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Sailing News for February 20, 2026

The RORC Caribbean 600 is shaping up as a flat-out speed duel with MOD70 trimarans Argo and Zoulou ready to throw down over 600 miles of island hopping at 30-plus knots, while maxis and even a fearless Mini 6.50 add layers to what could be one of the wildest editions yet. In Australia, the 18ft Skiff Club Championship wraps up on Sydney Harbour with Yandoo already crowned but plenty still on the line ahead of the JJ Giltinan, and on Moreton Bay Alessandro Marega made history as the first Italian to win the Finn Gold Cup after a tense final day in light, tricky conditions. Youth development gets a practical boost as RYA Northern Ireland sharpens inclusive safety planning across clubs, and the day closes with a closer look at what American Magic’s takeover of the Danish SailGP team really means, confirming the flag stays Danish even as serious American muscle moves in behind the scenes.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

Caribbean speed demons prepare for 600-mile island-hopping duel (4 min read)
The RORC Caribbean 600 is about to get loud. MOD70 trimarans Argo and Zoulou are lining up for a full-send, 600-mile drag race around 11 islands, both capable of holding 30-plus knots like it’s casual. They were separated by just a couple hours after 3,000 miles in the Transatlantic, so expect this one to be tight. Add 100-foot maxis throwing punches and a tiny Mini 6.50 chasing a David vs Goliath moment, and this year’s edition looks wild.

18ft Skiff Club Championship Finale this Sunday (4 min read)
The 18s hit Sydney Harbour this Sunday for one last Club Championship showdown before the JJ Giltinan circus rolls into town. Yandoo has already locked up the title after steamrolling the series, but there’s still plenty to fight over, including the Season Point Score led by Sixt. Expect 14 to 18 knots of nor’easter and full-send runs down the Harbour. Bonus intrigue: Germany’s shiny new Black Knight is lurking ahead of Worlds. Consider this the final dress rehearsal.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Alessandro Marega becomes first Italian to win Finn Gold Cup (5 min read)
Alessandro Marega just made Italian sailing history, locking up the Finn Gold Cup on Moreton Bay with a race to spare. He and Anders Østre Pedersen were separated by a single point going into the final day, but Marega kept his cool in tricky sub-10 knot breeze while others stumbled. Brendan Casey snagged bronze for Australia after a late push, and Rafa Trujillo got a Hall of Fame nod. Tight racing, wild conditions, and a proper heavyweight showdown.

Youth Sailing/Development

RYA Northern Ireland Strengthens Inclusive Safety Practice Across Clubs (3 min read)
RYA Northern Ireland is doubling down on inclusive sailing with a hands-on Safety Management Systems workshop this March at Newforge Sports Complex. The focus is simple: keep safety plans practical, clear, and proportionate so volunteers can spend less time guessing and more time getting people on the water. Led by Sailability Manager Joff McGill and Oran Young, it’s all about real-world advice and shared club experience. Inclusive sailing is growing fast, and this is about making sure safety keeps up.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

American Magic just dropped $60 million to buy the Danish SailGP team, but don’t expect stars and stripes on the sail just yet. Rockwool stays on as title sponsor through 2032, Nicolai Sehested keeps the helm, and the crew stays put. The big shift is behind the curtain, with American Magic’s budget and structure now in play. Add a Pensacola F50 base and talk of a SailGP “second division,” and this move feels a lot bigger than one team.