History made: Germany claim first-ever SailGP victory in Geneva

SailGP has a brand new winner! Germany by Deutsche Bank stormed to their first-ever event victory in Geneva, giving their fans the breakthrough they’ve been dreaming of.

Driver Erik Heil was lost for words as his team took a spectacular victory at the debut Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix.

Heil admitted to being a bit shocked as Germany first sealed a place in the three-boat winner-takes-all final - their first ever - then went on to defeat the BONDS Flying Roos and home team Switzerland.

Testing light-wind conditions faced the teams on the second day of action on Lake Geneva, and after two tricky fleet races in fluky conditions the three finalists were forced to wait for wind.

But when it came Germany kept their cool, executing a perfect start to lead the trio off the startline into an early lead.

The key was keeping the F50s flying - and after rounding mark one Germany fell off their foils, opening the door for Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos to close the gap.

But just when Heil needed an extra boost, the weather gods answered - and with the Germans back up and flying they were able to hold off the Australian attack and claim the win.

The victory seals Germany’s comeback from a disaster Season 5 start which saw them hit with an unprecedented 12-point penalty for a series of collisions to bonafide event winners.

Only a month ago they won their first ever SailGP race, claiming the top spot in the opener at their home event in Sassnitz.

Now they join the esteemed winners’ circle in only their second season competing in SailGP.

Despite having to settle for the runner-up spot for a second event running, there was still reason for celebrations onboard the BONDS Flying Roos’ F50 as they retained their overall season lead.

With just two events left - in Cadiz and Abu Dhabi - the sprint for the 2025 Season title, and the $2 million prize pot, is reaching fever pitch.

Home favorites Switzerland, meanwhile, enjoyed their second event final in four events, a mark of the improvement made by Seb Schneiter’s team this season.

A stellar weekend for them, buoyed by the thousands-strong legion of supporters lining the shores and taking to the water, cements their place as a team to watch heading into 2026.

Diego Botin’s Los Gallos kept their hopes of making the Grand Final alive with a win in race five to finish fifth, but a seventh for France all but ends their hopes of being in the top three.

The bad luck continued for Martine Grael’s Mubudala Brazil, when a collision with a mark moments before the start of racing on day two left their F50 with a hole in it.

Unable to repair the damage, they were left with no choice but to retire from the action.

The fifth European event of the 2025 Season - the DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix - takes place in just two weeks, as SailGP returns to Cadiz, Andalucia, for a fourth time on October 4/5.

For all the information, including how to buy tickets, click HERE.

For your chance to win the champagne bottle signed by Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix winners Germany Deutsche Bank click HERE.