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Sailing News for July 16, 2025

SailGP’s European leg kicks off in Portsmouth with fast boats, tricky tides, and Spain chasing a three-peat. Olympic fleets tore up Long Beach in 20-knot breeze, and youth sailors across Northern Ireland are getting on the water through fresh school programs. Jazz Turner becomes the first wheelchair user to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the UK and Ireland. Meanwhile, the push to bring Para Sailing back to the Paralympics gains global momentum.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

5 Things You Need To Know About Portsmouth (4 min read)
SailGP kicks off its European leg this weekend in Portsmouth, trading past UK stops like Plymouth and Cowes for a historic naval city with gnarly tides and unpredictable breeze. U.S. team rookie Michael Menninger is finally jumping on the F50 after a stint on the sidelines, while Spain’s red-hot squad is chasing a rare third straight win. Expect breeze, current, and chaos on the Solent, plus a full fan fest with simulators, live music, and plenty of street food.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

2025 Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta – Day 3 (4 min read)
After a slow start, Long Beach turned it on with 20-knot breeze and tight racing across the Olympic fleets. GBR’s Michael Beckett played the left side perfectly to grab the ILCA 7 Gold bib, while teammate Hannah Snellgrove holds onto hers in ILCA 6. The 470s had a full-on tacking war, with Callahan and Dallman-Weiss just edging into the lead. Over in the kites, France’s Lauriane Nolot is trying to claw her way up from 5th. It’s all set for a spicy final showdown.

Youth Sailing/Development

Join the Global Push to Reinstating Para Sailing at Brisbane 2032 (3 min read)
World Sailing is rallying the global community with three upcoming webinars aimed at getting Para Sailing back into the Paralympics for Brisbane 2032. Expect updates on classification, compliance, and what it’ll take to meet the IPC’s criteria. Whether you’re a sailor, official, or just a passionate fan, this is your chance to get involved and make some noise for a home soil comeback. The campaign’s heating up and every voice counts.

RYA Northern Ireland Supports Schools in Providing Sailing Opportunities (4 min read)
Kids across Northern Ireland are getting their first taste of sailing thanks to a fresh push from RYA Northern Ireland’s OnBoard program. With support from local clubs and Active Clubs funding, schools from Cushendall to Killinchy are bringing students out on the water for fun, first-time experiences. The goal is simple: make sailing accessible, exciting, and something every kid can try. Judging by the grins and glowing feedback, it’s working.

Spotlight

Project FEAR: Jazz Turner Faces Everything And Rises (5 min read)
Jazz Turner just made history as the first wheelchair user to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the UK and Ireland. In this interview, she talks stormy nights, stubborn headwinds, and what kept her going through it all. Her journey also raised funds for Sailability, helping more disabled sailors experience the freedom she found at sea. Jazz didn’t just complete Project FEAR, she made it unforgettable.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Before hitting the ocean, Alex Thomson put his brand-new HUGO BOSS through the ultimate safety test by flipping it completely upside down. The 180-degree righting trial proves he can access the stern hatch and right the boat using only the keel. It is a critical milestone and a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to sail solo around the world in a carbon rocket.