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24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.
Sailing News Summary for June 03, 2025
The 2025 Superyacht Regatta wrapped with repeat wins for Moat and a tight Corinthian finish for Gelliceaux in Porto Cervo. Over in Baiona, Sled looked sharp on the Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup practice day, with Bruni and Beashel leading the charge. Justine Mettraux announced a fresh Vendée Globe campaign with a brand-new TeamWork IMOCA backed by Snef Group. Meanwhile, the Contest 63CS claimed best luxury cruiser honors, and the Dinghy Cruising Association celebrates 70 years of minimalist, big-adventure sailing. In tech news, SmartDock turns smartphones into remote docking tools, and a Melges 30 gets a full performance overhaul.
Inshore & Offshore Racing
Sled Sets the Pace on Practice Day at Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup (4 min read)
The 52 Super Series fleet warmed up in gusty 21-knot conditions off Baiona, Spain, with Takashi Okura’s Sled leading the way. With coach Adam Beashel on the helm and Francesco Bruni calling tactics, Sled took a win and a second across two official practice races. American Magic-Quantum and Phoenix also showed speed, while sailors praised the challenging course and fresh Atlantic venue. Racing starts Tuesday with 11 teams ready to go head-to-head.
Superyacht Regatta 2025 – Moat and Gelliceaux Take Top Honors (4 min read)
The 2025 Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta wrapped in Porto Cervo with Moat dominating the Superyacht class and Gelliceaux topping the Corinthian Spirit fleet. Moat repeated her 2024 victory with a clean sweep, while Gelliceaux held off a tight field to claim the overall win despite a few final-day stumbles. Southern Wind 100 Agapi Mas was awarded the Willy Persico Trophy for capturing the spirit of the RendezVous. Light conditions added a tactical layer to the stunning La Maddalena course.
Vendée Globe 2028: Justine Mettraux to Race New TeamWork – Team Snef IMOCA (3 min read)
Justine Mettraux is confirmed for the 2028 Vendée Globe with a brand-new IMOCA designed by Guillaume Verdier, backed by TeamWork and the Snef Group. The new boat will be built at CDK in Brittany starting April 2026, aiming for a spring 2027 launch. After a strong eighth-place finish in 2024, Mettraux is setting her sights higher, bringing experience from 11th Hour Racing and Team Malizia into this next chapter. The project reflects high ambition and a serious push for the podium.
Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing
2025 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 Europeans Kick Off in Greece (4 min read)
The first major Olympic-class showdown of the new LA 2028 cycle is underway in Thessaloniki, with a wide-open field across the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 fleets. Most Paris 2024 medalists are sitting out or have retired, leaving the door wide open for rising teams. The Nacra 17 class sees a renewed rivalry between ITA’s Ugolini/Giubilei and GBR’s Gimson/Burnet, while the FX and 49er fleets are in flux, creating real chances for fresh faces to make a mark. Racing runs through June 8.
Youth Sailing/Development
Nominations Open for 2026 RYA Awards (3 min read)
The RYA is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Awards, celebrating the individuals and clubs that help sailing and boating thrive. From tireless volunteers to standout instructors and inclusive, community-focused clubs, the awards aim to spotlight those making a real impact on and off the water. Nominations for both the Impact and Affiliate Awards are open until 1 October 2025, with national winners recognized at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
Nominations Open for 2025 Australian Sailing Awards (3 min read)
Entries are now open for the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards, recognizing standout contributions across clubs, volunteers, and athletes nationwide. New this year is the Innovation of the Year Award, broadening the scope to include tech, design, and sustainability efforts. Nominations close 4 August, with State winners announced in September and October, and national honors revealed at the awards dinner in Sydney this November. It’s a chance to spotlight those making sailing better at every level.
Cruising
Best Luxury Yacht 2025: Contest 63CS Takes the Crown (5 min read)
The Contest 63CS stood out as the top luxury cruiser in the 2025 European Yacht of the Year Awards, thanks to its smart push-button sailing systems, upscale interior, and solid offshore performance. Other strong contenders included the innovative Heyman 42PPH and sleek Arcona 50, but Contest’s blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and capability proved unbeatable. With features like a deep galley, owner’s suite with views, and swift handling in light air, it’s as close to a superyacht experience as you’ll get at this size.
Dinghy Cruising Association Turns 70 and Finds New Relevance (5 min read)
Once a niche pastime, dinghy cruising is now catching on in a big way, with the Dinghy Cruising Association celebrating its 70th year and membership booming past 1,500. Led by longtime president Roger Barnes, the group champions minimalist sailing adventures, often involving camping aboard small boats like Wayfarers and Ilurs. Regular rallies, a thriving online community, and a growing international presence are all part of the story. The DCA’s blend of tradition, self-sufficiency, and freedom clearly still resonates.
Tech & Gear
Melges 30 Redo: Still 2 Crazy Gets a Modern Rigging Overhaul (5 min read)
Part two of the Melges 30 “Still 2 Crazy” refit dives into a full deck and rigging revamp, bringing this 1996 sportboat into modern territory. Highlights include upgraded runner systems with Harken 35.2ST winches, a simplified floating genoa lead setup, a code zero on a Reflex furler, and a range of Marlow ropes tailored for strength, heat resistance, and splicing ease. With smart hardware choices and thoughtful layout tweaks, the boat’s now lean, efficient, and ready to rip.
Docking by Smartphone: Smartdock Makes Solo Maneuvers Easy (2 min read)
Smartdock, launching at the Ancora Yacht Festival, turns your smartphone into a remote docking controller—no joystick, no extra hardware. Designed by Thitronik founder Mark Thietje, the system links directly to a boat’s electronic throttle and control systems, supporting modern inboard engines from Volvo Penta and Mercruiser (Yanmar coming soon). At around €5,000, it offers solo skippers full maneuverability from anywhere on deck, as long as their engine tech is compatible.
Sailing Highlight of the Day
The newest episode of Racing on the Edge recaps Spain’s thrilling San Francisco victory—its first of the 2025 season—after struggling with poor starts earlier in the year. The docuseries captures their last-minute comeback over France and the emotion behind the win. It also dives into Australia’s dramatic wing collapse during the final fleet race, with raw reactions from the crew. Featuring behind-the-scenes access and candid interviews, it’s a must-watch for SailGP fans.