After 5 years of existence, the Challenge Julius Baer seems to have found its cruise speed : ten ships, eight races and an ever-increasing number of international stars attracted by the  Leman championship, run on Decision 35 catamarans (35 feet / 10,81 m)! For regattas, the competition is divided in two great “half-times”: the first in May and June, with the two Grands Prix and two Translémaniques where Alinghi came before Okalys and Zen Too in the preliminary general results; the second with four regattas, from August to October. 

 Ocean navigators are as passionate as ever about the Swiss championship. Aside from the faithful three, Alain Gautier, Loïck Peyron and Karine Fauconnier, the Décision 35 will also have on board a certain number of navigators from the America’s Cup. Indeed, the Challenge Julius Baer is also seen as one of the most interesting training platforms for these teams! 

 
Here are our predictions: Alinghi, current holder of the title, is most likely to come first in the Challenge Julius Baer 2008, but competition will be fierce for the red and black catamaran.  Alain Gautier, leading Foncia, certainly sees himself with the trophy on October 5th next, and the same goes for Nicolas Grange (Okalys) who will, once again, be able to count on the experience and skills of Loïck Peyron.

 
Exceptional press coverage
 The man who created the Challenge Julius Baer in 2004, Philippe Cardis – in his civilian life director of the De Rham commission – is very enthusiastic. His competition benefits from the very popular image water sports have these days. Himself a competent sailor (he participated in several transatlantic races) and skipper on the Julius Baer boat, Philippe Cardis explains that he created the challenge « for the pleasure of competing fairly among ships of the same category. Sporting competition aside, we are here at the heart of an incredible platform of professional and public relations! »

 
The 2008 edition is under the sign of real-estate, since Nicolas Grange won the first regatta on Okalys, before his majesty Alinghi! Let us also note the presence of Christian Michel (Smart Home), who participates in the challenge for the second time. The skipper of team Smart Home confesses that he « loves the sensation of speed one feels aboard a Decision 35 ». Even though the first four regattas this year were difficult for his tem, Christian Michel is still optimistic and happy to participate in a sporting competition with « massive press coverage ». 
The Grand prix Beau-Rivage Palace (October 3rd to 5th 2008) should as usual crown this magnificent competition. See you there in 2009!

 
Laurent Caillaud

 
Photography: myImage.ch
 www.challengejuliusbaer.com