SW Winter Rendezvous in Verbier: the Power of SW Spirit
This was confirmed by the great success of the Southern Wind Winter Rendezvous, which took place last weekend against the breathtaking backdrop of Verbier, Switzerland.
“Southern Wind may set the stage, but it is the owners who bring the event to life. Their enthusiasm, passion, and camaraderie ignite the vibrant atmosphere that makes Southern Wind Rendezvous truly special, transforming them into unforgettable experiences", said an elated Andrea Micheli upon returning from the mountains.
The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a warm welcome at a charming chalet owned by long-standing Southern Wind owners. There, legendary high-latitude navigator and offshore racer Skip Novak captivated guests with tales of his adventures, ranging from his time as skipper of Drum and Fazisi in the Whitbread Round the World Race, to his high-latitude expeditions through the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, and the otherworldly Zavadoski Island.
The cozy and intimate setting made for a truly memorable evening.
The following day, guests enjoyed a friendly skiing competition, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Southern Wind Rendezvous. Each participant completed two timed runs, with the winner determined by the smallest difference between two times.
A bright sunny day, soft snow, and perfectly groomed slopes made for a fantastic mix of sport and fun among friends. Unsurprisingly, the most competitive participants turned the friendly regularity challenge into a thrilling speed race, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. First prize went to the youngest competitor with an exceptional margin of 0.06 seconds between her two-timed runs.
The afternoon continued on a high note with an exclusive outdoor aperitif at Club du Chalet Blanc in Savoleyres, followed by the Beyond the Blue White Lunch, all within the same stunning location overlooking the Verbier valley and the Pennine Alps.
During the award ceremony, Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti, who flew in from Cape Town for the occasion, shared his thoughts: “I hope Skip’s words have been a great source of inspiration for all of you when it comes to adventure and exploration. These past two days have been truly wonderful. Initially, I was supposed to be at the helm of Kiboko 4 for the first leg of her Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to St. Helena, but circumstances brought me here instead.
After spending these two incredible days in the company of such an amazing group of owners and friends, I can’t help but feel lucky that my plans changed! I can truly feel the Southern Wind family spirit. Here in the snow of Verbier, I see people from 15 different countries, all brought together by the same passion for sailing and for the joy of sharing experiences and friendships. I’m already volunteering for next year’s edition!”
The weekend wrapped up with an additional day of off-piste skiing on the glacier, unfolding as a true challenge for the bravest and toughest.
A special thanks to our partners – Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Doyle Sails, and Southern Spars – who continue to support us in making this event an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Following Marco’s words, registrations for the next SW Winter Rendezvous are officially open!
