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Sailing News for January 27, 2026

Perth proved to be a turning point for the U.S. SailGP Team as Andrew Campbell pointed to real gains in heavy-air confidence, foil control, and decision-making that mattered more than raw results, setting the stage for momentum heading into Auckland. At the other end of the sport, Gary Jobson makes a compelling case for Portsmouth racing as the simplest way to get forgotten boats and sailors back on the line, while offshore attention shifts to Australia with entries opening for the fast and tactical Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race. Youth sailing delivered tight margins and nonstop action at the biggest C420 Team Race Midwinters yet in Miami, and the day is anchored by a landmark achievement as The Famous Project completes the first all-female non-stop circumnavigation, closing out with a hands-on look at the Melges 19 as a boat designed for sailors who want performance without unnecessary complexity.

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Sail GP/America’s Cup

Andrew: We Know We’re Capable In Any Conditions – Perth Proved It (4 min read)
Perth was gnarly, and the U.S. SailGP Team leaned into it. Big breeze, ugly sea state, wing swaps mid-event, and lots of reps learning how to tame the T-foils. Andrew Campbell says the results matter, but the real win was progress and confidence, especially in conditions that used to bite them. No chest-thumping, just quiet momentum. Auckland’s next, and they’re itching to build.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Get More Racers on the Water with Portsmouth Racing (6 min read)
Gary Jobson is on a mission to rescue all those perfectly good boats gathering dust and get them racing again. His answer is Portsmouth Yardstick, the simple, flexible handicap system that lets mismatched dinghies and small boats line up together and actually have fun. No arms race, no fancy gear, just show up and race. It’s been working quietly for decades, and Jobson thinks it might be the easiest way to revive local fleets fast.

Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2026 Opens for Entries (5 min read)
Australia’s newest offshore race is back, and the countdown is officially on. The 520-mile Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race starts July 30 with a full-throttle beachfront send-off and a fast, tactical run past K’gari and through the reef-studded Whitsundays. Big boats, multihulls, and race-weary navigators all get their moment, with Wild Thing 100 already talking line honours. Warm water, long miles, and no marks to hide behind.

Youth Sailing/Development

2026 C420 Team Race Midwinters Regatta Results and Recap (3 min read)
Miami delivered sun, rain, delays, and a whole lot of tight team racing at the biggest C420 Team Race Midwinters yet. Fifteen squads battled through 140 races in a college-style 3v3 format, with Team Apex coming out on top after a super consistent weekend. ClarkFleet 1 and Show Ponies weren’t far behind, proving how razor-thin the margins were. If you like tactical chaos and future college standouts, this regatta had it all.

Spotlight

The Famous Project becomes first all-female crew to sail non-stop around the world (7 min read)
Eight women, one tough old maxi trimaran, and a full lap of the planet without stopping. The Famous Project just became the first all-female crew to complete a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation, finishing in just under 58 days after a brutal, problem-filled run. They lost a foil, shredded the mainsail, and kept going anyway. No record broken, but history absolutely made. This one’s about grit, not glory.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Eddie Cox gives a proper walk-through of the Melges 19, and it’s clear this boat was built to be sailed hard without being a pain. Think Melges 15 vibes with a bigger, faster feel and Melges 24-style downwind fun. Stable hull, comfy cockpit, smart Harken hardware, and loads that won’t scare smaller crews. Race-ready out of the box, simple to rig, and genuinely fun. This one feels aimed at sailors who want performance without homework.

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