Report 2025 44Cup WC Scheveningen
Mental break
A very intense first half of the year with a few successes, numerous challenges and many valuable moments came to a premature but deliberate end for our 2025 season with the RC44 World Championship in Scheveningen.
The decision to draw a line in the middle of the year and not compete in the rest of the Black Star Sailing event calendar was the result of a lengthy maturation process: a fundamental examination of the goals we had set ourselves, the successes we had achieved, the paths we had taken, and ultimately also the intense daily racing routine with all its trappings, led to new insights and ultimately to this turning point. And thus to a mental break, from which we are now emerging stronger.
44Cup 2025 World Championship Scheveningen
27–31 August 2025, Scheveningen, Netherlands
With the minimum goal for the season of finishing in the middle of the field in every competition, we travelled to the World Championship in Scheveningen, Netherlands – with the clear aim of repeating or even surpassing last year’s strong result on Lake Urnersee.
The start went according to plan with a place in the middle of the field. Unfortunately, however, the following races were not very consistent – we found ourselves at the back of the field too often, which understandably dampened our spirits somewhat.
Once again, we were faced with mixed results, between highs and lows, and the familiar challenge of having to deal with unnecessary mistakes and inaccuracies. This came to a head on the last day when, after finishing eighth, we suddenly celebrated a race victory, only to cross the finish line in eighth place again.
Overall, we finished the World Championship in a solid sixth place in the midfield we had aimed for.
Find more photos of the regatta in our RC44 photo gallery.
After looking inward, looking forward
A few weeks before the Scheveningen event, the team was informed that the 44Cup World Championship would be the Black Star Sailing Team’s last competition in 2025. The weeks and months that followed were marked by many discussions, self-analysis and intensive exchanges within the team.
Finally, we made the decision to return to the water in 2026 with fresh enthusiasm and, above all, a lot of passion. Our priority is clearly on the RC44 yacht.
The team has since been reorganised with predominantly very experienced sailors. We compete internationally, but continue to sail under the Swiss flag.
In future, the Cape 31 will mainly be used as a training boat to gain experience and exploit synergies. It will be less of a focus as a training platform in the coming year, but that does not mean that we are giving up on our goal of enabling young sailors to enter the world of international regattas. Rather, we have come to realise that more targeted talent scouting and clever use of resources will make it even easier to promote young talent in the future, making integration into the team and other sustainable development opportunities more tangible.
Finally, our thanks
At the end of this extraordinary season, we would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who accompanies, supports and contributes to Black Star Sailing.
Our special thanks go to our sponsors and partners: for your trust, reliability and shared vision. Without you, this journey would not be possible. Your support is a central part of our project.
We would also like to thank our team members on board and on shore. Your commitment, passion and professionalism are the foundation on which we build. The many hours spent on the water, in the shipyard, on the road – they do not go unnoticed.
A big thank you also goes to the families and friends of our crew. For their understanding, patience and support in the many sacrifices that an ambitious regatta project entails.