Congratulations to Simeo Vollmer for his win during the 2026 Translémanique. Alone against the Léman. The Translémanique sends solo sailors across 160 km of Switzerland's most capricious lake — biting winds, treacherous calms, and mountain squalls without warning. No crew, no second chances. We're delighted to share this interview done straight after his victory:

Siméo, congratulations on your result at the Translémanique this weekend. First of all, could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Siméo, I'm 23 years old and I have been sailing since I was 8. It was the Cercle de la Voile de Vevey-La Tour that introduced me to this wonderful sport, and which has supported me across all classes. I started in Optimist, then followed three great seasons in the 420, before Covid put an end to the dream my helmsman Alexandre Grognuz and I had of competing at ISAF level. We then had to choose between studies and the Olympics, and we decided to continue our respective academic paths while also getting into foiling. Since then I've been racing internationally on flying boats, and as a true enthusiast I love taking part in lake regattas. What better than the Esse 850 — which I first discovered in 2016 — to have fun while staying competitive all around our beautiful Léman?

And your boat, NTFM — tell us about it, including where the name comes from.**

I'm not the owner of the boat — I'm incredibly fortunate that Isabelle Rinsoz has trusted me year after year to look after this beautiful yacht, which is hull number 104, built in 2007. The name NTFM is an acronym for *"Non Ti Fermi Mai"*, which means "never stop" in Italian.

You have an impressive track record: 1st in TCF2, 2nd on corrected time at the Bol d'Or in 2024 with Alexandre Grognuz; 3rd in TCF2/3 and 4th on corrected time at the Translémanique in 2025. And now this year you're on the podium again with NTFM at the Translémanique. How does it feel?

It's true that lake regattas with this boat tend to go well, but that's not always the case. I had big ambitions for this year's Bol d'Or, having missed victory by just two minutes in 2024 — and we didn't deliver, despite a great start. I'm still a newcomer to the Translémanique. Both editions I've sailed have been quite an adventure, and I know I still have a lot to learn. I have to say this year's win has a very special flavour, given that my backstay broke while I was running a big spinnaker in 20 knots — which forced me to drift for 40 minutes without sails. Once I reached the transition zone, I was able to make a makeshift repair that allowed me to get back into the race. Even though the backstay was unusable on starboard tack after losing the masthead fitting, I got myself back in the game, and I'm glad I was able to finish!

What's your secret?

I'm not sure it's a secret, but I think arriving at the start line having done everything possible beforehand allows me to focus "simply" on the sailing itself. In long races, making a clean break from the start is essential for me, and I believe the key lies in executing the transition phases well — they're often extremely complex.

What do you think of the Esse 850?

I love this boat because it's a pleasure to sail — simple yet fast. I also love the fact that there are always several Esse 850s at every regatta; it's always great to have a race within the race, with a friendly community around it!

Any advice for owners?

Don't hesitate to sign up and race — you're always better off on the water!

Your next challenges?

I had dreamed of the Youth America's Cup with Alinghi, but unfortunately that won't happen, so I'm a little short on sailing challenges right now. Though I'll admit I'd love to do the double someday — Bol d'Or and Translémanique…

Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing you back on the start line at the next regattas!

Keep up to date with the Esse 850 Class and Simeo by following us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/esse850ic/

or visiting our website:

https://esse850.org/