailing Squad. But at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. It’s not about the destination, it’s all about the excitement and the adventure that comes before. That’s what we will be communicating in our four-episode mini-series.”
The first three episodes take place in Valence in France, where the team met to train in April. The four young women had the opportunity to get used to the boat and gel as a team, both on and off the water. “The Sailing Squad is a high-level sailing experience, but it’s also a wonderful life experience for these extraordinarily talented young women,” notes Dany Faigaux.
The Sailors:
Daniela Moroz (USA): 5 x Kitefoil world champion, 2 x Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year
Amanda Bjork-Anastassov (SUI): 2017 Nacra 15 world champion
Francesca Bergamo (ITA): 2 European and 4 Italian titles in the Optimist, Laser 4.7 and Laser Radial classes
Odile Van Aanholt (NED): 2021 world and European champion, 49er FX
The Coach:
Shirley Robertson (GBR)
The Boat:
A 69F owned by the CER (Centre d’entraînement à la régate)
Broadcast schedule:
30 May: Teaser
2 June: Episode 1
6 June: Episode 2
10 June: Episode 3
15 June: Episode 4
Episodes will be released on the Groupe Mirabaud’s YouTube channel starting on 30 May.
