Lake Geneva serves up big sailing spectacle

More than 10,000 spectators will gather on the banks of Lake Geneva during the weekend of September 24-26 to see eight catamarans, including Switzerland's 2003 America's Cup winner, Alinghi, contest the Grand Prix Beau-Rivage Palace.

A regular getaway retreat for Middle East travellers, the Beau-Rivage Palace has launched a special two-night package giving guests prime opportunities to soak up the festive atmosphere of the race.

Guests can enjoy perfect views of the race from their lake-front rooms or from a specially-designated VIP zone on the banks of Lake Geneva, away from the crowds, where complimentary refreshments will be served. To get even closer to the action, guests can have a free ride on the 'Montreux' steamer, which will be following the catamarans on the Lake.

The package also includes dinner alongside the sailing teams in the hotel's grand neo-baroque ballroom, while guests will have free access to the catamarans during the last day of the race, if the weather permits.

"This Grand Prix weekend is a wonderful sporting occasion, and we're expecting a good deal of interest from regular guest and nautical friends from the Middle East," said Azouz Masrouki, the hotel's Middle East consultant.

A weekend at the Beau-Rivage Palace, which is one of Lausanne's most famous historic hotels, is as exciting for sailing fans as it is for those who enjoy world-class shopping, fine dining and cultural pursuits.