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Sailing News for October 14, 2025

This week delivers endurance, teamwork, and reinvention across every corner of the sport. The American maxi Lucky shattered the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race record, while a crew of seasoned sailors crossed the Atlantic aboard Aphrodite in a voyage filled with storms, laughter, and timeless grit. America One Racing’s new alliance with St. Francis Sailing Foundation powers up Team USA’s Olympic push toward LA 2028. In Tasmania, wild weather turned Youth Sail TAS into a learning masterclass. Tech tinkerers turn smartphones into nav displays, Flagstaff Marine welcomes new leadership, and George Potter’s mark trap tutorial takes team racing strategy to the next level.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

The Old Men and the Sea (9 min read)
A crew of salty veterans, led by Aussie skipper legend Murray Jacob, took the Swan 68 Aphrodite from Newport to Ireland in a 16-day transatlantic filled with storms, banter, and Hemingway vibes. Writer Herb McCormick captures the grit, humor, and heart of old-school seamanship as this crew of old men chewed through 3,600 nautical miles and came out smiling. Equal parts adventure and reflection, it proves that passion for the sea never fades.

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race: USA’s Lucky Smashes Across the Tasman (6 min read)
The American pocket maxi Lucky has stormed to line honors in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, tearing across the Tasman in just 68 hours. Skipper Bryon Ehrhart and a stacked crew featuring sailing legends like Brad Butterworth and Juan Vila averaged 20 knots and set a new race record by a jaw-dropping 55 hours. It’s the fastest ever under race conditions on this brutal 1,250-mile course and a serious statement from one of the world’s quickest ocean racers.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Stronger Together for USA Athletes (4 min read)
America One Racing just teamed up with the St. Francis Sailing Foundation to boost support for US Olympic hopefuls. The partnership brings serious funding and strategic muscle to A1R’s athlete program, covering everything from coaching and sports science to leadership development. Paul Cayard calls it a major step toward building a world-class team ahead of Los Angeles 2028. With this backing, America’s next wave of Olympic sailors just got a big push toward the podium.

Youth Sailing/Development

Windy and Wild Conditions Took Over the 2025 Zhik Youth Sail TAS (5 min read)
The 2025 Zhik Youth Sail TAS turned into a battle with nature as four days of icy northwest winds shut down most racing in Sandy Bay. Instead of sulking, 80 young sailors packed into the clubhouse for workshops with Olympian Olivia Price, nutritionist Gaye Rutherford, and offshore sailor Megan Grant. Only two races were sailed before another front blew through, but spirits stayed high. A rough week on the water, a great one for learning, and plenty of stories for next year’s regatta.

Tech & Gear

How to Link Your Smartphone to Your Navigation System (8 min read)
Multihull sailor and tinkerer Dagnall Clutterbuck turned a cheap smart light switch into a full-blown navigation repeater, and it actually works. Using an ESP32 touchscreen module with NMEA 0183 data over Wi-Fi, he built a DIY display that mirrors boat instruments and connects to Victron gear. It logs trips, updates over the air, and costs a fraction of a branded display. A proper gadget win for sailors who like coding and saving cash.

Spotlight

Changing of the Helm at Flagstaff Marine Group (5 min read)
After more than a decade leading Flagstaff Marine, founder Graham Raspass is handing over the wheel. Since 2014, he has grown the Australian dealership into a powerhouse for brands like Beneteau, Excess, Amel, and Silent Yachts. The next watch belongs to Micah Lane, Alex Vicinanza, and Wes McKnight, who will steer the business into its next chapter. Raspass is shifting his focus to SailTime Australia and keeping his Beneteau Oceanis Horizon 3 ready for sea.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Coach George Potter breaks down the art of the mark trap, one of team racing’s most brutal and satisfying maneuvers. Using drone footage and real on-water examples, he walks through every corner of the S-course, showing how to slow opponents, protect teammates, and flip races in seconds. It’s a tactical deep dive into Rules 17 and 18, packed with clever positioning tips and sly defensive moves. A must-watch for anyone who wants to turn chaos at the marks into pure control.