The 18th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club (GYC) and Gstaad Automobile Club (GAC) Rally & Yachting event set a record with 42 registered vehicles. This year's event showcased an impressive array of cars, from modern marvels to meticulously maintained classics, led by an almost centenarian Bentley from 1926.

Event Kickoff
The event kicked off on Friday, 2nd August, with the Gstaad Automobile Club in Feutersoey hosting the registration and welcome drink. This gathering marked the beginning of a weekend filled with friendly competition and camaraderie, uniting yachting enthusiasts and classic car aficionados.

Yachting Competition
The yachting competition took place at Lac Retaud, where participants enjoyed perfect weather conditions. Using remote-controlled RIVA model boats, attendees engaged in spirited yet friendly competition. The evening concluded with a raclette-tasting dinner against the stunning backdrop of Les Diablerets Mountain and glacier.

Rally Day
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, promising ideal conditions for the rally. Participants gathered at the Le Grand Bellevue Hotel’s lawn, right in front of the Gstaad Yacht Club, for breakfast and the muchanticipated roadbook reveal. This secret route offered a journey through some of Switzerland's most picturesque roads.

Scenic Route
The route took drivers from Gstaad through Toffen, Dürrenroth, and back, crossing the Swiss Cantons of Bern, Vaud, and Fribourg. Participants drove along bucolic roads, stopping at Lake of Gruyère before heading east through scenic routes up Scheidwaldallmend and across the Gurnigel Pass. The first coffee stop at Sportgarage Graber in Toffen allowed for admiration of iconic classic cars and appreciation of the garage's excellent support crew.

Emmental and Lunch Break
Navigating the precise instructions of the roadbook, drivers and co-pilots enjoyed the unique rally experience. The next leg took them to Emmental, where clear skies allowed for opentop driving. The final destination for the morning was the Romantik Hotel and Restaurant Bären in Dürrenroth, where participants enjoyed a light aperitif and lunch, surrounded by the historic charm of three late Baroque century buildings.

On the return journey, participants faced one last challenge before heading to the finish line in Brothuesi. The day concluded with a prize-giving ceremony.

Winners and Awards
The 2024 Rally & Yachting champions were GYC Member Sir Andrew Cook and his pilot James Toyne, driving a 1999 Bentley Continental R/ Mulliner. Mariano Tribelhorn and Roman Grimm, in an Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 from 1986, took second place, and Guillaume Chauvet and his son Paul, in a Ferrari Scuderia, took third.

Participants also voted for the best-looking car, awarding the honour to a 1966 Morris Mini Cooper S. The photo shoot prize went to Ralf and Max Huber in a 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale.

Special Recognition
Long-time partner Gstaad Automobile Club honoured former Swiss Race Driver and Scuderia Ferrari Race Officer Peter Schetty, who co-piloted for the first time in his career.

With record participation, the challenge of organising such a unique classic car event continues to grow. The GYC and GAC are already planning the 19th edition, ensuring that next year's event will be just as memorable.

GYC