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Sailing News for December 18, 2025

Offshore racing delivers its usual hard lessons as sailors share what only big miles can teach and why Christmas often gets sacrificed for the Sydney Hobart. Grand prix racing shows its sharper edge with a standout TP52 debut, while Youth Worlds in Vilamoura spring to life with shifting leaders. Para sailing pushes hard for a Brisbane 2032 return and sustainability gets a rethink through ancient boatbuilding wisdom.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Real-World Lessons of Offshore Sailing (10 min read)
Gary Jobson’s offshore season aboard the JV66 Temptation was fast, foggy, occasionally uncomfortable, and packed with reminders you only get at sea. From steering techniques that save both speed and gear to sail changes that came a little too late, every race delivered a lesson. Reliable foul weather gear mattered more than theory, and one wrong hydraulic move cost hours. Big miles, big speeds, and proof that offshore racing is still the best teacher out there.

A Storming Debut (9 min read)
Andrea Lacorte turned up to the TP52 Super Series as a rookie and walked away with the owner-driver title. His Alkedo team survived a pre-season dismasting, rebuilt across half of Europe, then started winning races against fleets stacked with Cup sailors and gold medalists. Six bullets, relentless consistency, and four Doyle sailmakers onboard made this debut anything but quiet. Proof that preparation, trust, and teamwork still matter at the sharpest end of grand prix racing.

Why sailors give up Christmas (3 min read)
While most people are arguing over turkey leftovers, Sydney Hobart sailors are packing foulies and pretending they slept well. With a Boxing Day start and 628 brutal miles ahead, Christmas becomes a quick pit stop, not a holiday. Jokes help, nerves are real, and the Southern Ocean does not care about festive cheer. It is equal parts tradition, madness, and commitment. This is what choosing offshore racing over comfort actually looks like.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

World Sailing submits proposal to secure para sailing’s return for Brisbane 2032 (4 min read)
Para sailing is officially pushing for a Paralympic comeback, and this time the numbers are loud. World Sailing’s submission to the IPC shows massive growth since 2022, with more nations, more events, and athlete participation up over 200 percent. A new world championship, stronger classification systems, and real momentum from major events like the America’s Cup add weight. Brisbane 2032 could finally put para sailing back where it belongs.

Youth Sailing/Development

2025 Youth Sailing World Championships at Vilamoura, Portugal – Day 3 (5 min read)
Day three in Vilamoura finally put all 11 fleets on the water, and the leaderboard shook hard. Formula Kite sailors Gian Andrea Stragiotti and Suofeiya Li went perfect with three wins each, laying down early markers. Light winds and a full wind shift tested adaptability across every class, from 420s to foiling boards. Tight margins, big swings, and serious talent everywhere. Youth Worlds is fully switched on now.

Sustainability

The story of the Uru: Sustainable shipbuilding lessons from an ocean-crossing sailboat made of reeds (8 min read)
A 20-metre sailboat made entirely of reeds crossed the Pacific, and yes, it actually worked. Built in 1988 using ancient Uros and Aymara techniques, the Uru sailed 5,491 miles from Peru to French Polynesia while slowly soaking up water the whole way. Part experiment, part cultural statement, part architectural rebellion. The big takeaway is that seaworthy does not have to mean permanent, plastic, or toxic. Ancient materials still have modern lessons.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

This is pure foiling joy, shot in one of the best playgrounds on the planet. The iFLY RAZZOR Pro gets sent hard in the Hauraki Gulf by Olympic gold medalist Jo Aleh, seasoned foilers, and even first-timers who are instantly hooked. Big rigs, real breeze, stable flight, and proper speed without drama. The tech quietly does its thing while sailors just grin and go faster. Foiling, but confidence-inspiring.