24 hours of sailing news in 5 minutes.

Sailing News for November 05, 2025

This edition blends speed, skill, and seamanship. SailGP’s Michael Menninger shares how steady work, not shortcuts, is fueling U.S. team progress ahead of Abu Dhabi. Offshore, Ellen MacArthur’s Kingfisher earns “coolest yacht” honors, while Jester Challenge veterans reveal how small boats survive big storms. Foilers steal the spotlight as the WASZP Nationals deliver thrills and the A-Class Worlds get set to launch in Auckland. Add practical gear wisdom from Gary Jobson and light wind finesse at Hilton Head, and you’ve got sailing at every speed.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

Michael: You Don’t Reach Top of the Fleet Overnight (5 min read)
U.S. SailGP wing trimmer Michael Menninger isn’t expecting instant glory but he’s seeing real progress. Since joining mid-season, he’s been fine-tuning the F50’s tricky wing controls and helping the team sharpen their starts. Cádiz showed promise, with smarter strategy and quicker adjustments paying off. With Abu Dhabi ahead, Menninger says the team’s open mindset and strong coaching setup are the keys to climbing the leaderboard—just not overnight.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

World’s Coolest Yachts: Kingfisher/Skandia (4 min read)
Offshore legend Will Oxley picks Ellen MacArthur’s iconic IMOCA Kingfisher, later raced as Skandia, as one of the coolest yachts he’s ever sailed. Designed by Owen Clarke and capable of 30+ knots, this tiller-steered rocket gave Oxley and Brian Thompson the ride of their lives in the 2005 Transat Jacques Vabre. Water pouring over the deck, 100 miles in four hours, just two sailors strapped in and grinning. Proof that raw, wet, high-speed chaos can also be pure joy.

Cruising

Preparing a Small Boat for Heavy Weather with Advice from the Skippers of the Jester Challenge 2025 (7 min read)
The hardy solo sailors of the Jester Challenge 2025 share how they prep their sub-30ft boats to face a blow. From cockpit-led sail controls and DIY doghouses to storm jibs packed for instant launch, these sailors prove that good seamanship beats gadgetry every time. Expect clever hacks, old-school wisdom, and a reminder that surviving heavy weather is all about staying dry, staying strapped in, and staying on board.

Essential Boat Gear: What Every Sailor Needs (6 min read)
Veteran sailor Gary Jobson breaks down what truly counts as essential gear aboard, no clutter, just the good stuff. From anchors that hold to radios that work and charts that never die, his list keeps any boat seaworthy without sinking it in spare parts. It’s a reminder that preparation and simplicity go hand in hand, whether you’re day sailing or crossing oceans. Smart, practical advice for anyone who wants a tidy, capable, ready-for-anything boat.

Foiling

IACA A-Cat Worlds Preview (5 min read)
The 2025 A-Class Cat Worlds are about to light up Auckland’s Milford Cruising Club, where 55 of the world’s fastest singlehanded cats will rip through Castor Bay. The split between Foiling and Classic fleets keeps things spicy, with four past World Champs, Olympians, and even an America’s Cup skipper in the mix. Expect tight racing, flying hulls, and plenty of Kiwi wind. Reigning champ Kuba Surowiec defends his crown, while the Classics look wide open for a new hero to rise.

WASZP UK National Championship 2025 at Draycote Water Sailing Club (6 min read)
The 2025 WASZP UK Nationals at Draycote Water had it all, wind, wipeouts and wild speed. Fifty-six boats battled through gusty chaos as Peter Cope stormed to the national title with cool precision, while Katy Jenkins claimed top female honors. Toby Smith hit 27.6 knots to snag the speed crown, proving the class is as fast as it is fun. Four days of foiling mayhem left the fleet buzzing and grinning, exactly how WASZP sailors like it.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

Joyrider TV takes us onboard for a light wind chess match at the Hilton Head 50th Anniversary Regatta. With barely a ripple on the water, Joe and Laura keep the Hobie 16 gliding while calling smart tactical shots to snag second place. Smooth teamwork, sharp commentary and multicam action make this a masterclass in patience and finesse when the breeze fades. Proof that sometimes the calmest races are the most intense.