The Gstaad Yacht Club recently hosted two events, bringing to the forefront the intricate relationship between sailors, water, and survival.

On 24 January, Dr Beat Walpoth, an esteemed cardiovascular surgeon and expert on accidental deep hypothermia, shared his insights into the life-threatening consequences of extreme cold exposure at sea and in the mountains. His research, spanning decades, has contributed significantly to understanding how to save lives through extracorporeal blood warming, a technique pioneered in Switzerland. Dr Walpoth’s presentation underscored that hypothermia, though often overlooked, remains a serious risk for sailors, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts. His work with the International Hypothermia Registry continues to improve survival rates, reinforcing the old adage: “Nobody is dead until warm and dead.” Four days later, on 28 January, Prince Jean de Luxembourg addressed another pressing issue – water scarcity. As the founder of Mea Aqua SA, a company specialising in water treatment and sustainable solutions, Prince Jean shed light on the global challenge of water access. With agriculture consuming 70 % of the world’s freshwater and industries another 23 %, he emphasised the need for responsible water use and innovative conservation strategies. His talk provided a sobering reminder that while water covers most of our planet, access to clean and sustainable freshwater is far from guaranteed. He called for integrated water policies, increased efficiency in agriculture and industry, and greater awareness of individual consumption habits.

A celebration of sailing excellence
Beyond discussions on water-related challenges, GYC also celebrates the achievements of its members. Clarin Mustad, a seasoned Lake Geneva racer, recently made waves in the ocean racing world by securing second place in the multihull division of the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race. Aboard his Alibi 54 trimaran, “Dakota”, Mustad and his crew completed the gruelling Atlantic crossing in 14 days, 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 4 seconds.

For Mustad, the race was more than just a challenge – it was a thrilling adventure. “I prefer to compete rather than cruise because it makes the journey so much more exciting,” he shared before setting sail. While this was his first Atlantic crossing, his co-skippers Carles Boned Roig and Christina Menabó brought extensive experience, making the voyage a remarkable success.

From the science of survival to the art of endurance racing, these events at GYC highlighted the many ways in which water defines, challenges, and inspires us.

GYC