Jean Psarofaghis and the SYZ boat win the Bol d'Or for the fifth time

Monday, 06/19/2017

The SYZ skipper took the lead at Coppet, after a brutal battle with the Hungarian Libera Implantcentre Raffica. Due to a "man overboard" (who was quickly rescued) offshore of Hermance, the Hungarian Libera Implantcentre  Raffica accepted defeat to "King Jean", who won his fifth Bol d’Or.

June 19, 2017

The monohull race was as intense as the multihull race - if not more so! After leading the way for most of the day, the spectacular Hungarian Libera Implantcentre Rafica had to admit defeat during the final few kilometres of the race, having lost two crewmembers overboard (who were rescued quickly, and luckily were not injured).

The final sprint saw the Mini Class America Taillevent go up against the Psaros 40 SYZ, with SYZ securing victory at La Belotte, winning with a 52 second lead over Taillevent and in a time of 8:44:14.

Skipper Jean Psarofaghis, known as "King Jean" and a real legend of Lake Geneva, was particularly moved. He said, "It was difficult! The return leg was really rough and cost us a spinnaker and some swear words... We never gave up and we are especially happy to have won the Bol de Vermeil. I would like to dedicate this victory to my father, who died recently, and I also want to give a special mention to Pierre-Yves Firmenich, who was a real inspiration to an entire generation of yachtsmen."