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Sailing News Summary for May 26, 2025

Today’s headlines are stacked with drama and speed. America’s Cup challengers are raising concerns over transparency and stalled negotiations just days after Naples was confirmed as the 2027 host. On the water, Andy Shaw and Rob Struckett won the Prince of Wales Cup by 10 seconds in gusty breeze, while Julien Firmenich’s Ylliam 17 scored their first-ever TF35 win in Nyon. In tech and cruising, Jimmy Cornell shares lessons in surviving onboard emergencies, and Jackfromtown delivers a stunning foiling session in The Gorge.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Tension Builds as Challengers Call Out America’s Cup Leadership (4 min read)
Just a day after Naples was announced as the 2027 America’s Cup venue, both Athena Racing and the USA Challenger expressed deep frustration over the lack of transparency and stalled negotiations. While the Defender claims collaboration, challengers argue the process lacks fairness and openness. With no entries officially submitted, concerns are growing about the event’s direction and leadership. The spotlight now shifts to whether reforms will follow or tensions will escalate.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Shaw and Struckett Win 2025 Prince of Wales Cup in Epic Duel (5 min read)
Andy Shaw and Rob Struckett claimed a hard-fought win in the iconic Prince of Wales Cup at the WPNSA, edging out Truswell and Fitzgerald by just 10 seconds after a 98-minute tactical showdown in gusty 16–20 knot breeze. The race, moved forward due to a volatile forecast, delivered intense action and high drama as boats battled shifting conditions. Returning team Andy and Tom Partington impressed with a third-place finish after five years away from the fleet.

Top 18 Set for College Women’s Nationals Finals (3 min read)
The semifinal rounds of the 2025 College Sailing Women’s Fleet Race Nationals wrapped up in St. Mary’s City, MD, with Yale and Stanford topping the Western and Eastern divisions respectively. Eighteen teams now advance to the finals, scheduled for May 22–23, where the best collegiate sailors will compete for the national title. With strong performances across the board, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown on the Chesapeake.

Cruising

How to Sail Tidal Estuaries Safely (7 min read)
Ken Endean offers expert advice for navigating the shifting sands, hidden hazards, and outdated charts of the UK’s tidal estuaries. From understanding stepped datums and tidal timing to anchoring strategies and the value of shoreside recon, this guide is essential for sailors aiming to explore lesser-known inland waterways. With insights drawn from personal experience and practical examples, it’s a must-read for safe and rewarding creek crawling.

How to Stay Calm and Survive Onboard Emergencies at Sea (7 min read)
Veteran sailor Jimmy Cornell shares firsthand accounts of serious emergencies at sea, from running aground on coral to rudder failures and tangled props in icy waters. His key message is to stay calm, think clearly, and be prepared with tools, knowledge, and teamwork. Using the DODAR method (diagnose, options, decide, act, review), he outlines how to respond methodically to crises. These hard-earned lessons highlight that survival often depends more on mindset than luck.

Tech & Gear

Record-Breaking Showcase at 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (6 min read)
The 36th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show drew massive crowds with a record-breaking 824 boats and a dazzling display of marine innovation and luxury. Highlights included global yacht premieres from Riviera and Maritimo, cutting-edge tech from Navico, and the electric hydrofoiling Candela C-8. With strong sales, vibrant atmosphere, and luxury brand showcases, the event reaffirmed its place as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier marine lifestyle show. Plans are already underway for the 2026 edition.

Shifting Currents in Boat Building Industry (3 min read)
Hanse Yachts AG is changing hands as new owners take over from private equity firm Aurelius, with the company citing global uncertainty and soft market demand in the USA and Germany as reasons to scale back production. Meanwhile, Daedalus Yachts has acquired Catalina Yachts and True North, signaling a major realignment in American boat building. The move promises to preserve the legacy of Catalina while positioning the brand for long-term growth and innovation.

Foiling

Ylliam 17 Claims First Victory at TF35 Nyon Grand Prix (4 min read)
Julien Firmenich’s Ylliam 17 secured their first-ever regatta win at the TF35 Nyon Grand Prix, kicking off the 2025 season with a breakthrough performance. Strong tactics, consistency, and solid teamwork propelled the crew to two race wins and the overall victory in a highly competitive and unpredictable six-race series. Close behind were Ylliam XII and Sails of Change 8, with nearly every team scoring a win. The TF35 fleet reconvenes in two weeks for the Mies Grand Prix.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Oahu-based foiler Jackfromtown kicks off the season with a mission to the Columbia River Gorge, scoring two days of classic Hood River wind and buttery river swells. From the Hatchery to Arlington, Jack links up with the local crew for four high-energy foil runs filled with endless cutbacks and mountain-like flow. With river surf, shuttle runs, and small-town vibes, it’s a reminder why this inland spot is a top-tier foil destination.