On a less-than-blustery recent afternoon in Geneva, twelve identical, state-of-the-art catamarans, each nearly 50 feet in length, jockey for position and search for wind gusts to lift their massive carbon-fiber hulls above the water's surface. When aloft and perched on the thin foils, these multi-million-dollar, wind-driven machines can hit speeds in excess of 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). Even in the light conditions, they're reaching about half that pace, zipping across the surface of Lac Leman in a series of tacks and jibes seeking the most velocity and the fastest lines around the course.
More than 8,000 spectators take in the action and cheer on the crews in a purpose-built temporary stadium from the shore, amid loud music, data screens, and race commentary following the sailors' shifting positions in short, fast-moving race heats. Each boat represents a different country and a crew that includes at least one woman. As the trimmed sails grow taut with power, they highlight their individual sponsors' logos that help fund the $10 million budget that each team is limited to per season. Perched prominently at the top of the main sail on each and every boat is the Crown logo and brand name of Switzerland's biggest watch company.