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24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.
Sailing News for July 03, 2025
The Transpac is underway and a brand-new IMOCA race is circling Britain. Marstrand saw shock exits and perfect runs, while Australian Sailing is boosting women instructors in wing SUP. From an easy fender fix to classic yacht beauty in the Swan 55 Galiana, this week blends high performance, practical tools, and standout people. Don’t miss Sydney Bendie’s sailmaking rise or Frances’ hands-on role keeping the SailGP fleet flying.
Inshore & Offshore Racing
New IMOCA Race Rounds Britain (2 min read)
A brand-new 2,000-mile IMOCA showdown just launched around the British Isles, and it’s already turning heads. La Course des Caps kicks off the 2025 season with big names like Mettraux, Ruyant, and Sam Davies in the mix. Onboard FDJ United Wewise, float mag’s Andreas Baden joins Fabrice Amedeo for a gritty ride with science gear and sustainability goals. Their boat’s an older build, but the mission is fresh: sail hard, learn fast, and keep it real out there.
Surprise Exits Shake Up GKSS Match Cup Sweden (4 min read)
Big names got bounced in Marstrand as defending champ Chris Poole and Congressional Cup winner Eric Monnin both flamed out early in the Open Class. Local legend Björn Hansen and young gun Marius Westerlind are still in it. Over in the Women’s Trophy, Sweden’s Anna Östling dominated with a perfect 7–0 run and a thrilling win over France’s Pauline Courtois in front of a roaring hometown crowd. The quarter-finals are locked in, and the drama is just getting started.
Transpac 2025 Underway as First Boats Head for Hawaii (4 min read)
The 2025 Transpac is off and running, with 16 of the smallest boats setting sail from LA toward Hawaii in the first of three staggered starts. These crews face more days at sea than anyone else, but also the best chance to soak up the Pacific’s full personality. Winds were lively at the start, fireboats sprayed in celebration, and the ocean delivered a bumpy sendoff. With 2,225 miles to go, it’s game on for the King Kalakaua Trophy.
Youth Sailing/Development
Empowering Women in Wing SUP Through Instructor Upskilling (4 min read)
Wing SUP is booming, and Australian Sailing just launched a smart initiative to make sure women aren’t left on the sidelines. With new online courses and on-water training, five female instructors in North Queensland are now fully certified to teach the sport. Confidence is up, clubs are energized, and the program’s already helping close the gender gap in watersports. It’s a solid case of how a bit of funding and smart planning can turn the tide for inclusion.
Tech & Gear
The Adjustable Fender Mate Makes Mooring a Breeze (4 min read)
Tired of fumbling with fender knots or dealing with stiff fingers? The Adjustable Fender Mate might be your new best friend. It’s a clever little device that lets you set and tweak fender height with the push of a button, no knot skills needed. Tested on a busy charter with green crew, it held firm through ferry wake and raft-ups. Even the old-school skipper came around. Simple, sturdy, and way easier on the hands.
Spotlight
From Cape Town to Auckland: Sydney Bendie’s Sailmaking Journey (4 min read)
Sydney Bendie went from helping his dad at North Sails in Cape Town to leading the Downwind Department at Doyle Sails in Auckland. With 20 years under his belt, he’s now steering some of the loft’s most complex sail builds while juggling BBQs and netball games at home. His path blends hands-on craft, leadership, and serious passion for the sport. If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind those slick performance sails, Sydney’s your guy.
World’s Coolest Yachts: Swan 55 Galiana (3 min read)
Tapio Lehtinen calls the Swan 55 Galiana the classiest yacht Nautor ever built, and honestly, he’s got a point. This 1970 S&S-designed yawl is a stunner with serious offshore chops, blending vintage style with real race pedigree. It’s cruised, competed in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, and Tapio is already plotting a return for 2027. With a mizzen staysail, a blooper, and a full crew of young Finnish sailors, Galiana keeps classic sailing very much alive.
Sailing Highlight of the Day
Frances left school at 16, skipped the classroom, and found her calling in carbon fiber and boat building. Now she’s part of the SailGP tech team, flying around the world to repair F50s, laminate foils, and keep the fleet race-ready. From late-night fixes after race collisions to seeing her handiwork on the water, she’s living proof that practical skills can take you far. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and seriously cool.