SailGP sharpens again ahead of Perth with Anne-Marie Rindom returning to the ROCKWOOL lineup just weeks after becoming a new mum, adding proven calm and tactical depth to an already fast fleet. Offshore news looks long-term, with the Clipper Round the World Race unveiling its next-generation RX yacht, while youth and student sailing get a boost through new development partnerships. From elite foiling to ocean-scale adventure, momentum keeps building across the sport.

SailGP heads into 2026 with momentum building fast, locking in a long-term technical partnership with Doyle Sails and selling out the Perth season opener before racing even begins. Offshore focus stretches west as the RORC Transatlantic fleet settles into full trade-wind mode, while cruising and design stories underline a clear trend toward faster, more comfortable multihulls. Across racing and cruising alike, preparation, scale, and smart engineering are setting the pace.

SailGP Season Six kicks off in Perth with the Flying Roos setting the tone through speed, confidence, and a very on-brand Hollywood pep talk. Junior fleets sharpen at the Optimist Nationals, heavy weather delivers lessons at Starcross, and the World ARC fleet slips the dock lines for a 15-month lap of the globe. From foiling spectacle to grassroots racing, the season is fully in motion.

Ian Williams extended his grip on match racing history with a ninth world title in Shenzhen, while skiff sailing delivered its usual blend of talent and chaos across Australia’s 16ft and 18ft fleets. Offshore focus shifted west as the RORC Transatlantic fleet launched into the trades, and practical lessons flowed from both elite navigators and lightweight racer-cruiser design. Across disciplines, experience, preparation, and sharp decision making were the common threads separating winners from the rest.

ROCKWOOL Denmark arrive in 2026 as SailGP’s wild card after record-breaking speeds, a first event win, and flashes of genuine title pace when things stayed upright. With thirteen teams now racing head-to-head and prize money climbing fast, SailGP feels sharper and less forgiving than ever. Across the wider sport, match racing knockouts, skiff chaos, and rating debates all point to a season where precision matters and mistakes get punished fast.

NorthStar Canada head into SailGP 2026 with real momentum after podium consistency and a breakthrough win that put them firmly on the contender list. SailGP’s new long term training base with American Magic signals a more settled and professional league structure, while America’s Cup and SailGP politics continue to shift behind the scenes. Offshore and match racing delivered record runs, shock exits, and wide open finales.

France head into SailGP 2026 with fresh investment, new muscle, and growing belief after a breakthrough season capped by a first win. Offshore seamanship took centre stage with a gripping solo knockdown survival story, while match racing delivered instant drama at the World Tour Final. From Olympic leadership changes to grassroots club growth, the early signals point to a busy and competitive season ahead.

Los Gallos head into SailGP 2026 unchanged and motivated after missing the Grand Final by just three points, while onboard footage reminded everyone how brutal F50 racing really is. Practical seamanship took focus with spinnaker control advice, club racing and superyacht performance shared the spotlight, and foiling chaos arrived early at the Moth Nationals where speed and decision making ruled from day one.

The 80th Sydney Hobart rewarded preparation and durability, with Doyle powered teams delivering standout results across line honours and handicap divisions in a race that punished mistakes. Reflections on seamanship highlighted judgement, communication, and respect under pressure, while the return of the Race Around Australia signaled serious ambition in offshore sailing. From maxis to foilers, performance and purpose were both on display.

Heavy weather seamanship sparked debate as sailors revisited lying ahull versus heaving to and why hull shape still matters when conditions turn ugly. Looking ahead, the RS21 calendar for 2026 is stacked with major events and global momentum. At the grassroots end, the ILCA Oceania Solidarity Squad showed how fair safe and fun racing builds confidence. As a new year gets underway, here’s to fresh starts strong fleets and plenty of good sailing ahead.

Sydney Hobart history was rewritten as Jiang Lin became the first woman to skipper the overall winner after a post race protest elevated her double handed team to the top step. Offshore focus then shifted wider, with Class40 leaders hailing a brutal and innovative 2025 and eyes already on an even bigger 2026. New boats, new formats, and new barriers broken as sailing turns the page. Happy New Year to everyone on the water and ashore. Here’s to fair winds, strong starts, and a fast 2026.

The Hobart season delivered fresh names and familiar drama, with The Jackal dominating the Melbourne to Hobart and Jiang Lin becoming the first woman to claim Sydney Hobart overall honours after a protest reshaped the podium. Double handers and lighter boats underlined a generational shift offshore, while the Half Ton Classics Cup received a major boost as Seldén signed on for 2026.