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Sailing News for June 23, 2025

The legendary Ragtime returns for the 2025 Transpac with a modern makeover. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Peter Burling joins Luna Rossa for the next America’s Cup cycle. In Olympic sailing, a new US Sailing appeal clarifies key elements of Rule 42. In youth news, Australia’s team heads to the Youth Worlds, and junior women shine at the Ida Lewis Trophy. Plus, electric boating gets a smart upgrade in Germany, while iQFOiL racers take flight in Kiel.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Ragtime Returns: A Legend Reborn for Transpac 2025 (6 min read)
The iconic ULDB sled Ragtime is back for the 2025 Transpac after a major refit that includes a carbon mast, new rigging, a modern sail plan, and a weight-saving overhaul. Originally launched as Infidel in 1963, the plywood rocket famously won the 1973 Transpac in a down-to-the-wire finish. Now under the care of Tina Roberts, the boat has been reimagined to race once again, faster, lighter, and more determined than ever to write another chapter in ocean racing history.

Bayesian Superyacht Hull Raised After Tragic Sinking (5 min read)
The hull of the 183-foot Perini Navi superyacht Bayesian, which capsized off Sicily in August 2024 with the loss of seven lives, has been successfully raised from the seabed. The complex operation involved weeks of preparation, remote-controlled tools, and the use of Europe’s powerful Hebo Lift 10 crane. The salvage effort follows the earlier recovery of the yacht’s rig and anchor, and the hull will soon be transported to Termini Imerese for further inspection amid ongoing investigations into the tragedy.

Pin-End Perfection Powers Ginan to Victory in DYSC Winter Series Opener (5 min read)
Race 1 of the ORCV’s DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series delivered classic Port Phillip racing, with 36 boats battling under shifting northerlies and flat seas. Ginan, skippered by Nigel Jones and Cam McKenzie, claimed overall AMS honours with a bold pin-end start and smart tactics. Line honours went to Chris Dare’s Ambition, while Joel Matthews’ Godzilla and Jock MacAdie’s Alex-Team MacAdie also took divisional wins. A pre-race flare drill added safety value to a day of tight racing and strong winter form.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

New Ruling Clarifies Rule 42 on Crew Movement and Propulsion (2 min read)
US Sailing Appeal 128 clarifies a long-debated question in Rule 42, which governs propulsion. The ruling states that a boat only breaks Rule 42.1 if crew movements actually propel the boat. However, any prohibited actions listed in Rule 42.2 such as pumping, rocking, ooching, sculling, or repeated tacks and gybes are considered violations regardless of whether they result in propulsion. This update helps sailors and officials apply the rules more consistently.

Youth Sailing/Development

Support Australia’s Next Generation at the 2025 Youth Worlds (3 min read)
Australia’s top young sailors are gearing up to compete at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal, this December. As the team is self-funded, Australian Sailing has launched a fundraising campaign to help offset travel, coaching, equipment, and logistics costs. Donations made through the Australian Sports Foundation are tax-deductible and will be equally distributed to support the full team’s participation. It’s a chance for the sailing community to back the future of the sport on the world stage.

Young Women Sailors Shine at 2025 Ida Lewis Trophy (6 min read)
Fifty-six talented junior sailors gathered in Norfolk, VA for the 2025 U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship, blending a three-day clinic with two days of Club 420 and 29er racing. Hosted by Old Dominion University, the event emphasized growth, sportsmanship, and camaraderie in an all-girls environment. Merritt Sellers and Marina Priskich took top honors in the Club 420 fleet, while Chloe Kong and Maggie Tripp won the 29er class. With light winds and strong spirit, the Ida Lewis Trophy continues to foster the next generation of women’s sailing.

Cruising

12 Magical Inland Boat Charter Destinations in the UK & Ireland (7 min read)
This guide highlights spectacular inland boating holidays across the UK and Ireland, from Scotland’s dramatic lochs and Ireland’s Shannon-Erne Waterway to England’s lock-free Lancaster Canal and the wildlife-rich Norfolk Broads. Featuring motor and narrowboat options, historic towns, and lush natural scenery, it’s a perfect inspiration list for chartering away from the crowded coastline. Whether it’s navigating the Caledonian Canal or relaxing on Lough Erne, these destinations offer a unique, tranquil boating experience.

Dolphin Distraction Nearly Derails Tasmanian Passage (6 min read)
While enjoying a dazzling dolphin display off Tasmania, Lin Pardey and David Haigh were caught off guard by a sudden williwaw that slammed their 40-foot yacht Sahula. A moment of wonder quickly turned into a hard lesson in seamanship, as the crew scrambled to regain control in gale-force winds. The incident highlights the deceptive power of nature and the importance of staying truly alert, even after 240,000 miles of ocean sailing experience.

Tech & Gear

Electric Boating Redefined on Lake Chiemsee (7 min read)
The Molabo Aries R50 electric outboard offers a unique torque-controlled ride powered by the patented 48V ISCAD system, delivering smooth acceleration and near-silent cruising. Designed for easy installation and high efficiency, it maintains steady performance even in tight turns and features smart, demand-driven cooling. Paired with the MOLAConnect system and cloud-linked diagnostics, the German-made motor is a compelling alternative to combustion engines for quiet, sustainable fun on the water.

Foiling

Foilers Fly on Day 2 of iQFOiL Games at Kieler Woche (5 min read)
After a slow start on Day 1, Day 2 of the iQFOiL International Games at Kieler Woche brought light but steady breezes that allowed multiple races across all fleets. Poland’s Tomasz Romanowski leads the Senior Men with consistent form, while Lucie Belbeoch dominated the Senior Women as Team France showed depth. In the U17s, Italy’s Ginevra Giunti and Sweden’s David Bleistein impressed with standout performances. With strong winds on the way, the stage is set for more thrilling foiling action in one of sailing’s fastest-growing Olympic classes.

Spotlight

Peter Burling Joins Luna Rossa for 2027 America’s Cup Campaign (3 min read)
America’s Cup veteran Peter Burling has officially joined Luna Rossa ahead of the 2027 regatta in Naples, bringing his elite skillset and experience after leading Team New Zealand to three consecutive Cup wins. Although current protocol may restrict him from racing onboard, Burling is set to contribute in both performance and technical development roles. The move marks a significant shift in the America’s Cup landscape, as Luna Rossa gains one of the most accomplished sailors of the modern era in its quest for a first title.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

In the SailGP Season 3 Grand Final, New Zealand’s shift away from their trusted “Time to Kill” starting routine led to poor starts and uncharacteristic mid-fleet finishes. The team had previously mastered the slingshot approach with precise 40-second kill timing, but in San Francisco, a more conservative tactic backfired. Data revealed shortened kill times and inconsistent positioning until they reverted to their original routine just in time for the million-dollar showdown. Adaptability may be key, but timing remains everything at this level.