Sailing has always been an important part of Dona’s(1)(1)
© Eloi Stichelbaut I Spindrift racing life. The businesswoman and owner of several hotels and sports complexes began competing in late 2006, racing Decision 35 catamarans on the Lake Geneva circuit with an all-female crew…
In 2010, Dona became the first woman to win the prestigious Bol d’Or Mirabaud.
A year later, she and Yann Guichard decided to create a new team for their future endeavours on the water. Spindrift racing was born, a team that in many ways resembles Dona and Yann themselves. The duo have developed and managed the team since day 1, making decisions, choosing what direction to take and establishing a future vision together.
Dona Bertarelli is an exacting, determined businesswoman, who is actively involved in several foundations, including the Bertarelli Foundation for marine conservation. She began offshore multihull sailing in 2013 aboard Spindrift 2. During that first year, she listened, learned, gradually gained confidence and developed her skills, as well as setting her first crewed record, in the Atlantic Ocean. “During the Discovery Route (Cadiz-San Salvador), I was surprised that I didn’t want it to end,” explains Dona.
The sailor has continued to increase her experience. In 2015, she followed in the footsteps of Tracy Edwards (1998) and Ellen MacArthur (2003) in attempting to become the first woman ever to win the famous circumnavigation against the clock.
Career
2015
– Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race (trimaran 131’ Spindrift 2)
- 3rd in D35 Trophy, D35 Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing
- 3rd of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2015
2014
– « Female Sailor of the Year 2014 » at the SUI Sailing Awards
– Winner of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014 on board Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing
2013
– Holder of the Discovery Route record in 6 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds on board 131’ trimaran, Spindrift 2
– Winner of Fastnet Race on board 131’ trimaran, Spindrift 2
2012
– 3rd of the Vulcain Trophy 2012 on board D35 Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing
2010
– Winner of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2010 on board D35 Ladycat
2008
– 2nd in Open de Rolle, D35 Ladycat
2007
– first event on D35 Ladycat