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Sailing News for June 09, 2025

Spain pulled off a second straight SailGP victory, dominating the New York Final to top the Season 5 leaderboard. In Chicago, Fleetwood swept all eight races to claim a PHRF title and a spot at the Caribbean Championship. Olympic-class racing wrapped in Thessaloniki with gold for Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush (49er), Georgia and Antonia Lewin Lafrance (49erFX), and Gimson/Burnet (Nacra 17). On the cruising side, learn how to free a fouled anchor with just a snorkel and tripping line. Plus: a first look at the rugged Pure 42 aluminum cruiser and a video of elite 470 boat handling.


Sail GP/America’s Cup

Spain Goes Back-to-Back With SailGP Win in New York (2 min read)
Diego Botin’s Spanish SailGP team clinched a thrilling victory in New York, edging out France and New Zealand in the Final after a rollercoaster day. Spain barely made the cut after a shaky qualifying but nailed the start and held the lead at every mark. It’s their second consecutive win and puts them at the top of the Season 5 leaderboard.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Fleetwood Goes Perfect to Win Chicago and Punch BVI Ticket (3 min read)
Jeremy Alexis and Jocelyn Saxon’s Melges 32 Fleetwood went a flawless 8-for-8 to win the PHRF division and claim the coveted Caribbean Championship berth at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in Chicago. The regatta delivered top-tier racing in light-to-moderate Lake Michigan conditions, with several tight class battles and standout performances across J/105s, Tartan 10s, J/88s, and more.

Sails of Change 8 Dominates TF35 Mies Grand Prix (2 min read)
Yann Guichard’s Sails of Change 8 triumphed at the TF35 Mies Grand Prix on Lake Geneva, winning three of four races on the final day. Despite a tough loss in the Geneva-Rolle-Geneva race, the team proved strongest overall. Ylliam 17 and Sails of Change 10 completed the podium, separated by just one point. The fleet now sets its sights on next weekend’s Bol d’Or Mirabaud.

Team Lymo Secures Second at British Keelboat League Women’s Qualifier (4 min read)
Breezy conditions and close-fought J/70 racing made for an action-packed weekend at the British Keelboat League Women’s Qualifier, held alongside the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship at Royal Southern YC. Team Lymo impressed with multiple wins and a strong performance in heavy winds, ultimately finishing second overall and earning a place in the BKL Finals this September. They now set their sights on the SAILING Champions League Women’s event in Berlin this August. The event was marked by challenging breeze, tight racing, and vibrant shoreside camaraderie.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Menzies, Lewin Lafrance & Gimson Dominate at 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 Europeans (5 min read)
The 2025 European Championships in Thessaloniki wrapped with standout wins across all Olympic skiff and foiling multihull classes. Kiwis Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush claimed 49er gold, while Canadians Georgia and Antonia Lewin Lafrance secured 49erFX victory with a commanding final day. John Gimson and Anna Burnet (GBR) clinched Nacra 17 gold with races to spare, as late-race drama handed France the bronze. With shifting light winds and stacked fleets, it was a gritty test of consistency, resilience, and tactical poise.

Cruising

How to Free a Fouled Anchor Using a Snorkel and Tripping Line (5 min read)
If your anchor is stuck, don’t panic or abandon expensive gear. This guide shows how to free a fouled anchor using a mask, snorkel, and basic technique. Tips include duck-diving safely, using a carbine hook for quick tripping line attachment, and anchoring in shallower water to avoid trouble in the first place. Keeping a wetsuit onboard and practicing snorkel skills can save you money and frustration down the line.

NEEL 52 Trimaran: Performance Meets Comfort (4 min read)
Cruising World reviews the NEEL 52, a French-built trimaran that blends fast sailing with liveaboard luxury. The signature “cockloon” layout combines a spacious cockpit and salon into one open area, offering over 1,100 square feet of living space. The boat is designed for easy handling by a couple and stands out for its speed, stability, and smart interior design. It is well suited for bluewater cruising families or owners who want room without sacrificing performance.

Tech & Gear

First Look: Pure 42 Blends Rugged Capability With Performance (2 min read)
Built by a new German yard led by three experienced sailors, the Pure 42 is a fast, shoal-draft aluminium cruiser with serious high-latitude and off-grid cruising potential. With a hydraulic lifting keel, walkaround deck, and semi-custom interior featuring a raised saloon, this Berckemeyer-designed yacht aims to offer performance without compromising rugged capability. Launch is set for July.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

A fast-paced look at elite 470 sailors executing sharp tacks, gybes, and mark roundings. This clip highlights the precision and teamwork needed at the top level of Olympic dinghy sailing.


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