For one weekend this September, Geneva is swapping its famously serene lakefront for something considerably faster. The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix arrives on Lake Geneva on 19–20 September, bringing the high-speed world of SailGP to the city.
Joining the action, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva is opening The Lake Café, a three-day waterfront pop-up where visitors can watch the racing live, meet the U.S. SailGP Team and get younger sailors involved with dedicated sailing activities.
The Lake Café is part of a wider partnership between The Ritz-Carlton and the U.S. SailGP Team, bringing the atmosphere of the race beyond the water and onto Geneva’s lakefront. And with the hotel sitting just moments from the action, the location could hardly be better.
On the water, 13 national teams compete aboard identical high-performance F50 catamarans, capable of reaching speeds of more than 60 miles per hour and powered entirely by wind. On land, The Ritz-Carlton has been following the international racing circuit with destination-led experiences that bring some of that atmosphere into the cities hosting the competition.
Earlier this year in New York, The Ritz-Carlton Sailing Club transformed Central Park’s Conservatory Water with radio-controlled sailing, live music and summer dining. For Geneva, the concept feels particularly at home: a city whose relationship with its lake is part of everyday life, with the hotel sitting just moments from this weekend’s racing.
The Lake Café offers an easy way to dip into the SailGP atmosphere from shore, but those wanting to get closer to the action can take things considerably further. The Ritz-Carlton has created a series of experiences around the Geneva race weekend, including the chance to watch the F50 fleet from a private Pardo 38 yacht on Lake Geneva, accompanied by catering from the hotel.
There is also a dedicated two-night package pairing a suite stay with race tickets, access to the VELA Lounge, an up-close look at an F50 and an exclusive tour and meet-and-greet with the U.S. SailGP Team.
It turns one of September’s biggest sporting weekends into something distinctly Geneva: fast boats on the water, a lively lakefront and plenty of reasons to stay shoreside long after the racing finishes.
