Poisson Garou 2 shines at the Bol d’Or
12. June 2026
With nearly 400 boats on the starting line, the Bol d’Or remains one of the most demanding and prestigious regattas on Lake Geneva. This year, the crew of Poisson Garou 2, sailing an Esse 850, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as the first Esse 850, second in the TCF 2 class, and second overall on corrected time.
Helmed by Federico Crova (Société Nautique de Genève), alongside crew members Guillaume Locher, Jean-Pierre Selvatico and Pierre Matussiere, the team combined solid preparation, smart tactical decisions, and excellent teamwork throughout the race.
Following the race, we caught up with Federico to look back on an unforgettable edition of the Bol d’Or.
What was your highlight of this year’s Bol d’Or?
Without a doubt, achieving such a strong result and experiencing the speed of the boat.
We’ve been racing the Bol d’Or on the Esse 850 for four years now. The first time, we were simply happy to finish. Since then, we’ve improved year after year, so achieving this result feels especially rewarding.
The race itself was fantastic. We encountered a wide range of conditions, from very light winds to around 15 knots. The start was particularly memorable: drifting off the line in almost no wind, surrounded by nearly 400 boats under spinnaker, was an incredible sight.
What was the key to your success?
The team, first and foremost. We know each other very well and work together smoothly on board. Another important factor was our tactical decision. The forecast was far from clear, but we chose to sail along the French shore. In the end, that proved to be the right call.
How did you prepare for the Bol d’Or?
We sailed the Genève–Rolle–Genève race the weekend before, which served as a good warm-up. However, our best preparation throughout the season comes from the Thursday’s trainings and the Tuesday evening regattas.
How was your crew set up?
We sailed with a crew of four. Some crew members do not sail on lakes regularly, and for some it was their first experience on an Esse 850. That said, we know each other well, which allowed us to coordinate quickly.
What do you like most about the Esse 850?
I love the boat’s responsiveness and acceleration. Upwind, it is remarkably fast compared to many other boats, and downwind it is just as enjoyable to sail. It’s a boat that is both competitive and fun in all conditions.
