History

1998–2003

A shared idea takes shape

Founded in 1998, the Gstaad Yacht Club brought an international sailing spirit to the Swiss Alps. Its early years centred on a simple ambition: to create a meeting place for people connected by the sea, wherever their lives and voyages took them.

2004–2009

A growing sporting spirit

From 2004, GYC Sports Members represented Switzerland at the Olympic Games. Sailing and friendship increasingly defined the Club’s identity, connecting time on the water with occasions in Gstaad and an enduring interest in encouraging the next generation.

2010–2013

New horizons

The GYC Racing Team was established in 2010, followed by the first Centenary Trophy in 2011. These two milestones expressed complementary sides of the Club: supporting ambitious sailors and celebrating the remarkable heritage of classic yachts.

2014–2017

Tradition In Motion

The Club’s sporting and classic-yacht interests continued side by side. In 2017, the Centenarian of the Year award added another way to celebrate maritime heritage, recognising the character and stories of exceptional century-old yachts.

2018–2021

The people behind the Club

As the Club entered its third decade, its story remained rooted in the people who came together through it. Shared interests, lasting friendships and a connection between the mountains and the sea gave these years their place in the GYC story.

2022–2025

A wider horizon

Sailing, culture and Clubhouse life formed different parts of the same experience. Members could discover new perspectives ashore, enjoy shared traditions and remain connected to a wider yachting community — an expression of the Club’s international outlook and personal character.

2026

The story continues

In 2026, the Gstaad Yacht Club looks ahead with the same connection between alpine life and maritime spirit. Sailing, cultural encounters and shared experiences remain at the heart of a community whose history is still being written.

In sport also on track.

Since 2004, GYC Sports Members have proudly represented Switzerland at the Olympic Games. The GYC Racing Team, founded in 2010, has supported athletes competing at the highest international level, including London 2012 and Rio 2016. Alongside elite competition, the club continues to develop young sailing talent through training programs and annual sailing camps.

Centenary Trophy Concept

In 2011, the Gstaad Yacht Club launched the Centenary Trophy inspired by the 100-year-old classic yacht Mariquita. The race brought together yachts over a century old in a unique pursuit-format regatta in Saint-Tropez, celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, and competition at sea.

Over the years, the GYC has continued to expand its sailing vision from youth development programs and international Optimist victories to participation in innovative events like the LITTLECUP in Switzerland. In 2017, the club introduced the Centenarian of the Year award to honor exceptional classic yachts.

Today, the GYC reflects a unique blend of mountain and maritime culture, uniting skiing and sailing in one shared spirit of excellence and tradition.