Kiwi Moves to Swiss SailGP Team with Several Alinghi America’s Cup Crew Members
by SailGP 19 Oct 09:47 PDT
Stewart Dodson (NZL) is among the crew members joining the Swiss SailGP team, now privately owned © SailGP
Incoming grinder Stewart Dodson from Switzerland has named the team’s private ownership as a crucial factor in his decision to switch from Spain.
Dodson served as a grinder for the Spanish team throughout last season, contributing to the team’s transformation from last in Season 3 to securing the overall Championship in Season 4.
The ongoing off-season has been filled with transfer news as teams finalize their rosters for next season. Switzerland is included in this movement, announcing Dodson as part of its team for the 2025 season.
He characterized his choice to leave the Spanish team ‘after such a successful season’ as ‘challenging’, but emphasized the added ‘security’ in joining a privately owned outfit.
“With the future of the Spanish team somewhat uncertain due to funding and ownership issues, switching to Switzerland felt like a more secure option,” he expressed.
Dodson joins a significantly revamped Swiss crew lineup, which features Arnaud Psarofaghis as wing trimmer and Bryan Mettraux as flight controller. Both were part of the Swiss America’s Cup Challenger, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, with Psarofaghis also having previous SailGP experience – competing for Spain and New Zealand at various events.
Looking forward, Dodson anticipates a ‘very promising future’ for the Swiss team, aiming to recover from its last place finish in Season 4. “There have been numerous crew changes, and I believe the new team dynamics will lead to an exciting season ahead.”
He hopes Switzerland can “fight for a podium finish” next season. “It’s undoubtedly going to be a substantial challenge – a lot of effort is required, but I feel with our team, it is very achievable.”
Preparations for the upcoming season are progressing well, involving numerous team meetings to ‘assign roles, develop playbooks’ and analyze past racing data. “We’re figuring out the best ways to hit the ground running in Dubai with limited training time.”
