Team Amaala

Simon Koster

Co-skipper

Switzerland

Since his early years, Simon Koster has competed in numerous races and regattas, first in dinghies, before becoming a crew member in regattas, from the Solent to the West Indies, where his desire for the open sea and competition was awakened. An Atlantic crossing aboard Sam Goodchild's Class40 convinced him to take the plunge. So the Zurich native threw himself into the great adventure: competing in the Mini Transat aboard a 6.50-meter boat, a race without communication that has forged so many champions, finishing in third place in the production boat classification. It was there that he met Alan Roura for the first time, in 2013. Simon boldly competed in another “Mini,” this time in a prototype, with the first Mini with foils (7th in 2015). He attempted the adventure a third time, without foils this time, and finished on the overall podium (3rd in 2017).

The next chapter came under the Swiss banner with his fellow French-speaking Swiss sailor Valentin Gautier. Partnering in Class40, they took a fine 4th place in the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre, just a few weeks after launching their new boat, and the following year they won the Normandy Channel Race. In their last race together, they finished second in the 2021 Transat Jacques Vabre. He competed in one last season in Class40 solo, finishing his first Route du Rhum in fourth place, before joining Alan Roura's project. First as an electronics engineer, then as a navigator, becoming co-skipper for the 2023 season.

“Alan is passionate, an excellent sailor, and always eager to prove that he can do better.” A description that fits him perfectly too, with his culture and pursuit of performance over several years. It's as if the two Swiss sailors enjoy sharing the same aspirations, in a partnership where each complements the other, giving their all".


  • Since his early years, Simon Koster has competed in numerous races and regattas, first in dinghies, before becoming a crew member in regattas, from the Solent to the West Indies, where his desire for the open sea and competition was awakened. An Atlantic crossing aboard Sam Goodchild's Class40 convinced him to take the plunge. So the Zurich native threw himself into the great adventure: competing in the Mini Transat aboard a 6.50-meter boat, a race without communication that has forged so many champions, finishing in third place in the production boat classification. It was there that he met Alan Roura for the first time, in 2013. Simon boldly competed in another “Mini,” this time in a prototype, with the first Mini with foils (7th in 2015). He attempted the adventure a third time, without foils this time, and finished on the overall podium (3rd in 2017).

    The next chapter came under the Swiss banner with his fellow French-speaking Swiss sailor Valentin Gautier. Partnering in Class40, they took a fine 4th place in the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre, just a few weeks after launching their new boat, and the following year they won the Normandy Channel Race. In their last race together, they finished second in the 2021 Transat Jacques Vabre. He competed in one last season in Class40 solo, finishing his first Route du Rhum in fourth place, before joining Alan Roura's project. First as an electronics engineer, then as a navigator, becoming co-skipper for the 2023 season.

    “Alan is passionate, an excellent sailor, and always eager to prove that he can do better.” A description that fits him perfectly too, with his culture and pursuit of performance over several years. It's as if the two Swiss sailors enjoy sharing the same aspirations, in a partnership where each complements the other, giving their all".