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Sailing News for July 11, 2025

SailGP returns to Portsmouth with Dylan Fletcher and Taylor Canfield both calling it a reset moment after tough results in New York. Offshore, the AEGEAN 600 served up 50-knot Meltemi blasts and a photo-finish under the Temple of Poseidon. The Fastnet’s IRC Two class looks stacked, and Ocean Race Europe is set for a high-stakes start next month. Olympic hopefuls gear up in Long Beach, but cruisers eyeing the Bahamas may want to think twice — entry fees just tripled. Plus, Enzo Balanger takes the lead at the Moth Worlds as Lake Garda dishes out big conditions.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Dylan Fletcher Eyes Redemption at Home in Portsmouth (6 min read)
After back-to-back stumbles in San Francisco and New York, Emirates GBR’s Dylan Fletcher is fired up to bounce back on home waters in Portsmouth. The British squad kicked off the season hot, even bagging a win in Sydney, but Fletcher admits they’ve been “making clanger mistakes” lately. Now it’s back to basics in front of a massive UK crowd, with Fletcher eager to tap into that home energy. Portsmouth’s tricky, tide-driven racecourse will be a test—but the goal is clear: reset, regroup, and climb back to the top.

Taylor Canfield Eyes Portsmouth as Season Reset (3 min read)
After a rocky run of finishes (10-10-7-12-7-8) in New York, Taylor Canfield says the U.S. SailGP Team is treating Portsmouth as a crucial reset point. With Season 5 now halfway through, the Americans are focused on dialing in their starts and sharpening racecourse strategy. Canfield sees signs of progress but admits consistency and communication must improve. The team hopes the Solent will mark a turning point—and that the grind between events pays off.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

All Smiles Among First Finishers of the AEGEAN 600 (4 min read)
The 2025 AEGEAN 600 delivered wild conditions, record-breaking speed, and a dramatic finish under the Temple of Poseidon. Temptation/Oakcliff may have grabbed headlines elsewhere, but in Greece it was DAGUET 5 and AIOLOS stealing the show, finishing just 11 minutes apart after 600 miles of epic racing. VARUNA, with two teenage daughters in the crew, followed close behind. From 50-knot Meltemi blasts to busted instruments and sunset kite runs, this was offshore racing at its finest. Most of the fleet is still charging toward Cape Sounion.

Rolex Fastnet Race – IRC Two Preview: Charge of the JPKs (6 min read)
IRC Two is shaping up to be one of the most competitive classes in this year’s Fastnet, with the new JPK 1050s poised to dominate. Power duos like Kelbert and Loison on Léon, and Chataigner and Morvan on Pilou, bring deep experience and fast boats. But they won’t have it easy: veterans like Didier Gaudoux (Lann Ael 3), the ever-reliable Scarlet Oyster, and a stacked lineup of J/Boats and Grand Soleils are all gunning for the podium. From student crews to offshore legends, the 73-boat fleet promises a fierce battle over 695 miles. This is one division to watch.

7 Teams, 6 Countries, 5,000 Miles: What to Expect in the Ocean Race Europe 2025 (7 min read)
The 2025 Ocean Race Europe sets sail on August 10 from Kiel, Germany, covering 4,500+ miles in foiling IMOCAs with mixed-gender crews. All seven teams feature elite offshore racers, including Vendée Globe veterans, Ocean Race winners, and rising stars like Cole Brauer and Pip Hare. Five legs include stops in England, Spain, France, Italy, and a historic Adriatic finish in Montenegro, with in-port races and scientific ocean data missions throughout. Leg 2 (Portsmouth–Cartagena) is a double points showdown. Real-time tracking, fan zones, and sustainability programming will bring the race to shore like never before.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Sailing Grand Slam Lands in Long Beach for Olympic Preview (4 min read)
The Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta kicks off July 12 with 42 nations and 10 Olympic classes racing in the same waters that will host the board sports at LA 2028. Home favorite Daniela Moroz is back on the kitefoil after her Paris 2024 run, and rising stars like New Zealand’s Caleb Armit are eyeing their Olympic future. With top talent, world-class breeze, and a tribute to local sailing legend Tom Shadden, this Grand Slam stop is looking like the ultimate test run.

Cruising

The Bahamas: Paradise with a Price Tag (6 min read)
Dreaming of sailing the Caribbean? Be warned: paradise now comes at a premium. As of July 1, 2025, the Bahamas have tripled entry fees—$1,000 for boats 35–100 feet—plus new anchoring, fishing, and passenger taxes. Marina nights can top $300, groceries are sky-high, and AIS violations incur $1,000 fines. Local marinas fear cancellations. The message: budget cruisers beware—this may no longer be your barefoot paradise.

Foiling

Moth Worlds Day 3: Balanger Moves to Top as Garda Delivers Punchy Conditions (3 min read)
France’s Enzo Balanger has taken the overall lead at the 2025 Moth World Championship after a powerful showing in Thursday’s blue fleet races. The Youth America’s Cup helmsman and triple Foiling Week champion posted a 3–1 scoreline before racing was called off due to dying breeze.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Get a front-row seat to the action as the 2025 AEGEAN 600 fleet blasts through the first 300 miles of one of the Med’s wildest offshore races. From high-speed downwind legs to dramatic coastlines and classic Greek sunsets, this onboard footage captures the race’s full flavor. Watch teams push through the Meltemi, swap sails under pressure, and navigate the stunning chaos of the Aegean. If you love offshore sailing with a side of mythic scenery, this is a must-watch.