Keeping all sailors on their toes @blu26 Cup St.Moritz
19-21 August, the 11th edition of the annual blu26 fleet race battle Engadin has again been welcomed in St. Moritz. For many, a must-attend event on their sailing agenda. The line-up included teams of top sailors, promising three exciting racing days. Indeed, the very volatile wind conditions kept even the best sailors on their toes - across 37 races in total.
The blu26 fleet race battle Engadin takes place every year and is on the highlights on the blu26 event agenda. Last weekend, the event gathered 14 teams from Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Argentina in St. Moritz to compete in the umpired fleet race. Among them, a team of talented young sailors benefitting of the blu26 “Rookie Initiative”. To make the best out of this year’s event, the blu26 Cup St. Moritz 2022 was extended from two to again three racing days. All crew members are travelling light, as five blu26 boats were provided and ready on site for racing in an exciting rotation mode.
The northerly wind conditions kept up a high-level sailing! The first racing day allowed for two initial group races only, due to rather challenging winds. On the subsequent racing days, the wind evened out, still asking for the sailors’ full attention, ready to response to unpredictable wind turns along an additional 26 qualification races across a relatively short up-and-down course. The on-water umpires were continuously at the pulse of the action securing fair play.
While competitive and sharp on the water, the teams meet among friends on shore. The gatherings between the races, around the traditional “Piöda” dinner on Friday, and a BBQ evening on Saturday, are much-valued opportunities to mingle, debate and debrief.
On Sunday the event concluded with a thrilling gold, silver, and bronze fleet racing, competing in three runs per group. The blu26 class congratulates team ‘Hello Again’ with skipper Matthias Keller for winning the 11th fleet race battle Engadin, followed by team ‘Jacqueline‘ - winner of last year’s cup - with skipper Lukas Looser second, and team ‘We’re OK’, with skipper Livia Naef third. While after the prize giving no team left unawarded, team ‘Hello Again’ and team ‘Jacqueline’ won an extended ski weekend in St. Moritz each, sponsored by our partners Hotel Hauser and Hotel Crystal.
Needless to say, that such an amazing event requires a well-connected organizing team behind the scenes. The blu26 class thanks the race committee, including Christian ‘Blumi’ Scherrer and Marc Knoepfel, the jury team on the water, the many helpers on site, and numerous loyal sponsors. A special acknowledgement goes out to the Sailing Club St. Moritz for the generous hosting. The blu26 class already looks forward to returning in 2023!
Photo credit goes to Jürg Kaufmann www.juergkaufmann.com.
Next events
- 16-18 September blu26 Swiss Championship Bayern, Germany (Tegernsee)
- 1-2 October blu26 Cup Zurich, Switzerland
Are you keen to join the blu26 class? We look forward to having you ‘on board’! Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are looking to join with a team or if you need a boat to join a particular regatta.
