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Sailing News Summary for May 27, 2025

Frustration is mounting among America’s Cup challengers. American Magic has threatened to pull out over concerns with Team New Zealand’s handling of the Naples venue announcement, echoing similar complaints from Athena Racing. Meanwhile, SailGP gears up for a broader audience with a Jimmy Spithill docuseries. On the cruising side, Leon Schulz shares his formula for ocean crossing readiness, and Practical Boat Owner tackles diesel bug removal with old-fashioned grit. In the spotlight, 14-year-old Kai Marks Dasent completes a 38-mile solo sail to support hurricane-impacted students. And in today’s highlight, Laser coach Dan outlines the five mistakes that keep sailors off the podium.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

American Magic Threatens to Exit America’s Cup Over Transparency Concerns (4 min read)
America’s Cup challenger American Magic has cast doubt on its 2027 campaign, citing a lack of transparency from defending champion Team New Zealand regarding the recent selection of Naples as the host city. Joining British team Athena Racing in voicing frustration, American Magic warned it may withdraw unless meaningful changes are made. In response, Team New Zealand released the draft protocol and defended its process, claiming no feedback was received from challengers despite sharing the documents. The absence of a U.S. team would be unprecedented in the Cup’s history.

SailGP Launches ‘Uncharted’ Docuseries Starring Jimmy Spithill (3 min read)
SailGP is diving into the sports documentary wave with Uncharted, a three-part series debuting next month that spotlights Red Bull Italy CEO and sailing icon Jimmy Spithill. The league, co-founded by Larry Ellison, aims to capture new fans by showcasing the drama, speed, and intensity of its F50 foiling catamarans. Modeled after the success of Drive to Survive, Uncharted is part of SailGP’s broader strategy to expand global reach and break down barriers to entry in high-performance sailing.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

RYA Scotland Launches Aspire Programme for Future Instructors and Coaches (4 min read)
RYA Scotland has unveiled the Aspire Programme, a new initiative designed to streamline and support the development of instructors, coaches, and officials across the country. Combining a mobile-friendly digital hub with grassroots partnerships, Aspire will simplify qualification pathways, offer practical resources, and foster community growth. Built with direct input from sailing professionals, it aims to empower individuals at all stages of their journey and elevate standards across the sector ahead of its full launch later this year.

Cruising

Are You Ready for an Ocean Crossing? (6 min read)
Leon Schulz shares 13 years of hard-earned wisdom on preparing older bluewater yachts for long-distance cruising, drawing from his experience refitting and maintaining his Hallberg-Rassy 46, Regina Laska. From annual upgrades and smart equipment choices to meticulous maintenance schedules, Schulz outlines what it really takes to keep a classic yacht ocean-ready year after year. His advice blends practicality, passion, and deep knowledge of what works offshore.

Tech & Gear

Defeating the Diesel Bug with Grit and Clarke Pumps (4 min read)
After four years of clogged filters and engine anxiety, PBO’s tech editor finally tackled diesel bug head-on by removing and deep-cleaning a buried plastic fuel tank. Using Clarke pumps, steam cleaning, and installing a new inspection hatch, the team gave the system a fresh start with upgraded hoses and filtration. The result may not guarantee a bug-free future, but it does allow easy monitoring and cleaning without dismantling the boat again. Sometimes, the only solution is real elbow grease.

Spotlight

Steering the Course: Global Women’s Sailing Festival Sets Sail Across Continents (3 min read)
World Sailing’s Steering the Course festival is back for its fourth year, with women-led events now underway worldwide. Highlights include youth regattas in Sri Lanka, the Regata D’Elas in Brazil featuring a 4- to 83-year-old crew, and the Festival Nautico Femenino in Chile. From yoga and SUP races to environmental discussions and taster sessions at Olympic venues, the festival’s #AccelerateAction theme aims to inspire more women to sail, coach, and lead. Over 56 countries have taken part since the festival began.

14-Year-Old Kai Marks Dasent Completes 38nm Solo Sail for Hurricane Relief (2 min read)
On May 24, 14-year-old Kai Marks Dasent solo-sailed 38.1 nautical miles from St. Vincent to Union Island in just over six hours, raising funds for hurricane-impacted students and his local sailing club. The journey, marked by perfect conditions and big surf between Bequia and Canouan, was both a personal milestone and a mission to support Union Island Secondary School students sitting their CSEC exams. Kai, who started sailing at age 8, hopes to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Olympics one day.
Gofundme: St Vincent and the Grenadines Students and Sailors

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Laser coach Dan shares the five biggest mistakes that held back his own sailing progress, and that he now regularly sees among other sailors. He emphasizes the importance of hiking fitness, not being too timid at the start, avoiding dirty air, using your body to steer downwind, and minimizing unnecessary tacks. With simple advice rooted in personal experience, Dan’s tips aim to help sailors focus on what truly improves performance on the racecourse.