This summer, I had the pleasure of coaching at the Swiss Championships for Yacht Club Zug in collaboration with the Zürcher Yacht Club. Over three days, we managed four races with 23 teams. Our team involved twelve teams and four coaches—a significant logistical feat involving not only housing arrangements. A special thank you to CST Tenero for providing us with a convenient base for our team. Collaborating with fellow coaches was, as always, a highlight; the 29er class in Switzerland is growing steadily, with sailors like Ikke Huber and Liam Berger excelling and achieving a well-deserved win. Interestingly, I found myself as one of the few Swiss coaches there, which raises some important questions. Do we have a shortage of qualified coaches in Switzerland? Is it due to limited skiff knowledge or perhaps a lack of incentives? This challenge extends beyond national championships; for instance, Yacht Club Zug lacked a coach for the fall because I was still abroad. Perhaps clubs should explore ways to make coaching positions more attractive, offering opportunities for professional growth and competitive compensation.
During the summer, I was also thrilled to help a good friend run a sailing camp, where we taught 140 kids each week on the water with a staff team of 30. This experience not only allowed me to lead and engage Gen Z staff members, but it also provided a unique opportunity to manage a fleet of over 40 boats, including powerboats. Maintaining the entire fleet and ensuring smooth camp operations was an invaluable lesson in leadership and logistics—an experience I’ll carry forward.
In the fall, I took on the challenge of launching a Green Fleet (beginner to intermediate racing program) at a school that previously focused solely on introductory sailing. It was eye-opening to transform a beginner-focused environment into one that fosters competitive skills. We started with nine sailors, about half of whom wanted to pursue racing more seriously. Initially, all the sailors approached the program with a recreational mindset, but the structured twice-weekly sessions enabled each of them to make significant progress in both skill and confidence. By the end, even those who started with little interest in competition developed a new enthusiasm for sailing, and I’m hopeful they’ll continue with the sport.
This fall also brought the opportunity to work with skiff sailors in Annapolis, Maryland—a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to re-engage with the skiff sailing community in the U.S. The U.S. approach to youth sailing differs significantly from Switzerland, particularly due to the high school sailing scene. Here, young sailors split their time among different boats, which I believe enhances their development, especially in regions without a dominant class. The exposure to various boats provides invaluable experience, particularly with racing and starting strategies, while they continue honing specific skills on the 29er.
I also noticed a distinct mindset difference between Swiss and U.S. sailors. U.S. youth sailors tend to dream big, with aspirations of competing at the Youth Worlds, whereas Swiss sailors often focus on the experience of racing in larger fleets at European or World Championships. This “dream big” mentality I see in U.S. sailors is a powerful motivator, offering a clear vision of the steps they need to take to reach their goals. It’s a mindset I believe could benefit more young Swiss sailors, offering both the thrill of competition and the tangible pathway to reach their full potential.
This summer and fall have been incredibly rewarding, filled with diverse coaching experiences that deepened my understanding of youth sailing. From managing teams at the Swiss Championships to launching a beginner racing program, each challenge has been fulfilling. Working with sailors in Switzerland and the U.S. highlighted how cultural perspectives shape goals, teaching me invaluable lessons along the way. I’m excited to continue guiding young sailors, helping them unlock their potential, and contributing to the future of sailing in new and meaningful ways.
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