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Sailing News Summary for May 30, 2025

U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley draws inspiration from Formula 1’s Williams Racing as his crew preps for the New York showdown. Across the pond, governance drama heats up around the America’s Cup, with Alinghi Red Bull now joining British and U.S. challengers in criticizing the Naples venue deal. Meanwhile, San Francisco delivers 25-knot gusts on Day 1 of the Women’s World Match Racing Tour, where France’s Pauline Courtois remains undefeated. In Normandy, Douguet and Tréhin claim a hard-fought Class40 victory. Today’s tech picks include a guide to repairing marine screens with polarising film and advice on buying a yacht sight unseen. Don’t miss our daily video highlight: SailGP’s power rankings at midseason.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Buckley Draws Parallels Between Williams Racing and U.S. SailGP Team (3 min read)
U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley sees strong parallels between his team’s journey and the resurgence of the Williams F1 team after attending the Miami Grand Prix. Inspired by a conversation with Williams Team Principal James Vowles, Buckley emphasized the importance of learning through failure and pushing boundaries. Observing F1 operations up close offered insights into performance culture, communication, and innovation that Buckley hopes to bring back to SailGP. Fans can catch more in the upcoming Full Sail episode.

America’s Cup Governance Dispute Grows (4 min read)
Alinghi Red Bull Racing joins British and U.S. teams in criticizing Team New Zealand’s unilateral venue selection for the 2027 America’s Cup. The Swiss cite governance failures and lack of transparency, claiming Team NZ overstepped by securing a deal with Naples without Challenger of Record approval. Tensions rise as calls mount for a shared, equitable event framework.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Women’s WMRT: San Francisco Delivers Big Breeze on Day 1 (3 min read)
The 2025 Women’s World Match Racing Tour kicked off at the Casa Vela Cup in San Francisco with 18-25 knots of breeze challenging ten top female teams. France’s Pauline Courtois dominated Day 1 with seven straight wins, while Dutch newcomer Julia Aartsen impressed with six victories. Local favorite Nicole Breault sits fourth after an injury forced a last-minute crew change. Racing continues through May 31.

Douguet and Tréhin Triumph in Normandy Channel Race (3 min read)
Corentin Douguet and Axel Tréhin aboard Esprit Large claimed victory in the 16th CIC Normandy Channel Race, finishing just ahead of fierce rivals after 4 days of intense Class40 competition. Their smart tactics around the English Channel and Irish Sea, plus a nail-biting finish near Ouistreham, secured Douguet his first win and Tréhin entry into the elite club of double race champions.

Tech & Gear

How to Replace Polarising Film on a Marine Instrument Screen (6 min read)
Andy Pag brings two Raymarine ST6001 units back to life by replacing their sun-damaged polarising film, a cost-saving repair that avoids expensive system upgrades. Using basic tools, contact cleaner, and adhesive polarising sheets, he details each step from disassembly to reassembly. His process also includes cleaning corroded buttons and aligning foam connectors to restore full screen function. The fix is affordable, practical, and a great DIY solution for maintaining aging marine electronics.

How to Buy an Unseen Yacht Off-Plan (and Why You Might) (5 min read)
Buying a yacht sight unseen might seem risky, but it’s becoming more common as brands like X-Yachts and Oyster report strong pre-launch sales. Advances in 3D modeling and detailed consultations help buyers make informed decisions before hulls are built. While trust and time are essential, this route allows for customisation and early access to the latest designs.

How to Choose Your Sailing Helmet: 4 Key Steps (3 min read)
Forward WIP outlines the essential steps to pick the right helmet for sailing and watersports. From identifying your activity type to ensuring a proper fit, each step enhances safety and comfort. Their helmets include a built-in whiplash pad that protects both head and neck during harsh impacts, especially in foiling or high-speed conditions.

Spotlight

25 Best Father’s Day Gifts for Sailors in 2025 ( min read)
From advanced GPS tools and signal boosters to multi-fuel pizza ovens and teak cockpit tables, this Father’s Day gift guide covers top picks for cruising dads. Highlights include safety essentials like the Mustang PFD and Vesper AIS, plus galley upgrades, maintenance gear, and thoughtful personal touches. Ideal for sailors and liveaboards alike.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Lisa Darmanin and Stevie Morrison break down all 12 SailGP teams halfway through Season 5, ranking them by form and momentum. Australia and Spain top the list, while the U.S. and Brazil struggle for consistency. With the New York event looming, this quick-hit analysis covers crew changes, key races, and rising teams to watch.