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Sailing News Summary for May 28, 2025

Actress Anne Hathaway has joined a new ownership group backing Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, with Jimmy Spithill returning as CEO. Meanwhile, American Magic continues to pressure Team New Zealand for transparency ahead of the 2027 America’s Cup, and the newly released protocol draft has not quelled concerns. Offshore, Doyle Sails powered a near sweep at the IMA Maxi European Championship, while Florida’s controversial anchoring law draws criticism from cruisers. In tech, Bavaria debuts new electric C-LINE yachts and Hempel’s Silic One antifoul gets a strong review after two years afloat. Foiling fans saw Gian-Andrea Stragiotti win the SKA Kitefoil title on Lake Uri. In the spotlight, Ambre Hasson prepares for her solo Mini Transat debut, and today’s highlight from Qingdao shows how chaos and comeback defined the ILCA 6 and 7 World Championships.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Red Bull Italy Acquired by Consortium Including Anne Hathaway (3 min read)
The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team has been acquired by a high-profile investor group led by Muse Capital’s Assia Grazioli-Venier and entrepreneur Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, with actress Anne Hathaway and Jimmy Spithill among the new co-owners. Spithill, former U.S. SailGP CEO and driver, returns as CEO of the Italian team. The move follows a trend of celebrity and strategic investors entering the league, signaling SailGP’s growing global appeal. Italy currently ranks eighth in the 2025 standings after five events.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Doyle Sails Dominates 2025 IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento (4 min read)
Doyle Sails-powered yachts delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 IMA Maxi European Championship during Tre Golfi Sailing Week in Sorrento. With Bella Mente, Jolt, Proteus, and Galateia leading the pack, Doyle customers secured four of the top five overall positions and wins across multiple classes. Their cutting-edge Structured Luff sails and Hybrid filament technology proved game-changing in varied wind conditions. The regatta reinforced Doyle’s position as the sailmaker of choice for high-performance Grand Prix racing.

Cruising

Florida’s “Boater Freedom Act” Sparks Backlash Among Cruisers (4 min read)
Florida’s new Boater Freedom Act, set to take effect July 1, 2025, introduces strict anchoring limits that sailing associations say threaten safety and violate federal law. The law limits stays to 30 days every six months and expands no-anchor zones near major cities, effectively forcing many long-distance cruisers out. Critics argue it prioritizes wealthy waterfront property owners over public access and safety. Boating groups warn the move could damage Florida’s $23 billion marine economy and shift cruising traffic to neighboring states.

What Happens When You Run Aground – And What To Do Next (5 min read)
After running aground in Panama’s Perlas Islands, sailors Joshua Shankle and Rachel Moore share a harrowing account and offer practical advice for handling such incidents. From checking the tide and damage to deploying kedge anchors and inducing heel, the piece walks through critical steps for self-rescue and when to call for help. Their experience highlights the dangers of rushing decisions and the importance of preparation. Even experienced cruisers can hit bottom – it’s your response that determines the outcome.

Sustainability

The Ocean’s Logbook Campaign Amplifies Global Voices for Ocean Health (3 min read)
Launched ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in June, The Ocean’s Logbook is a new digital campaign capturing personal stories and emotional connections to the sea. Developed by The Ocean Race and AKQA, the project invites global participants to share what the ocean means to them, aiming to influence policymakers with real human sentiment. The initiative supports the 30×30 goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and seeks to turn statistics into action through storytelling and shared values.

Tech & Gear

Bavaria Launches Electric and Hybrid C-LINE Sailboats (4 min read)
Bavaria Yachts has unveiled electric and hybrid versions of its C-LINE models, including the C38e, C42e, and C46e, featuring electric saildrives developed in partnership with EPTechnologies. These new sailboats offer modular lithium battery systems, centralized energy management via a Multibox, and optional generators for extended range up to 576 nautical miles. The lineup is designed for quiet, sustainable coastal cruising without compromising comfort or performance. The move marks a significant step toward hybridization in mainstream yacht production.

Two-Year Review: Hempel’s Silic One Antifouling on a 27ft Yacht (4 min read)
After two years on a muddy drying mooring, Stuart Guy found Hempel’s Silic One silicone antifouling impressively effective on his Hunter Pilot 27. Though not entirely fouling-free, the biocide-free coating significantly reduced slime and barnacles and was easily cleaned with a sponge. The system proved durable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective over time, requiring only minimal touch-ups. Ideal for DIYers and environmentally conscious sailors, Silic One offers a practical alternative to traditional copper-based antifoul systems.

Foiling

SKA Kitefoil Open Class Championships 2025 Final Results (2 min read)
The final ranking of the SKA Kitefoil Open Class Championships on Lake Uri was determined after Sunday’s racing was canceled due to poor weather. With five heats completed on Saturday, those results stood as final. Gian-Andrea Stragiotti (ZYC) took the win with a five-point lead over Elena Lengwiler (GYC), while Cédric Baker (CVLL) finished third. The event highlighted tight competition and the impact of weather on race outcomes.

Spotlight

Ambre Hasson Prepares for Solo Mini Transat 2025 Crossing (5 min read)
Ambre Hasson, a self-made Franco-American sailor, will be the only U.S. competitor in the 2025 Mini Transat. Starting her sailing journey at 27, she overcame financial, technical, and emotional hurdles to secure and race a second Mini after grounding her first. Through sheer grit, she completed all her qualifying races and a 1,000-mile solo passage. Now, she sets her sights on September’s transatlantic start, determined to give everything in her pursuit of offshore solo racing dreams.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

The 2025 ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 World Championships in Qingdao were plagued by delays and tricky conditions, with only two days of racing held due to persistent light winds and fog. When racing finally commenced, the fleets faced strong current and, on the final day, brutal 25-knot offshore breezes. New names rose to the top, with Louise Cervera (ILCA 6) and Vilan Vlasma (ILCA 7) claiming breakthrough world titles. Their wins signal a changing of the guard as the LA 2028 Olympic cycle begins.