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Sailing News for August 06, 2025

Cole Tapper and crew go back-to-back at the Governor’s Cup, proving Aussie youth sailing is still on a tear. The U.S. SailGP Team taps into old chemistry with Campbell and Menninger reunited and eyeing redemption. The Pegasus 67 offers couples a bluewater dream with performance to match, and Team Aqua gives us an onboard masterclass in race boat intensity. Meanwhile, North Action Group powers Aussie foiling development, Isabella Bertold calls for smarter investment in women’s sailing, and one brave YouTuber hits 60 mph aboard an F50.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Menninger Relishing Campbell Reunion With U.S. SailGP Team (3 min read)
Michael Menninger and Andrew Campbell are back in action together on the U.S. SailGP Team, and it’s a reunion built on years of trust from their time at American Magic. Although racing time at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix was limited, Menninger still got his first real taste of the F50 in practice and is fired up for more. With Campbell’s no-nonsense style and deep experience, this duo could help spark a turnaround heading into the Germany Sail Grand Prix.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Onboard Mayhem with Team Aqua at the 44Cup (5 min read)
Ever wonder what high-level race boat comms sound like in the heat of the moment? Ride along with Team Aqua during a slick RC44 race as tactician Cameron Appleton calls trim, angles, dips, and tacks with laser focus. It’s chaos, precision, and adrenaline all rolled into one. If you like your sailing with a side of intensity and nonstop mic chatter, this one’s for you.

How to Sail to Your Handicap Rating (7 min read)
Want to win in handicap racing? Tony Rey breaks it down with smart, practical advice from the ORC Worlds and beyond. From pre-race prep and sail checks to playing the corners and squeezing speed on every leg, this guide is gold for anyone trying to beat the clock in mixed fleets. Whether you’re in a Swan 42 or a downwind flyer, the key is knowing your boat, hitting your targets, and pulling the string tight. No gimmicks, just good sailing.

Scorpion Nationals – Day 3 (3 min read)
Blue skies and a 16-knot average breeze set the tone for three hard-fought races at Penzance. Pathfinders Fiona & Gordon Taylor, AJ & Chris Eaton, and Bazza Wolfenden & Adam Aziz each shared their stories from the front. But once again it was Tom Gillard & Rach Gray on Essence of Wetness who dominated, winning all three races and leading the regatta comfortably. Behind them, the fleet juggled pressure shifts, tactical gybes, and the occasional missed kite drop. Tuesday wrapped up with fish and chips, cold beers, and a SailGP & America’s Cup Q&A featuring Chris Draper and Alex Hayman. Racing resumes Wednesday in lighter conditions.

Youth Sailing/Development

Governor’s Cup – Back-to-Back Titles for Cole Tapper & Crew (2 min read)
Cole Tapper, Hamish Vass, and Jack Frewin just went back-to-back at the Governor’s Cup, sealing the 2025 title with a 3–1 win over the top American team in Newport Beach. Under serious pressure as defending champs, the CYCA trio kept their cool and delivered when it counted. With coach Jordan Reece in their corner, they showed exactly why this is the most prestigious youth match racing event on the planet. Aussie youth sailing is on fire right now.

Cruising

Pegasus 67 First Look: A Roomier Pegasus 50 for Sailing Couples (4 min read)
The new Pegasus 67 is what happens when couples ask for more boat without more hassle. It’s a lightweight 67-footer designed to sail like a 57, with a sleek hull, smart layout, and systems built for serious passagemaking. Everything from twin aft cabins to a protected cockpit is designed for comfort and control, and almost all the bluewater essentials are included in the base spec. This is not a floating condo. It’s a fast, efficient cruiser made for two people who actually want to sail.

Tech & Gear

Is it a Good Idea to Weld Anchor Chain to Lengthen It? (3 min read)
Thinking about welding two lengths of anchor chain together? Metallurgist Vyv Cox says maybe, but only if it’s lower-grade chain like Grade 30 or 40. Even then, you’ll need to fully trust your welder since you won’t be proof testing the result. Higher-grade chain is a definite no since welding destroys the heat treatment that gives it strength. The takeaway is clear: there are better and safer ways to extend your ground tackle.

Foiling

North Action Group Extends Foiling Partnership With Australian Sailing (3 min read)
Foiling just got more accessible in Australia. North Action Group has renewed its partnership with Australian Sailing, offering big discounts on wing and foil gear for clubs and Learn to Wing participants. The deal includes up to 45 percent off full kits and 10 percent off for sailors who complete a FoilLab course. With Brisbane 2032 in sight, the goal is to get more Aussies on foils and into the pipeline. It’s a major win for clubs, coaches, and the next generation of flying sailors.

Spotlight

Women’s Sailing Needs Aligned Investment, Not Just Deep Pockets (6 min read)
After stepping away from sailing in 2019, Isabella Bertold came back to find more opportunities but not always the right kind of support. In this must-read piece, she makes the case that women’s sailing needs sponsors who boost performance, not just polish. It is not about logos or luxury. It is about keeping women in the sport with real backing, real gear, and real investment. With the right partners, sailing could become one of the most inclusive and forward-thinking sports out there.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

TV host Mark Wright joins the Emirates GBR SailGP Team for a full-throttle crash course in foiling, and his adrenaline hits max the moment he steps aboard the F50. From grinding workouts and safety drills to blasting across the water at 60 mph, he gets a front-row seat to what real high-performance sailing feels like. It’s fast, intense, and just a little terrifying. Easily one of the coolest crossover episodes between mainstream media and elite racing.