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Sailing News for June 24, 2025

SailGP announces it will add two more teams in 2026, opening the door for new investors in one of sport’s fastest-growing properties. In championship news, Gavin Ball makes history by winning the first foiling edition of the U.S. Singlehanded Champs, while Ginan leads the ORCV Winter Series opener. Day 3 of the iQFOiL Games delivers heavy breeze and leaderboard drama, and solo cruiser Lauren Landers shares life at sea with her cat Mako. Plus, RYA’s Sara Sutcliffe visits Northern England to spotlight grassroots sailing.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

SailGP Opens Bidding for Two New Teams in 2026 Expansion (3 min read)
SailGP has launched a global tender process for two new team franchises set to join the league in 2026, expanding the fleet from 12 to 14 national teams. The opportunity is open to investors across sport, business and entertainment, offering a structured path into one of sailing’s fastest-growing properties. The move follows major ownership deals in Australia, Italy and France, and continues SailGP’s shift toward private team ownership. Bids close in August with selection set for September 2025.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Ginan Takes AMS Win in Thrilling Start to ORCV Winter Series (4 min read)
Race 1 of the ORCV DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series kicked off in classic Port Phillip style, with shifting breezes and tactical sailing. Ginan, skippered by Nigel Jones and Cam McKenzie, claimed overall AMS honors after a smart pin-end start and decisive tactical call. Line honors went to Ambition, while Division 2 AMS was won by Joel Matthews’ Godzilla. The day also featured a rare distress flare drill, adding a valuable layer of offshore readiness to the winter series opener.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

WaveGP Brings First-Ever NSW Hobie Wave State Championships to Life (3 min read)
The Hobie Wave class is set for a major milestone with the launch of the inaugural NSW Hobie Wave State Championships, hosted by Vincentia Sailing Club and the NSW Hobie Cat Association. Known globally as a popular training and resort cat, the Wave will now take center stage in an inclusive, high-level racing event aimed at all ages and skill levels. The initiative builds on the club’s successful Wave Challenge series and invites sponsors to join by branding sails and hulls for added exposure.

Cruising

Sailing Solo with a Furry First Mate (5 min read)
Lauren Landers recounts her journey as a solo sailor living aboard with her cat, Mako. From managing international pet regulations to training him for safety at sea, she outlines the unique challenges and deep rewards of having a feline crew member. Mako now swims, climbs back on board using a rope ladder, and settles into the cockpit at the sound of the engine. Their bond adds comfort and joy to solo sailing life, proving that pets can thrive at sea with the right preparation.

Sustainability

RYA CEO Tours Northern Clubs to Hear and Highlight Local Sailing Efforts (5 min read)
RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe spent three days visiting clubs across Northern England to connect with volunteers, observe grassroots innovation, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the OnBoard program. Stops included inland and coastal venues tackling unique challenges, from water scarcity to inclusive membership models and instructor development. Sutcliffe praised the dedication of local teams driving participation, while clubs welcomed the chance to share needs and successes directly with national leadership. Her hands-on approach left a strong impression throughout the region.

Foiling

Full-Throttle Foiling Shakes Up iQFOiL Leaderboard at Kieler Woche (4 min read)
Day 3 of the iQFOiL International Games in Kiel delivered wind and full-speed action, pushing athletes across all divisions to the limit. Poland’s Tomasz Romanowski held his lead in the Senior Men’s fleet, while Jeronimo Abogado of Mexico and Skip Brull of the Netherlands soared into medal contention with two wins each. In the Women’s fleet, France’s Marion Couturier leads a dominant showing. With heavy breeze continuing, the race to the Medal Series is on.

Spotlight

Gavin Ball Makes Foiling History at U.S. Singlehanded Championship (4 min read)
The 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Championship marked a new chapter by featuring the WASZP for the first time, and Gavin Ball of Kaneohe Yacht Club rose to the occasion. Racing in strong sea breezes, Ball delivered consistent front-of-fleet performances to become the first champion in a foiling class. He also received the Peter J. Barrett Sportsmanship Award. The event signaled a generational shift in singlehanded sailing and was hailed as a major step forward for US Sailing’s competitive pathway.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Burning out before a major regatta is a common mistake, but a clear training structure helps you arrive fresh and ready. This video outlines a four-phase plan: base preparation, specific preparation, race mode, and taper. Each phase balances physical effort with recovery, guiding sailors to build strength and speed while avoiding fatigue. With smart planning and clear priorities, you can peak when it matters most and perform at your highest level.