Sailing News Summary for May 13, 2025
SailGP’s Anna Weis shares insights from Formula 1 and how the U.S. team is applying high-performance thinking ahead of New York. On the 30th anniversary of NZL32’s landmark win, New Zealand reflects on the moment it made the America’s Cup its own. Charlie Dalin earns redemption with a record-breaking Vendée Globe victory, while Qingdao’s ILCA Worlds open in light, tricky breeze. Offshore, a mother-daughter team makes history in the Melbourne to Osaka Race, and Sailability launches a new safety push for disabled sailors. Plus: the rugged Garcia Exploration 45 is built for anywhere, and foiling WASZPs bring lift to the U.S. Singlehanded Champs.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Anna Weis: We Can Learn from Formula 1 (4 min read)
U.S. SailGP Team grinder Anna Weis reflects on her visit to the Miami Grand Prix, drawing striking parallels between the world of Formula 1 and SailGP. From elite athlete mindsets to high-performance environments and tight event schedules, Weis highlights the shared intensity and professionalism across both sports. Her experience meeting young F1 Academy drivers and reconnecting with teammates between SailGP events brought fresh inspiration ahead of New York.

‘The America’s Cup is now New Zealand’s Cup’ – 30th Anniversary of NZL32’s win (6 min read)
May 13 marks 30 years since Team New Zealand’s historic 5–0 sweep over Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes in San Diego, a defining moment in America’s Cup history. Led by Peter Blake and Russell Coutts aboard Black Magic, the Kiwis dominated the event with unmatched teamwork, design integration, and tactical brilliance. Their win inspired a national movement, sparked by Blake’s “lucky red socks,” and launched a new era of integrity-focused Cup competition.

SailGP upgrades F50 fleet ahead of New York event (4 min read)
SailGP is executing a major upgrade to all 12 F50 catamarans ahead of the New York Sail Grand Prix, replacing a critical wingsail component known as ‘main element 1’ after discovering shear web bonding issues. The refit, involving increased laminate strength and an Aluminum Nomex core, is being carried out in both the U.S. and U.K. to ensure structural integrity and preserve one-design parity. The fleet is set to return to action in New York on June 7–8 following extensive testing.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Vendée Globe and The Great Pursuit (7 min read)
Charlie Dalin finally claimed an outright Vendée Globe victory in record time, completing his redemption arc after a 2020 tie-break defeat. His performance aboard Macif Santé Prévoyance was near-flawless, outpacing a strong French fleet and navigating with precision through stormy and tactical pressure points. With six women, 40 starters, and the highest-ever number of finishers, the 2024-25 edition highlighted the growing professionalism and maturity of offshore solo racing.

Spring time in America’s Finest City (3 min read)
San Diego’s coastline saw a mix of perfect weather and real-world tension as teams trained for the upcoming 2025 Etchells North Americans. While sailors prepared in 80°F conditions, the US Coast Guard responded to multiple maritime smuggling attempts, including one that required disabling a vessel by firing on its outboard. Despite the chaos offshore, preparations for the regatta continue as one of the premier one-design keelboat events in North America approaches.

Olympic Class / Dinghy Sailing

Qualifying Rounds Begin in Qingdao: Tides Rising, Winds Shifting on Day 1 of ILCA World Championships (4 min read)
Day one of the ILCA World Championships in Qingdao delivered tricky conditions as tidal surges and shifting winds tested sailors’ patience and precision. Despite several abandoned races and general recalls, some ILCA 6 fleets managed to complete a race, while ILCA 7 fleets saw their efforts cut short by fading breeze. Olympians like Maria Erdi and Lorenzo Chiavarini are using the event to build momentum on the road to LA 2028.

ILCA 6 Women’s and ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships 2025 at Qingdao – Day 1 (5 min read)
The opening day of the ILCA 6 Women’s and ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships in Qingdao saw sailors battle strong tides, light winds, and multiple general recalls. Only one race progressed beyond the first lap before the wind shut down racing for the day. Maria Erdi returned post-injury aiming for LA 2028, while Lorenzo Chiavarini leaned on tidal experience in the tough conditions. Crews now look to reset for a stronger day two with steadier breeze in the forecast.

Youth Sailing / Development

The first mother-daughter team make history as equals (5 min read)
Annette Hesselmans and Sophie Snijders made history as the first mother-daughter team to race as equals in the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race aboard their Najad 490, Fika. Over 35 days at sea, they shared every responsibility from tactics to troubleshooting, proving that endurance sailing is about teamwork, resilience and mutual respect. The journey was a deeply personal triumph that bridged generations and celebrated their shared love of the ocean.

Sailability support for safer boating (4 min read)
RYA Sailability is strengthening safety in disabled sailing by launching a new initiative focused on guidance for boaters who remain in their wheelchairs. With support from partners like Wetwheels, the project aims to create practical, community-driven safety resources shaped by real-world experience. Alongside this, sailors are encouraged to make informed decisions daily through preparation, clear responsibility, and shared learning from both successes and setbacks.

Cruising

Garcia Exploration 45: The Ultimate Go-Anywhere 45ft Yacht?  (5 min read)
The Garcia Exploration 45, designed with input from legendary sailor Jimmy Cornell, is a rugged aluminium cruiser built for serious long-distance exploration. With a centreboard, insulated aluminium hull, twin rudders, and a 270° deck saloon view, it blends expedition-grade toughness with comfort and clever design. Built in France and tailored for everything from Arctic ice to tropical cruising, it’s a premium choice for bluewater sailors seeking adventure without compromise.

Foiling

Tabor Academy is Bringing Foiling to The Singlehanded Champs (4 min read)
The 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Championship will mark a historic first as competitors race in the foiling WASZP class, shifting from traditional hiking to high-speed flight. Hosted by Tabor Academy on Buzzards Bay, the event aims to attract the next generation of sailors and elevate foiling within mainstream competition. With charter boats available and coaching support for newcomers, the event blends accessibility with cutting-edge performance.

Spotlight

Southern Wind 108 Kiboko 4 Named “Sailing Yacht of the Year” (4 min read)
The SW108 Kiboko 4 has taken top honors at the 2025 World Superyacht Awards, earning both the “Sailing Yacht” category win and overall “Sailing Yacht of the Year.” Judges praised its blend of bluewater cruising comfort and race-ready performance, along with standout features like a tender garage/beach club, a striking dark hull, and a clean, efficient deck layout. Designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, this award marks another milestone for Southern Wind’s innovation-driven, Smart Custom series.

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