La Matelote
La Matelote is the traditional sailing club of Yverdon-les-Bains on the upper Lake Geneva, founded in 1936. The clubhouse is at Rue du Parc 70 right on the lakeshore in northern Vaud. Members use club boats including the Surprise “Pourcouapas”, a 420 dinghy and two ILCA dinghies, plus a crane, pressure washer and clubhouse booking. The programme features interclub races, Semaine du Soir, Ancre Noire and the Régate des 2 BuBu, complemented by Friday apéros and Corsaire sailing courses. With over 160 members and strong Léman regatta results, La Matelote is a fixture of Western Swiss sailing.
History
The sailing club La Matelote in Yverdon-les-Bains was founded in 1936 and is one of the long-established clubs on the upper Lake Geneva. Over the decades it has become an active racing and community hub in northern Vaud. In 2024 the club had more than 160 members. Racing is at the heart of club life: interclubs, Semaine du Soir, Ancre Noire and the Régate des 2 BuBu shape the season. Members also compete in major Léman events such as the Bol d’Or; Didier Pfister won his M2 class in 2025 and finished top five overall after a protest setback in 2024. Simon Bovay, Finn sailor of La Matelote, has been Swiss points champion 2023, European Masters bronze 2023 and Swiss champion 2025, and took part in the Alinghi Red Bull America’s Cup environment. The club provides the Surprise “Pourcouapas”, a 420 and two ILCAs, and runs the clubhouse, crane and volunteer booking systems. Friday apéros from 17:00 and initiatives such as “La voile pour grandir” and Corsaire courses complete everyday club life.
Information
Facilities
Clubhouse at Rue du Parc 70, club boats (Surprise Pourcouapas, 420, two ILCAs), crane and pressure pump, clubhouse booking, online volunteer and crane-slot registration
Activities
Interclub races, Semaine du Soir, Ancre Noire, Régate des 2 BuBu, Corsaire sailing courses, Friday apéro with grill, Bol d’Or du Léman participation, sea cruises, Rendez-vous des Terrasses
Youth section
“La voile pour grandir” initiative and Corsaire sailing courses for young sailors