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24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.
Sailing News Summary for May 21, 2025
Today’s edition covers tactical wins and critical prep across the sailing spectrum. U.S. SailGP’s Jeremy Wilmot shares how the team is regaining momentum after a tough stretch ahead of the New York event. Offshore, Bella Mente claims the lead in Sorrento amid unpredictable breeze at the IMA Maxi Europeans, while the 52 SUPER SERIES gears up for its Atlantic leg in Baiona. In dinghy action, tight racing marked the RS Northern Championships in Northern Ireland, and Australia updates key policies for world-level teams. Cruisers will find timely safety advice in a man-overboard feature, and our highlight takes you inside Seldén’s factory to see how carbon masts are made.
Sail GP/America’s Cup
Jeremy Wilmot: Confidence Is Key for the U.S. SailGP Team (4 min read)
U.S. SailGP Wing Trimmer Jeremy Wilmot shares insights on the team’s rocky but determined journey through Season Five ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix. From the high of a Dubai podium to setbacks in New Zealand and a damaged boat in Sydney, the team has used the 76-day break to regroup. Wilmot emphasizes resilience, hunger, and a relentless work ethic as key to the team’s renewed focus and upcoming push for success.
Inshore & Offshore Racing
52 SUPER SERIES Heads from Med to Atlantic (2 min read)
The 2025 52 SUPER SERIES continues its high-performance circuit with teams transitioning from the opening event in Saint-Tropez to Baiona, Spain. Nine boats are being shipped from the French Riviera while two sail from their home ports, setting the stage for the next regatta in early June. As the world’s top grand prix monohull series, the fleet prepares for a challenging Atlantic leg in a season that also features the World Championship in Portugal.
Bella Mente Leads After Shifty Day at IMA Maxi Europeans (5 min read)
Day two of the IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento delivered a thrilling coastal course through shifting winds and stunning scenery. Bella Mente took the win on corrected time after a tactical battle with Jolt and Proteus, while Magic Carpet e was first across the line. Crews faced chaotic breeze ranging from 3 to 20 knots as they looped past Capri and back to Sorrento. With three races completed, Bella Mente tops the leaderboard going into the next phase.
Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing
Australian Sailing Updates Policies for World Events and Teams (3 min read)
Australian Sailing has introduced updated policies to better support clubs and classes aiming to host World or Continental Championships. The revised guidelines clarify AS’s role in assisting with bids, event planning, and promotion while aligning with World Sailing regulations. A separate policy outlines the process for national teams to request approval for using the Australian Coat of Arms on uniforms, ensuring compliance with government branding standards. Both updates aim to streamline international representation and event delivery.
Tight Battles and Light Winds Mark RS Northern Championships (4 min read)
Strangford Lough Yacht Club hosted a competitive RS Northern Championships, drawing 33 boats across the RS Aero, RS 200 and RS 400 fleets in light and tricky conditions. Olympian Rob Dickson and Michael Ferguson topped the RS 400 class, while Jakob Ozarek and Emma Pierce edged out a narrow win in the RS 200s. The Aero fleet saw Daragh Sheridan claim victory via handicap. Strong turnout and close racing signal a bright future for double-handed sailing in Northern Ireland.
Cruising
Pilothouse Showdown: Bella 703, Orkney Day Angler 20, and Drago Sunday Fishing (7 min read)
David Harding reviews three compact pilothouse boats, each offering a distinct take on small-boat versatility. The Bella 703 blends bluewater comfort with steady cruising, the Orkney Day Angler 20 is a practical trailerable all-rounder, and the Drago Sunday Fishing delivers speed and value in a lightweight package. From coastal hops to inland adventures, these boats cover a wide range of cruising and day-use needs.
Man Overboard: Crucial Prep Every Sailor Needs (6 min read)
Ralph Naranjo outlines essential steps sailors must take to prepare for a man-overboard situation, emphasizing fast reactions, hands-on practice, and the right gear. From attending Safety at Sea seminars to rehearsing recovery maneuvers like the quick-stop or hybrid method, preparation can make all the difference. Key tools such as the Lifesling and rescueME beacon are highlighted for shorthanded cruising. Staying calm, acting fast, and training often are the core principles for successful recoveries.
Sailing Highlight of the Day
Go behind the scenes with Richard Thur at Seldén to see how carbon spars are made from reels of carbon toe. Each mast is custom-wound on a rotating mandrel, cured in an autoclave, and finished with precision. Whether clear-coated or painted, every spar is built for strength, performance, and durability.