Double Olympic champion Martine Grael will take the wheel of the US SailGP Team at this weekend’s Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on Lake Geneva as the Americans attempt to defend third place in the championship standings.
Grael’s late call-up follows the injury disruption reported by Afloat on Thursday, when both regular driver Taylor Canfield and reserve Harry Melges IV were ruled out of the September 19-20 event. Canfield suffered a broken collarbone in a cycling accident, while Melges was subsequently sidelined with a leg injury.
The US team arrives in Geneva third overall after its victory at the previous SailGP event in Valencia, with the Lake Geneva racing forming the 11th event of the 13-event 2026 season.
Only Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos have so far secured a place in November’s winner-takes-all Grand Final in Abu Dhabi, where $2 million is at stake.
Grael Gets Late US Call-Up
Grael’s return to the F50 comes little more than a week after her departure from the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team.
“I didn't understand what I was going to do in the future, and then I got a phone call saying that Taylor got injured,” Grael said. “It's a great pity because they're doing such a good job and they're really in great shape to go to the final.”
Geneva Stakes: The US SailGP Team enters the Lake Geneva event third in the championship standings, with Martine Grael taking the wheel as the battle for places in November’s Abu Dhabi Grand Final intensifies. Photo: Jason Ludlow
The Brazilian said her recent time in the F50 should help with the rapid transition, although adapting to a different crew will be central to the weekend.
“The good thing is that it hasn't been so long since I've seen it last. It's only been like a week and a half now, so I’m still warmed up from the other events."
“But I think, when you get to a new team, you need to understand how they work. And that's the most important part, is to try to work with this team because they've obviously been doing a very good job.”
Grael and Weis Make SailGP First
Grael will race alongside US grinder Anna Weis, marking the first time two women have competed together in the same SailGP team.
“Anna is one of those great athletes and a great friend as well, and it's really incredible to work together,” Grael said. “It's really inspiring to sail beside Anna, and it is going to be fun.”
The Americans have been drawn in Group A with Artemis, Los Gallos, ROCKWOOL Racing, Mubadala Brazil, Germany by Deutsche Bank and DS Automobiles France.
Grael’s former Brazil team will meanwhile be driven by British Olympic gold medallist Paul Goodison, who had joined the team as strategist. Goodison described Grael’s departure as the start of a “new era” for Brazil, with Kahena Kunze joining on loan from ROCKWOOL Denmark.
Olympic Pedigree: Martine Grael (left) and Kahena Kunze celebrate their Olympic gold medal for Brazil in the 49erFX at Rio 2016. Grael will drive the US SailGP Team in Geneva, while Kunze has joined Mubadala Brazil on loan from ROCKWOOL Denmark. Photo: World Sailing
Schneiter Targets Home Win
Swiss driver Sébastien Schneiter believes local knowledge could prove significant on Lake Geneva, where the changeable breeze can make the venue particularly demanding.
“You really need to know Lake Geneva and all the shifts,” Schneiter said. “We’re going to see the wind coming from the shore, and we really have to navigate the specifics of the lake. The start is also super important. We know that in these conditions, one mistake can make you disappear.”
Around 10,000 spectators are expected over the two days at SailGP’s only freshwater venue.
Racing on Lake Geneva begins on Saturday, September 19 at 3.30 pm CEST.
