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Sailing News for October 17, 2025

Today’s sailing update is packed with power and precision. Nathan Outteridge’s comeback with Artemis lights up the SailGP circuit just as Emirates Team New Zealand kicks off the 38th America’s Cup cycle under a new partnership with Athena Racing. Doyle Sails dominates the Etchells in brutal Marblehead conditions, while Aussie skiff stars and race officials earn their moment in the spotlight. Add a Greek family charter, a crucial tech tip, and a behind-the-scenes 44Cup pit tour, and you’ve got a perfect mix of action, insight, and adventure.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Quiz: How Well Do You Remember Saint-Tropez? (3 min read)
Think you remember every wave and wipeout from the Saint-Tropez SailGP stop? The U.S. SailGP Team just dropped a fun eight-question quiz to test your memory before the Abu Dhabi finale. It’s part trivia, part bragging rights, and perfect for fans who swear they caught every tack and close call. Go on, see if you’re a true SailGP diehard or just good at guessing.

Artemis’ Outteridge: “My phone lit up when SailGP return rumor spread” (5 min read)
Nathan Outteridge is back in SailGP, taking the helm of the new Artemis SailGP Team for Sweden. The buzz was so strong that his phone lit up with messages from sailors while he was mid-Pacific on a family cruise. Outteridge says the excitement started long before the official reveal, and he’s now piecing together a world-class crew for the 2026 opener in Perth. Expect big names, big talent, and a full-force Swedish return to the league.

Big Day for the 38th Cup: Kiwis Sail, New Faces Join, Dalton and Ainslie Speak on ACP (5 min read)
Emirates Team New Zealand kicked off the 38th America’s Cup cycle with their first sail off Auckland and the announcement of four new crew members, including Olympic star Jo Aleh. The session saw Outteridge, Draper, Tuke, and Maloney take the AC40 for a light-weather spin while Dalton and Ainslie briefed the media on the new America’s Cup Partnership. The ACP aims to bring stability and long-term structure to the Cup’s future, marking a new chapter for the world’s oldest sailing trophy.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Doyle Sails Power Podium at Etchells New England Championships (5 min read)
Marblehead’s October Nor’easter couldn’t stop the Doyle Sails crew from sweeping the Etchells New England Championships. Local legend Jud Smith and his team on Fast Mermaid took the overall win, with Doyle-powered boats locking in the top two spots and a full Corinthian podium. From Smith’s world titles to Doyle’s Structured Luff sails, the results say it all. If you needed proof that experience and good sails still matter, this regatta just delivered it.

44Cup: Inside the Tactics with Simon Johnson (6 min read)
Ever wondered what life looks like in the pit on a high-octane RC44? Simon Johnson from Black Star Sailing Team walks viewers through race seven of the Porto Cervo Cup, giving an unfiltered look at comms, chaos, and the occasional knife drama. From mis-timed drops to tight mark roundings, it’s a masterclass in teamwork and recovery. The 44Cup remains some of the most intense, rewarding racing around, and Johnson’s commentary nails what makes it so addictive.

Youth Sailing/Development

Hamilton Island Backs the Next Wave of Australian Skiff Talent (5 min read)
The Australian Sailing Team’s new 16ft Skiff, backed by Hamilton Island, hits the water this weekend for the Port Jackson Championship. The boat will feature a rotating crew of National and Futures Squad athletes, giving rising sailors real racing experience. The partnership continues the Oatley family’s decades-long support for Australian sailing and Olympic campaigns. With LA28 and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, this program is all about building the next generation of Aussie skiff stars.

Cruising

First-Time Charter Holiday with Family (8 min read)
Katy Stickland trades her ocean miles for a Sunsail week in Greece with her non-sailing twin and brother-in-law, and it’s a total win. Between Ionian sunsets, quiet coves, and the occasional fouled anchor, the rookie crew quickly find their sea legs. From hilltop tavernas in Sivota to swims off Ithaca, the trip goes from “camping on the sea” to pure paradise. By the end, everyone’s already planning the next charter.

Tech & Gear

How to Check Your Depth Sensor Calibration (and Why You Need To) (7 min read)
Mark Chisnell found out the hard way that a small calibration mistake can turn a winning move into an awkward grounding. After installing a new instrument processor, his depth readings were off by 2.5 meters, showing five meters under the keel when there was none. The lesson is simple: always check your offsets, signs, and sensor settings before heading out. A few minutes of testing can save you from an embarrassing stop in front of the fleet.

Spotlight

Our 2025 Finalists for Official of the Year (6 min read)
Three legends of race management, Ron Hubbard, Ken Semple, and Ian Ross, are finalists for Australian Sailing’s 2025 Official of the Year. From precision course-laying and protest committee leadership to mentoring new volunteers, each finalist shows what real dedication looks like behind the scenes. These are the calm voices and steady hands that keep racing fair, safe, and fun. The winner will be announced on November 14 at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Ever wondered what life looks like in the pit on a high-octane RC44? Simon Johnson from Black Star Sailing Team walks viewers through race seven of the Porto Cervo Cup, giving an unfiltered look at comms, chaos, and the occasional knife drama. From mis-timed drops to tight mark roundings, it’s a masterclass in teamwork and recovery. The 44Cup remains some of the most intense, rewarding racing around, and Johnson’s commentary nails what makes it so addictive.