Sailing News Summary for May 12, 2025
The 2025 Transat Paprec delivered a breathtaking finish in Saint Barthélemy, with Charlotte Yven and Hugo Dhallenne edging out a tight fleet where just hours separated the top 13 boats. Local skipper Cindy Brin took a celebrated third, capping off 18 days of squalls, torn sails, and pure grit. In Italy, the iQFOiL Youth & Junior Games concluded with new medalists and a successful Medal Series debut. Olympic legend Jonathan McKee reflects on the power of strong training partners, while Craig Evans and Vanessa Weedon-Jones share how sailing has shaped their lives and careers. Plus: IMOCA renews its sustainability partnership, and your Sailing Highlight of the Day captures pure foiling speed.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Transat Paprec Finish – The most beautiful night in Saint Barthélemy (6 min read)
Charlotte Yven and Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif) claimed victory in one of the most dramatic Transat Paprec finishes to date, edging out fierce competition in a record-tight fleet where just under 3 hours separated the top 13 boats. Saint Barthélemy erupted with pride as hometown skipper Cindy Brin finished 3rd to massive celebrations. With shifting winds, torn sails, and exhaustion on display, this year’s edition delivered powerful stories of resilience and racing at its most intense.

Dragon World Championship by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts Sets Sail in Vilamoura (3 min read)
The 2025 Dragon World Championship has officially begun in Vilamoura, Portugal, featuring 50 boats and 160 sailors from 17 nations. Known for its rich heritage and elite competition, the iconic keelboat class is racing daily along the Algarve coast. Hosted by Vilamoura Sailing and sponsored by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, the event blends world-class racing with luxury hospitality and cultural experiences for sailors and their families.

Olympic Class / Dinghy Sailing

How Training Partners Make You Faster and Better | Sailing World (6 min read)
Olympic medalist Jonathan McKee reflects on the value of training with competitive fleets and close rivals, where shared practice, knowledge exchange, and camaraderie lead to stronger racing and deeper fulfillment. He emphasizes that the goal is not always to win, but to grow as part of a group striving for excellence. The best racing, he argues, comes from the strength of your competitors.

Youth Sailing / Development

iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games in Torbole, Italy – Overall (4 min read)
The iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games concluded in Torbole, Italy, with a successful debut of a new eight-rider Medal Series format, crowning champions in U17 and U19 categories. Victories went to standout athletes from Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey, with competitive racing across unstable weather conditions. The event reaffirmed the iQFOiL class’s growing appeal and set the stage for the upcoming World Championships in Brest.

Sustainability

IMOCA and 11th Hour Racing to continue their successful partnership in 2025 (5 min read)
IMOCA has renewed its collaboration with 11th Hour Racing for 2025, reinforcing its push toward sustainability, diversity, and innovation in offshore racing. The partnership will expand initiatives like the Impact Reduction Rule and RISE sail program while embedding a sustainability lead within each team. Additionally, a female leadership development manager will work to place women in high-level roles throughout the Ocean Race Europe fleet.

Spotlight

Charting a Career in Sailing: How Craig Evans Turned Passion into Leadership (5 min read)
Fremantle Sailing Club CEO Craig Evans shares how a childhood accident involving a misidentified dinghy sparked a lifelong passion for sailing. From competing in the Sydney to Hobart Race nine times to leading one of Australia’s largest yacht clubs, Evans reflects on resilience, mentorship, and career pathways within the sailing industry. His story highlights the diverse opportunities available for turning a love of the water into a rewarding profession.

Sailing out of the darkness (5 min read)
After battling severe depression in the 1990s, Vanessa Weedon-Jones found new direction and healing through sailing. A chance to train as a dinghy instructor led to a career in the sport and a passion for helping others rediscover confidence and purpose on the water. Now a leader in inclusive sailing programs, Vanessa champions sailing not just as a sport but as a pathway to mental wellness and community.

Sailing Highlight of the Day


Love Sailing News Now? Tell your friends!