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24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.
Sailing News for June 18, 2025
Ben Ainslie charts a new course with Athena Sports Group after parting ways with Ineos, while Spain’s latest SailGP win is broken down in a revealing data dive. Inshore action sees the Cape 31 UK Nationals prepare for a stacked weekend in Cowes, and the Groupama Race continues after a dramatic capsize and rescue effort. On the cruising front, the RS Aira 22 debuts as RS Sailing’s new flagship daysailer, blending performance and accessibility.
Sail GP/America’s Cup
Ben Ainslie Rebuilds After Ineos Split, Eyes Future On and Off the Water (6 min read)
Sir Ben Ainslie is navigating a turbulent year following a public and complex split with longtime backer Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos. While stepping away from the helm at Emirates GBR in SailGP, Ainslie remains deeply involved as CEO, mentoring Olympic champions and rebuilding his America’s Cup effort under Athena Sports Group. Despite legal tensions and funding uncertainty, he’s focused on drawing new fans to SailGP, developing young talent through Athena Pathway, and possibly skipping a return to sailing himself, though he’s not ruling it out.
Race Vision: Test Your SailGP Knowledge Between Events (2 min read)
The U.S. SailGP Team has launched Round 2 of Race Vision, a fan-focused quiz series designed to keep the competitive energy alive between race weekends. This edition dives into SailGP history, challenging fans with multiple-choice questions and offering the chance to earn a limited-edition Battle Flag for their Crew Card. It’s a fun way to stay engaged with the league and test your knowledge while waiting for the next event on the calendar.
Data Dive: How Spain Clinched Back-to-Back Wins at SailGP New York (3 min read)
Spain’s victory in the New York SailGP Final came down to start line precision and raw pace. Diego Botin’s team led three out of four starting metrics, crossing just 1.1 seconds after the gun and sitting only 13.7m from the line. Though New Zealand had the fastest initial speed, Spain’s position gave them the inside track to Mark 1 and top speeds of 83.3 km/h. Their perfect 100% fly time and highest average speed sealed the win, despite New Zealand’s attempts to pressure with maneuvers. France lagged in both start and speed metrics, finishing third.
Inshore & Offshore Racing
Groupama Race Update: Rushour Crew Rescued After Capsize, Race Continues with 18 Boats (5 min read)
Australian multihull Rushour, which was leading on line honours, capsized early Tuesday morning during the 2025 Groupama Race. A coordinated rescue effort involving the MRCC, aircraft, helicopter, and fellow competitor Roamance successfully airlifted all crew to safety. The incident followed a navigational error earlier in the race and marked a dramatic turn in an event already rife with technical issues, retirements, and split tactical choices. Despite setbacks, 18 boats continue racing, with V5 leading the fleet and BNC topping the IRC standings.
ASBA Launches Touring Trophy Series to Boost Sports Boat Racing Across Australia (4 min read)
The Australian Sports Boat Association has launched the Touring Trophy Series, a new initiative to grow participation by clustering regattas into regional circuits with coordinated logistics, storage, and off-water programs. The 2025/26 calendar features a Northern Zone circuit including Airlie Beach Race Week, QLD State Titles, and Sail Paradise, followed by a Southern Zone run across the Sydney Harbour Regatta, NSW States, and Sail Port Stephens. The series aims to reward teams attending multiple events with an overall Touring Trophy, scored on both CBH and ASBA’s Long-Term Performance handicap systems.
Cape 31 UK Nationals Set to Deliver High-Stakes Showdown in Cowes (3 min read)
The Cape 31 UK National Championships kick off this weekend (20–22 June) at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, with defending champions Flying Jenny aiming to hold off strong challengers including season leaders Akheilos and comeback crew Jiraffe. Khumbu will also be eyeing the top spot after a podium finish last year. Newcomers like Toucan, Black Seal, and Swift Half bring fresh depth to the fleet. David Maguire joins the action on Shotgunn in prep for the NYYC Invitational. Racing will be overseen by Peter Saxton, with shore-side socials hosted by Hamble Yacht Services and prizes including SailGP tickets.
Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing
NZ Refreshes 420 Youth Development Pathway (3 min read)
Yachting New Zealand has launched a revamped 420 youth development programme aimed at building double-handed sailing talent through coaching, racing, and long-term performance support. The initiative begins with structured training and competition in August and September, leading into the 2025 Youth Sailing Championships. A second phase will prepare a national squad for the 2026 420 Worlds, with opportunities to progress into Olympic pathways like the 49er and 470 classes. The programme welcomes mixed, all-girl, or all-boy teams.
Cruising
RS Aira 22 Launches as New Flagship Daysailer (4 min read)
RS Sailing has unveiled the RS Aira 22, a versatile and comfort-forward keelboat that joins their Adventure Range to meet rising interest in daysailing. Originally developed by Aira Boats, this modern design blends ergonomic features, a retractable e-propulsion engine, and club-level performance in a spacious, family-friendly layout. With sleek lines, generous cockpit space, and a 28m² gennaker, the Aira 22 is aimed at both casual adventurers and sailing schools. RS plans to distribute and support the model globally, building on its Dutch success.
Sailing Highlight of the Day
A rare glimpse into the remote and hostile Southern Ocean comes to life in this stunning footage from the French Navy frigate Nivôse, which shadowed Vendée Globe sailors near the Kerguelen Islands. Filmed by Fulvio d’Aguanno and Tanguy Thuaud, the visuals capture the raw power of solo ocean racing amid massive seas and isolation. Supported by TF1 and the Marine Nationale, this project showcases the extreme conditions and human endurance that define the Vendée Globe.