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Sailing News for November 03, 2025

This edition is all about momentum and meaning. Hans Henken sees real progress for the U.S. SailGP crew as they build toward a strong season finish, while Scarlet Runner dominates the Melbourne to Devonport race and Drumfire cements her legend on Sydney waters. Cruisers plot their southern migrations with smart prep tips, and Mercury issues an outboard safety alert. In the spotlight, Nanny Cay’s $30 million marina expansion fuels BVI’s boating boom, and The Ocean Race reminds us why passion for sailing and protecting the sea must go hand in hand.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

“We’re Happy To See Progress Taking Shape” (5 min read)
After a rollercoaster Spain Sail Grand Prix in Cádiz, U.S. flight controller Hans Henken is seeing the pieces finally click. The team’s highest flight time on Day 2 showed real improvement, even if results were mixed. With tricky Atlantic chop and three events in a month, Hans credits tighter communication and new ideas for the upward curve. Next stop: Abu Dhabi, where he’s hoping all those small gains add up to a breakout finish for the season.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Drumfire: The Boat to Beat (7 min read)
The 78-foot Drumfire, a Hoek Truly Classic, has traded the Med’s calm glamour for Sydney’s wild seas and she’s thriving. After back-to-back wins in her Sydney-Hobart division, Captain Phillip Neil’s crew has turned this elegant cruiser into a serious race weapon. Beneath the varnish lies a carbon mast, deep keel, and plenty of grit. With a loyal crew, a few tactical tweaks, and even Jessica Watson aboard, Drumfire isn’t just beautiful, she’s become the legend to chase Down Under.

Red Hot Sailing for Scarlet Runner in Melbourne to Devonport Yacht Race (5 min read)
Scarlet Runner, the Carkeek 44 from Sandringham Yacht Club, blazed across Bass Strait to claim both line honours and the Rudder Cup in the 2025 Melbourne to Devonport Yacht Race. With owner Rob Date recovering from knee surgery, skipper David Sturge led his first offshore win in light, tricky conditions using a slick triple-headed setup. AdvantEdge and Chutzpah trailed close behind, but Scarlet Runner’s sharp teamwork and sail strategy sealed the deal in style.

Cruising

The Southern Migration: Practical Tips for a Smooth Passage to Warmer Waters (6 min read)
Every fall, cruisers head south from New England chasing sun and steady trades, and Rich Douglas has the playbook. From reefing drills and rig checks to crew comfort and route planning, this guide nails the essentials for a smooth snowbird run. He covers everything from choosing between the ICW or offshore hops to prepping hot meals and smart watch schedules. It’s practical, honest advice for anyone trading frost for flip-flops and learning that comfort is just another word for safety at sea.

Tech & Gear

Safety alert for some Mercury Marine four-stroke outboards (4 min read)
If you’ve got a Mercury Marine four-stroke outboard between 75 and 150hp, you might want to check your serial number. The UK Government just flagged a safety issue where the upper shift arm studs can corrode in salt water, possibly knocking out your gear shift mid-run. Only certain serial ranges are affected, and freshwater users are in the clear. Mercury dealers are handling repairs, so check before your next launch.

Spotlight

Industry Growth in the British Virgin Islands (4 min read)
Nanny Cay Marina is going big with a $30 million expansion aimed at turning the British Virgin Islands into the Caribbean’s ultimate yachting hub. The project adds 112 new slips for superyachts and catamarans, a custom Travelift for the new 80-footers, and upgraded boatyard facilities. Toss in luxury amenities, a beach bar, and a maritime training center, and you’ve got a marina that’s part playground, part powerhouse for the region’s growing marine industry. Completion is slated for 2028.

Pivot on This (6 min read)
Coach Adrian “Aidz” Finglas has done a lot more than just pivot since the pandemic. After a detour into balustrades and pool maintenance, the Brisbane native is back at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, shaping Australia’s next generation ahead of the 2032 Olympics. With decades of coaching success from Sabots to Paralympic gold, Finglas is focused on keeping sailing fast, fun, and relevant. From sprint racing to wing foiling, he’s proof that adaptability isn’t a buzzword, it’s the future of the sport.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Since 1973, The Ocean Race has been powered by nothing but wind, waves, and willpower. Now it’s turning that same energy toward protecting the planet it sails across. The “Racing for the Ocean” initiative uses the race’s global spotlight to push ocean health front and center, inspiring sailors, fans, and sponsors to take real action. It’s part campaign, part call to arms, proving that sport can be both thrilling to watch and vital for the planet’s future.