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Sailing News for June 17, 2025

Big conditions hit the Isle of Wight as Martin Evans topped the WASZP GP with six wins. In SailGP, Spain locked in another event victory in New York, while new data explains the U.S. team’s last-place finish. Red Ruby’s double-handed team shared the story behind their European success, and the Storm 18 earned rave reviews as a club-friendly, multipurpose keelboat. Plus, new safety rules emerge after Sydney Hobart’s tragic 2024 race.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

U.S. SailGP Team Announces Barton & Gray Partnership (3 min read)
Ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, the U.S. SailGP Team named Barton & Gray Mariners Club as an official team supplier. The partnership provides Daychaser 48’ yachts for hospitality and race viewing, enhancing the team’s presence on and off the water. Barton & Gray, known for luxury shared yachting, will continue supporting future events with branded vessels and curated experiences. The collaboration brings convenience and style to the team’s stakeholder engagement.

Data Deep Dive: USA Nails Starts but Finishes Last in New York (4 min read)
Despite leading two key starting metrics in New York, the U.S. SailGP Team struggled to convert fast starts into race results, finishing last overall. Taylor Canfield’s squad had the quickest time to cross the line and the closest position to the start, yet dropped an average of 2.5 places by the finish in each race. Meanwhile, France topped overtaking stats and New Zealand had the strongest average finish, showing that strong starts alone aren’t enough in SailGP’s high-stakes fleet racing.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Double-Handed Duo Share Secrets Behind Red Ruby’s Offshore Success (6 min read)
Christina and Justin Wolfe’s Red Ruby campaign proved that smart decisions and strong partnerships can take amateur sailors to the top of offshore double-handed racing. From buying a well-prepared used Sun Fast 3300 to forming a four-skipper collaboration with pros like Jonathan McKee, their efficient approach paid off with wins across Europe. Success came from obsessive preparation, years of teamwork, and constant refinement rather than flashy upgrades. Their story is a masterclass in thoughtful execution and community-driven racing.

ASBA Launches Touring Trophy Series to Boost National Sports Boat Racing (5 min read)
The Australian Sports Boat Association has unveiled its new Touring Trophy series, aimed at connecting regional fleets and boosting national participation. Split into Northern and Southern zones, the series will link events like Airlie Beach Race Week, Sail Paradise, and Sail Port Stephens, with organized storage and travel-friendly scheduling. The new committee is focused on accessibility, performance-based handicapping, and off-water camaraderie. With affordable, trailerable boats and a welcoming approach, ASBA is positioning sports boat racing for nationwide growth.

Itajaí Secures Key Stopovers for 2027 and 2031 Ocean Race (3 min read)
The Ocean Race has confirmed Itajaí, Brazil, as the finish port for the grueling Southern Ocean leg in both the 2027 and 2031 editions. Known for its enthusiastic fan base and strong sustainability efforts, Itajaí has hosted four previous stopovers and will welcome the IMOCA foiling fleet again. Local efforts in 2023 cut over 300,000 single-use plastics, reinforcing the city’s commitment to eco-conscious race hosting. Organizers aim to make future editions the biggest yet.

CYCA Releases Safety Review After Fatal 2024 Sydney Hobart Race (3 min read)
Following two fatalities and a man overboard incident in the 2024 Sydney Hobart Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has released a full independent safety review and pledged to implement all recommendations. Measures include requiring crew experience on the entered boat, mandating AIS MOB devices for Cat 1 and 2 races, and hosting seminars on heavy weather and communications. Updates to entry systems and safety training are also in progress, aiming to enhance future offshore race safety.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Storm 18 Delivers Versatile Performance for Clubs and Programs (4 min read)
The new US-built Storm 18 from Storm Marine and Fulcrum Speedworks is designed to meet the diverse needs of sailing centers, clubs, and training programs. Judges praised its balance of responsiveness and stability, calling it a pleasure to sail and ideal for both teaching and racing. With a durable build, ergonomic hardware layout, and support for asymmetric and symmetric spinnakers, it hits the sweet spot between simplicity and performance. The Storm 18 is shaping up to be a practical and fun multipurpose keelboat.

Tech & Gear

Helly Hansen Crew Low: Quick-Dry Comfort on Deck (4 min read)
Katy Stickland tested the Helly Hansen Crew Low sailing shoes in both Mediterranean heat and cooler UK conditions, finding them lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry. With solid grip and comfortable padding, they performed well on deck and doubled as everyday trainers ashore. The insoles occasionally slipped out when worn without socks, but this was a minor issue. Made partly from recycled materials, they offer practicality and environmental appeal in one neat package.

Foiling

Evans Dominates Windy WASZP GP on the Isle of Wight (4 min read)
Martin Evans led a fleet of 19 at the Isle of Wight WASZP Grand Prix, winning six of eleven races in a weekend that tested every aspect of foiling skill. From heavy air battles on Saturday to light, tactical sailing on Sunday, the event showcased talent across all ages. Max Rawlinson took top junior honors and fourth overall, while Harriet George claimed top female. With the WASZP Games at Weymouth coming up, the stage is set for an electric summer of foiling.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

The 2025 SailGP New York event delivered unpredictable conditions, celebrity-backed teams, and a breakthrough win for Brazil until Spain stole the show in the final. Despite light air chaos and new team dynamics, Spain emerged victorious with a wire-to-wire final race win, securing their second straight event triumph. New Zealand bounced back from a DNF to dominate day one, while Australia grabbed headlines with a flashy new partnership and a rare race win.