Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

Kiwi shifts to Swiss SailGP team along with several Alinghi America's Cup crew

by SailGP 19 Oct 2024 16:47 UTC
Stewart Dodson (NZL) is one of several crew joining the Swiss SailGP team - now in private ownership © SailGP

Incoming Switzerland grinder Stewart Dodson has cited the team’s private ownership as ‘key’ to his decision to transfer from Spain.

Dodson was a grinder on board the Spanish team for the entirety of last season, helping the team rise from its last place in Season 3 to winning the overall Season 4 Championship.

The current off-season period has been rife with transfer news as teams prepare their crew line-ups for next season. Switzerland has been no exception, announcing Dodson as part of its 2025 Season team.

Dodson described the decision to move from the Spanish team ‘after such a successful season’ as ‘difficult’, but highlighted the additional ‘security’ of joining a privately owned team.

“With the future of the Spanish team being up in the air a little bit with funding and ownership, it felt more secure to change [to] Switzerland,” he said.

Dodson joins a largely reshuffled Swiss crew line-up, which includes Arnaud Psarofaghis as wing trimmer and Bryan Mettraux as flight controller. Both competed as part of the Swiss America’s Cup Challenger, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, while Psarofaghis has previous SailGP experience - driving for Spain and New Zealand at standalone events.

Looking ahead, Dodson predicted ‘a really bright future’ for the Swiss team, which will look to rebound from its last place finish in Season 4. “There’s been a lot of crew changes happening and I think with the new team we’ve got involved, it’ll be a very exciting season ahead.”

The hope, he added, is that Switzerland is ‘fighting for the podium’ next season. “Obviously it’s going to be a great challenge - there’s a lot of hard work to be done, but I think with the team we’ve got involved, it’s very possible.”

Preparation for the upcoming season is well underway, with plenty of team meetings ‘dividing up responsibilities, preparing playbooks’ and investigating past racing data. “We’re working out how we can hit the ground running as fast as possible in Dubai with limited training time."

Related Articles

Florida announces longest Gulf Red Snapper Season
Opening on Memorial Day Weekend, then reopening from June 1st-July 31st This morning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dates for Florida's Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, marking the longest red snapper season in the history of state management. Posted on 29 Apr
Texas State Record Tuna Caught 160 Miles Offshore
Crew on an Invincible 46 cat land 884 pound Atlantic bluefin tuna after five hour fight An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna—the new Texas state record—was landed after a five-hour battle by a team aboard "Catillac," an Invincible 46' Catamaran, 160+ miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted on 25 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST Posted on 12 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 82', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 82' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 3 Apr
Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts