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Sailing News for October 21, 2025

Today’s edition brings action, artistry, and insight. Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig clinches a thrilling Cape 31 European title in Palma after a one-point showdown, while San Diego’s Chris Raab conquers the Don Trask Masters Regatta and a skied halyard turns into a story of teamwork and triumph. Cruisers celebrate Annapolis’s record-breaking boat show and a smart diesel rebuild that saved a classic. Plus, the world’s top sailing photographers vie for glory, and Coach Joe Glanfield opens up about Olympic grit and SailGP ambition.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Recovering Skied Halyards: Lessons From the Racecourse (6 min read)
Jonathan McKee’s first twilight race on Lake Washington turned into a halyard horror show when both the jib and spinnaker lines vanished up the mast. With quick thinking, teamwork, and a fearless 20-year-old volunteer aloft, the crew managed a full recovery and still made the second race. The takeaway? Even when gear fails and things get messy, a calm crew, some creativity, and well-tied knots can turn chaos into a solid finish.

Chris Raab Crowned Best Master at the Don Trask International Masters Regatta (6 min read)
Chris Raab and his crew staged a comeback to win the 2025 Don Trask International Masters Regatta in San Diego, topping a stacked 12-boat J/105 fleet by just three points. With veteran tactician Morgan Reeser calling shots and decades of chemistry onboard, Raab outsailed heavyweights like John Dane and Don Jesberg to claim his first title. The regatta, renamed this year to honor founder Don Trask, delivered classic South Bay conditions, tight racing, and a celebration of sailing’s master class.

Stig Triumphs at the 2025 Cape 31 European Championship in Palma (6 min read)
Palma saved the best for last as Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig clinched the 2025 Cape 31 European title after a dramatic Super Sunday of three back-to-back races. Just one point separated Stig, Black Seal, and Flying Jenny in a 24-boat fleet stacked with international talent. Light winds early in the week gave way to classic Palma breeze for the finale, capping an event that proved the Cape 31 fleet is one of the hottest one-design classes in Europe right now.

Cruising

The simple rebuild that saved a 50-year-old BMC diesel engine for less (8 min read)
When Charles Beddingfield’s 1970s BMC 1.8 diesel started puffing embarrassing smoke, he didn’t splurge on a new engine. Instead, he tore it down, honed it, and rebuilt it for half the price. With some DIY grit, help from a local machine shop, and a few smart timing tweaks, he turned his smoky relic into a clean-running classic. The result is a quieter, greener engine, a smaller bill, and a big dose of sailor satisfaction.

Strong Attendance and Optimism at the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show (5 min read)
The 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show was buzzing with blue skies, packed docks, and upbeat energy. Exhibitors reported record crowds and strong sales, while the new Refit My Ride program wowed visitors by turning a classic Farr 40 into a modern racer. From first-sail sessions to standing-room-only seminars, the show proved that sailing’s on the rise. Annapolis once again delivered the perfect mix of boats, buzz, and community spirit.

Spotlight

Votes Open for the 2025 Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award (4 min read)
The hunt for sailing’s photo of the year is on. 120 photographers from 26 countries have submitted jaw-dropping shots for the 2025 Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award, and now it’s up to fans to help pick the winner. The top 20 will be showcased at Metstrade Amsterdam before the big reveal at the Yacht Racing Forum on November 21. Public voting runs until November 14, so cast your vote and enjoy some seriously stunning sailing moments.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Tom Ramshaw sits down with NorthStar coach Joe Glanfield, a sailor with six Olympics and five medals under his belt who’s now shaping Canada’s SailGP team. Joe talks about the grind of Olympic life, how coaching changed his perspective, and what it takes to push a team in the world’s fastest fleet. It’s part career masterclass, part therapy session, and full of hard-won wisdom from one of sailing’s sharpest minds.