24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.

Sailing News for December 03, 2025

Emirates GBR’s Grand Final heroics top today’s results with five key takeaways from Abu Dhabi. NSW skiff titles ended in wild gusts that froze the standings early while the Hamble Winter Series wrapped in perfect December breeze. The Beneteau Cup delivered sunshine and close racing and cruisers get a real world test of the Dufour 48 in 15 to 26 knots plus a smart roundup of tools for tight jobs aboard.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

5 Things You Missed in Abu Dhabi (7 min read)
The 2025 season wrapped with Emirates GBR stealing the show in a clutch Grand Final comeback, snatching the title from Australia and the always-dangerous Kiwis. Denmark finally broke their streak of almost-wins with their first event victory, while the U.S. closed out the year looking sharper in light air. Italy grabbed their first podium under new driver Phil Robertson, setting up a spicy 2026. Add in a monster prize purse and you’ve got a finale that paid out in drama, bragging rights and real cash.

NSW 16′ Skiff & 13′ Skiff 2025 State Championship Wrap-up (4 min read)
The NSW Skiff titles ended in pure chaos as a battling nor’ wester and nor’ easter shut down both Sunday races with 30-knot gusts, leaving the championship decided on the first four heats. That was great news for 17-year-old Joel Beashel, who became the youngest 16ft state champion after IMEI Barnabas Building edged Imagine Signage by a single point. Heavy winds also handed Manly’s Harken the 13ft crown without a final sail. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was peak skiff sailing: fast, messy and wildly entertaining.

Hamble Winter Series 2025: Race Week 8 & Overall (5 min read)
A crisp, sunny 9–11 knot finale wrapped up the 2025 Hamble Winter Series with tight racing, a few Christmas costumes and plenty of storylines. Protis, With Alacrity and Tigress all sealed their class wins early, but the real drama played out in the battles for the podiums behind them. With Alacrity ultimately took Yacht of the Series after a season-long grind, while Jybe Talkin’ won Best Dressed with a fully lit Christmas tree. Mince pies, mulled wine and a cameo from HMS Prince of Wales capped off a feel-good winter sendoff.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

2025 Beneteau Cup (4 min read)
Sydney Harbour delivered perfect sunshine and a friendly Nor’easter as the Beneteau Cup celebrated 30 years in style with a packed two-day program. Sailors got hands-on with the full First lineup, plus inspiration from pros like Wendy Tuck and Olympic medallist Olivia Price. A 26-boat fleet mixed classics with fresh launches, producing tight racing across both divisions, with Crowded Haus and Currawong taking top honors. Smiles, stories and a few standout performances made it a vintage edition — and the countdown to 2026 is already on.

Cruising

Dufour 48 Review: How Does This Latest Big Cruiser Perform in Strong Winds? (8 min read)
Rupert Holmes put the new Dufour 48 through a breezy 15–26 knots and came away impressed at how confidently this big, beamy cruiser handles real wind. Despite a single rudder and loads of interior volume, the boat stayed grippy, fast and balanced, hitting 9-plus knots on reaches without feeling out of control. The layout options are massively flexible, the storage is generous and the systems are sensibly designed. It’s a modern cruising hull that doesn’t wilt when the breeze pipes up, and that’s a win for anyone sailing beyond postcard weather.

Tech & Gear

Tools for Tight Spaces on a Boat (8 min read)
If you’ve ever sacrificed a spanner to the bilge gods, this one’s for you. Ben Meakins tests every tool that might save your knuckles when the bolt you need is buried somewhere dark, narrow and slightly vindictive. From stubby screwdrivers to swivel-head ratchets, finger spanners, right-angle drills and even a blob of mastic, he runs through what actually works when you can barely see the job. It’s a fun, practical roundup that might just prevent your next locker-side meltdown.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

The 44Cup dropped a slick, moody teaser for its 2026 season and it’s all storm clouds, foamy bow waves and sailors talking about raw power. The message is simple: more teams, new venues and the same ultra-tight one-design racing that makes this circuit so addictive. The promo leans into the drama, with wind howling, boats loading up and crews grinning like they know what’s coming. If the vibe is any indication, 2026 is going to hit harder and faster than ever.