Sailing News Summary for April 29, 2025
Stanford claims another national title, SailGP sees the future with new faces leading the change, and 52 SUPER SERIES teams fine-tune for battle in Saint-Tropez. The Cape 31 season launches at Cowes, Lake Garda crowns RS Aero champions, and Sam Goodchild’s solo racing story shows what passion and perseverance can achieve. Plus, catch today’s sailing highlight packed with energy and speed.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

American Magic Quantum Racing Ready for 2025 52 Super Series Season Opener  (2 min read)
American Magic Quantum Racing has fully unified its program ahead of the 2025 52 SUPER SERIES, combining America’s Cup-level systems with the TP52 fleet. Doug DeVos and Terry Hutchinson lead a crew aiming to defend their 2024 title, blending elite talent and innovation. Eleven boats from nine nations will compete when racing begins this week in Saint-Tropez.

Akheilos Storms to Victory at Royal London Yacht Club in Thrilling Cape 31 Season Opener (3 min read)
The 2025 Cape 31 UK season kicked off at Cowes with eight fiercely competitive races. Ben Pritchard’s Akheilos claimed overall victory, an amazing achievement just two years after he first stepped into the sport. Katabatic and Khumbu completed the podium after a tightly contested event. Toucan topped the Corinthian/1 Professional division. The Cape 31 fleet now looks ahead to Round 2 of the series.

Love and mutual support will be the key as Alegre anticipate start to 2025 52 SUPER SERIES season (4 min read) 
Alegre, led by Andy Soriano, is ready for the 2025 52 SUPER SERIES season in Saint-Tropez after winter upgrades and hard training. The team, still mourning the loss of beloved bowman Matteo Auguadro, has rallied around new bowman Mariano Caputo. Technical changes include rudder, keel, and a switch to wheels. With a strong, family-like spirit, Alegre looks to challenge top contenders like Provezza this season.

Ficker Cup Wraps; Field Set for 60th Congressional Cup (2 min read)
Maxime Mesnil (FRA) dominated the Ficker Cup but, already committed to another team, spots for the 60th Congressional Cup were awarded to Nicole Breault (USA) and Peter Wickwire (CAN). They join a top-tier field featuring Chris Poole, Johnie Berntsson, Eric Monnin, and others in Long Beach, California. Racing begins April 30 and runs through May 4, with free spectator access and YouTube broadcasts.

J/29 class Devotees, Together Again | Sailing World (3 min read)
After more than a decade of dormancy, J/29 one-design racing is being reignited on the Chesapeake Bay, thanks to the relentless efforts of Liz Principe. Seven boats are set to race at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in Annapolis, with Principe leading a growing national movement. With a focus on camaraderie and fun, the class is reconnecting old fleets and inspiring new energy across the US.

Olympic Class / Dinghy Sailing

2025 RS Aero European Championships at Circolo Vela Arco – Overall (2 min read)The 2025 RS Aero European Championships wrapped up at Lake Garda with almost 120 sailors from 16 nations competing across four fleets. Despite a break on Saturday for the Pope’s funeral, most scheduled races were completed. Highlights included victories by Sammy Isaacs-Johnson (RS Aero 5), Andrew Frost (RS Aero 6), Mattia Di Lorenzo (RS Aero 7), and Baabii’O Flower (RS Aero 9). Great sportsmanship and Garda’s classic breezes made it a memorable event.

Youth Sailing / Development

Stanford wins Women’s Team Race title >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News (2 min read)
Stanford University defended their title at the 2025 College Women’s Team Race Nationals, finishing with a dominant 16-1 record in tricky conditions in Cranston, RI. After heavy winds disrupted day one and light winds curtailed day two, Stanford edged out Yale (15-2) to claim back-to-back championships. The final podium saw Harvard secure third place. Coach Chris Klevan praised the team’s composure under pressure.

US Sailing Announces New Scholarship Fund to Support Sailors’ Growth and Development (3 min read)
US Sailing has announced the creation of the US Sailing Scholarship Fund to break down financial barriers for aspiring sailors. The fund will provide grants ranging from $50 to $750 to help cover training, certification, and regatta fees, ensuring that passion, not financial status, determines opportunity. Contributions to grow the fund are now being accepted.

Spotlight

Sam Goodchild: from liveaboard to Britain’s best ocean racing prospect  (3 min read)
From a childhood afloat in the Caribbean to leading the 2024 Vendée Globe, Sam Goodchild’s story is one of passion, resilience, and determination. Inspired at 15 by tales of solo ocean racing, Goodchild’s journey saw him go from building dinghies with his father to becoming Britain’s top finisher in the Vendée. His early life of self-sufficiency and boat work prepared him for the challenges of solo ocean racing.

Sailing Highlight of the Day


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