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Sailing News Summary for May 20, 2025

From high-stakes medals to high-flying mishaps, it’s a big week in sailing. Riccardo Pianosi and Lauriane Nolot stormed to European kite titles after nail-biting finals in Türkiye. Offshore, Jolt took an early lead at the IMA Maxi Europeans, while Scuttlebutt’s latest piece challenges how we define the “Southern Ocean.” On the tech front, RTK GPS is rewriting the rules of race starts with near-centimeter accuracy. But the moment everyone’s talking about? A viral Nacra 17 pitchpole in Auckland — and yes, we’ve got the footage.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Rethinking What We Call the ‘Southern Ocean’ (3 min read)
As offshore races chart courses through high southern latitudes, many incorrectly refer to these regions as the Southern Ocean, even when they remain north of its official boundary. Scuttlebutt dives into the geographic and cultural confusion behind these terms, proposing “The Great South” as a more accurate and evocative label for the remote, storm-lashed reaches of the lower Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. It’s a call to rethink how we describe some of the planet’s wildest waters.

Jolt Leads After Tactical Opener at IMA Maxi Europeans (4 min read)
Day one of the IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento saw Peter Harrison’s Jolt edge out Galateia and Bella Mente to take the overall lead in light, shifting winds. The 23-boat fleet tackled a technical 15-mile course in the Gulf of Naples, with IRC ratings and strategy playing key roles. Class leaders also included Cippa Lippa X, Fra Diavolo, and Gaetana in the multihulls. Racing continues with more coastal and windward-leeward formats this week.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Pianosi and Nolot Claim Euro Titles in Thrilling Kite Finals (5 min read)
The 2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Türkiye delivered intense medal races with Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) and Lauriane Nolot (FRA) each claiming European titles. Pianosi edged out rivals after a dramatic tangle with Max Maeder (SGP), while Nolot overcame a foil obstruction to secure her third crown. Gian Andrea Stragiotti (SUI) and Lily Young (GBR) took silver in the men’s and women’s fleets. The event proved a high-energy showcase of Olympic-class talent.

Musto Skiff 2025 Euros Set for Germany in July (3 min read)
The Musto Skiff European Championship is officially set for 10–13 July 2025 in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany, as part of the vibrant Warnemünder Woche sailing festival. With 16 races planned and entries open, the regatta promises top-level competition for those who missed the Worlds in Australia. Sailors can enter with standard or reduced-size mainsails, and at least 20 entries are required to confirm the event. Early registration is encouraged, with fleets already forming across Europe.

Youth Sailing/Development

Victoria’s Flagship Sailing Centre Opens in Geelong (3 min read)
Geelong has officially opened the Victorian Sailing Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to host major regattas and serve as an education hub for students across Victoria. Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the centre features modern classrooms, accommodation, and accessible amenities. Operating in partnership with Newcomb Secondary College, it will provide hands-on sailing education during the school year, solidifying Geelong as a key destination for both elite competition and youth development.

Cruising

Excess 11 Gets a Hybrid-Electric Upgrade (3 min read)
Excess Catamarans has announced a new hybrid-electric propulsion option for its 37-foot Excess 11, available starting summer 2025. The system pairs twin electric motors with a diesel generator, offering quiet cruising with extended range and reduced emissions. The upgrade maintains the model’s sleek, performance-driven design while giving sailors a flexible and lower-impact alternative to traditional diesel power.

Sustainability

U.S. SailGP Team Launches Youth Climate Academy (4 min read)
The U.S. SailGP Team has teamed up with Sustained Futures to launch the Climate Action Academy, a new virtual program designed to empower young ocean and climate advocates. Starting June 18, the six-session series features athletes, scientists, indigenous leaders, and innovators exploring topics like extreme weather, sustainable living, and tech-driven solutions. Participants will join the “Climate Crew” community and gain tools to create real-world environmental impact.

Clean Sport Week Highlights Fair Play in Sailing (4 min read)
As part of Clean Sport Week, the RYA is reinforcing the importance of fair competition and athlete health at all levels of sailing. British Sailing Team physiologist Ian White stresses clean sport principles, warning against risky supplements and urging a “food first” approach. With anti-doping rules applying from grassroots to elite sailors, the focus is on awareness, responsibility, and building a culture where performance comes from training, not shortcuts.

Tech & Gear

Fixing a £25K Electric Engine Mistake (6 min read)
After a failed Oceanvolt electric motor install on his Tofinou day-sailer, Felix Marks nearly gave up on electric propulsion. A UK marine tech expert stepped in and salvaged the system using smarter diagnostics, parts replacement, and better protection from moisture. The core issue was an unsealed motor not suited for damp marine conditions, even though a sealed version existed. The story offers key lessons in installation, supplier choice, and managing marine electrics.

Wireless RTK Tech Revolutionizes Race Starts (5 min read)
The New York YC and Velocitek are refining race start precision with a Real Time Kinematics (RTK) GPS system, now accurate to within 1.8 cm. Used in events like the Resolute Cup and IC37 racing, the tech has nearly eliminated false starts and general recalls. With units soon to integrate seamlessly into onboard systems, this wireless innovation is setting the standard for race management and promises real-time provisional scoring and expanded class compatibility.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Ravi Parent and Caroline Atwood’s training in Auckland turned wild when a surprise gust launched them into a dramatic pitchpole. No injuries, just bungees broken and spirits high. Welcome to New Zealand.