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Podcast: SailGP Season 5 Grand Final in Abu Dhabi: A Deep Dive
In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, hosts Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley discuss the final SailGP event of the season held in Abu Dhabi.
The Famous Project CIC Jules Verne Trophy attempt set to start on Saturday
Alexia Barrier's eight–women 'The Famous Project CIC' challenge for the Jules Verne Trophy is set to begin on Saturday.
ROCKWOOL renews multi-year commitment to SailGP through to 2032
ROCKWOOL has renewed its multi-year commitment to SailGP, extending its title partnership of the Danish-flagged ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team through to the end of 2032 – making it the league's longest-standing team partnership
Harry Melges IV joins US SailGP Team
The U.S. SailGP Team has added World Champion American sailor Harry Melges IV to its roster ahead of this weekend’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Grand Final, further strengthening its crew as it builds toward the future.
AC38: Still more questions than answers
The information blackout currently engulfing the America’s Cup continues to frustrate sailing fans around the world. AC enthusiasts are understandably hungry for new information about the upcoming 38th edition, but despite a surfeit of questions answers are few and far between.
Get ready for the SailGP $2M Season 6 showdown in Abu Dhabi
Sailors from SailGP’s 12 international teams are converging on Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates this week ahead of next weekend's final event of the international circuit’s fifth season, where the Grand Final winners will collect a cheque for $2 million.
Born from innovation
As Rigging Projects has grown from a small boutique consulting business to a high-end manufacturer its ethos – and its success – have not changed.
Engineered to win
How carbon spar and rig packages provided Admiral’s Cup teams with the winning edge.
Racing Roundup #018
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Athena Racing announces Ian Walker as new CEO
The world-renowned sailor & high-performance executive is a two-time Olympic silver medallist, a past British America's Cup skipper and winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, and has previously served as performance director for the British Sailing Team and, most recently, CEO of North Sails UK.
Racing Roundup #017
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Dual scoring: CSA’s truce with IRC
Rather than having to choose between keeping their own tried-and-tested CSA rating system or replacing it with IRC, from next year all the major Caribbean regattas will offer dual scoring under both rating systems.
Powerful ocean voyager
Balance Catamarans’ next-generation 580 has some new innovative design features, with strong emphasis on performance and comfort at sea.
Beyou and Lagravière complete a stunning victory on Charal in the Transat Café L’OR
The French sailors Jérémie Beyou and Morgan Lagravière on board Charal have sailed to victory in the 17th edition of the Transat Café L’OR to complete a convincing win in the IMOCA Class.
More than a paint supplier
In the fiercely competitive world of offshore racing every ounce counts and every micron matters. Even seemingly minor decisions in a refit can translate into critical gains at sea.
Racing Roundup #016
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Transat Café L’OR: Beyou and Lagravière on course for historic IMOCA victory
With just over 500 miles to go the Transat Café L’OR has turned into a masterclass by Jérémie Beyou and Morgan Lagravière on the IMOCA Charal.
PLC upgrade insights
Continuing to run old PLC systems can be a false economy. Nick McGarry, CEO of Diverse Performance Systems, explains the key considerations.
Evolution, good management, rule stability – and growth
A season update from Andrew McIrvine – Secretary General of the International Maxi Association.
Racing Roundup #014
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
American Magic declines to challenge for 38th America's Cup
American Magic today confirmed it will not compete in the 38th edition of the America’s Cup.
IMOCAs Charal and MACIF Santé Prévoyance tussle for transatlantic lead
After an action-packed first two days in the Transat Café L’OR, the lead is being disputed by four of the top sailors in the IMOCA Class while the fleet has also seen its first big split.
Racing Roundup #013
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Racing Roundup #012
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
18 IMOCA pairs set to do battle in the Transat Café l’OR
The final IMOCA race of the 2025 season gets underway from Le Havre for Martinique in the Caribbean on Sunday, and it looks set to be a thriller featuring some of the top boats and sailors in the Class ready to push hard for victory.
Racing Roundup #011
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Olympic innovation
Gottifredi Maffioli takes the trapeze cleat to a new level of sophistication.
Racing Roundup #010
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Racing Roundup #009
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Argo Challenge: A 20-year quest to bring disabled sailors into the America’s Cup
Antonio Spinelli’s revived Argo Challenge is bidding to field international teams of disabled sailors in the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup at AC38, with hopes of racing in the AC40 prelims too. Backed by Lars Grael and Heiko Kroger, the project seeks funding and approval to make history.
Racing Roundup #008
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Ainslie and Dalton on the new America's Cup landscape
As few as four and as many as seven – that’s the range of potential entries that Challenger of Record CEO Ben Ainslie believes is in prospect for the 38th edition of the America’s Cup.
Emirates Team New Zealand announce new sailors and sail for first time in AC38
Almost a year to the day since Emirates Team New Zealand sealed victory in the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain, the Kiwi syndicate has taken to the water for the first time in their latest campaign to mount a defence of sailing’s biggest prize.
Podcast: Iain Percy – CEO Artemis SailGP Team
My guest on the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is British triple-Olympic medallist Ian Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies and the newly-announced Swedish Artemis SailGP team – which will be skippered by Nathan Outteridge in Season 6 of the global high-performance circuit.
New global partnership agreement paves the way for a ‘supercharged’ America’s Cup
The America’s Cup has entered a new era today with the welcome news that the terms of the much-anticipated America’s Cup Partnership have been agreed by all the teams planning to participate in the 38th edition of sailing’s oldest and most prestigious competition.
Racing Roundup #007
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Podcast: 2025 OK Dinghy World Champion Andrew Mills
My guest on the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is British dinghy sailor Andrew Mills, a past Olympic campaigner in the Finn class who recently won the International OK Dinghy World Championship after topping a fleet of 212 boats during a week-long series on Lake Garda, Italy.
Thinking inside the drum
Designing around a motor required a blank-sheet approach in creating Harken’s latest product, DynaDrive – a winch that puts power to the fore.
Racing Roundup #006
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Cagliari delivers perfect Olympic sailing showcase
The 2025 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 Worlds in Cagliari showcased not just spectacular racing, but world-class coverage. Andy Rice and Odile van Aanholt’s sharp, insightful commentary, paired with stunning drone footage, made Olympic-class sailing gripping and easy to follow for online fans – like me.
Racing Roundup #005
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
That's Entertainment...
Sailing’s biggest stages – the America’s Cup, Olympic sailing, SailGP, and the Vendée Globe – are now global entertainment products. But does that matter to the weekend racer? Here's why I think it’s something the sport should celebrate, not fear.
Racing Roundup #004
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Podcast: USA SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Podcast I sit down with USA SailGP team boss Mike Buckley...
Making it tougher (for Terry)
52 Super Series communications boss Andi Robertson checks in with an update on what has been a another busy and highly competitive season for the TP52 fleet.
Racing Roundup #002
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
Lightweight luxury
Over the last three decades, Southern Wind has developed and perfected a system of building ultra-lightweight interiors that don’t compromise on style, comfort – or boatspeed. Rupert Holmes explains how this is achieved.
SailGP Cádiz Analysis
In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast I am joined by the Rule69Blog’s Magnus Wheatley to unpack a light-air weekend of racing at the SailGP event in Cádiz, Spain.
How Paradox beat the MOCRA form guide in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race
Paul Flynn’s 63-foot trimaran Paradox rounded out an idyllic cruising summer with an impressive Fastnet Race triumph, beating the pre-race favourite MOD70s to win the MOCRA class in the 100th edition by way of sharp tactics, smooth teamwork, and a memorable tidal glide into the finish in Cherbourg.
Racing Roundup #001
Our curated digest of the latest news and stories from across the yacht racing world.
SailGP trial new 27-metre wingsail for possible use in Season 5 Grand Final
SailGP is in the final stages of testing a 27 metre wing sail configuration that could be used as early as the 2025 Season 5 Grand Final in Abu Dhabi in November.
Up for the challenge…
When Nautor needed a custom furler to handle extreme loads, they knew Reckmann could design and deliver…
No hesitation: Dee Caffari prepares to race around the world for a seventh time
Dee Caffari is co-skipper of Alexia Barrier’s all-female crew on IDEC Sport as they prepare for a bold shot at the Jules Verne Trophy – non-stop around the world, aiming to set a first-ever women's reference time and inspire the next generation of female ocean racers. Ed Gorman finds out more.
Podcast: Building Real Pathways for Women in Sailing — The Magenta Project CEO, Vicky Low
I sit down with Vicky Low, CEO of The Magenta Project, to unpack how a volunteer-driven idea born out of the Team SCA all-women campaign in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 has evolved into one of the sport’s most effective engines for getting more women into sailing.
Enzo Balanger Interview – Part 3: Executing on the plan
In the final installment of our exclusive three-part feature on Enzo Balanger's victory at the 2025 Moth World Championships at Malcesine on Italy's Lake Garda the French sailor talks about dealing with pressure and explains how two breakdowns meant his win was far from a walk in the park.
New generation flagship
Nautor’s range of Maxi Swans is evolving and the launch of the first Swan 128 points the way to the future for this long and iconic line of sailing yachts.
British Olympic campaigners take to social media over proposed Medal Race changes
British Sailing Team members Micky Beckett and John Gimson have made their feeling's public on World Sailing's proposed plan to modify the Medal Race format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Ferrari Hypersail Update
Last week I made a ‘trains, planes, and automobiles’ round trip to attend an update presentation on Giovanni Soldini’s Ferrari Hypersail project at the spectacular all-new North Sails loft in Genoa, Italy.
Glenn Ashby on the Ferrari Hypersail project
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Podcast I quiz Australian Olympian, two-time America’s Cup winner, and current wind-powered land speed record holder Glenn Ashby about his role as rig designer for the Ferrari Hypersail project.
The team comes first...
A winning blend of talent and loyalty led Cameron Appleton to Doyle Sails.
Dutch Masterclass...
I speak to Dutch Olympian Pieter-Jan Postma who dominated the 2025 Finn Masters Worlds in Medemblik, winning six of eight races despite a three-year absence from the class - showcasing sharp strategy, bold risk-taking, and a new mast-sail setup that proved decisive across a 301-boat fleet.
Enzo Balanger Interview – Part 2: Optimising the platform
In the second installment of our exclusive three-part feature on Enzo Balanger's spectacular victory at the 2025 Moth World Championship, the French sailor talks about the hardware – the boat and a new steel rudder – that helped him win.
SailGP Geneva Analysis
On the latest edition of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast British sailing journalists Justin Chisholm & Magnus Wheatley give an honest appraisal of a tricky weekend in Geneva: ultra-light winds and racing that was “mostly non-foiling” – at times dull for viewers and deeply frustrating for the crews.
Editor's Notebook
Naples planning to do AC38 in style | Artemis Racing joins SailGP for Season 6 | Time to rethink the Olympic Medal Race
World’s best test laboratory
Intensive and long-running R&D with four SailGP teams is one of the keys to Zhik’s product innovation.
Cowes Week Legend: John Tremlett’s Unprecedented 10th Captain’s Cup Win
John Tremlett quietly made history at Cowes Week, clinching the Captain’s Cup in the XODs for a record 10th time. With decades of racecraft, calm focus, and unmatched consistency, the 56-year-old sailor has set a benchmark in one of the Solent’s most demanding fleets.
SailGP St. Tropez Analysis
In the latest Yacht Racing Life Podcast, host Justin Chisholm and regular guest Magnus Wheatley dissect the SailGP regatta held in Saint-Tropez, a weekend dominated by tricky conditions, new technical challenges, and some standout performances.
A go-anywhere high performance cruiser...
Here’s a compelling concept: ice class hull strength and ultimate reliability combined with planing performance and obsessive attention to detail.
Now with added Magic...
Nautor’s ClubSwan one-design racing division has forged a powerful new partnership with one of the leading America’s Cup teams and for the first time ever they’ve tooled up to build Swans overseas – in Pensacola, Florida.
SailGP and the Need for Speed
Yacht Racing Life guest contributor Digby Fox examines the significance of SailGP's recent record-setting top speeds and speaks to Russell Coutts and outright sailing world speed record-holder Paul Larsen – creator and pilot of Vestas SpeedRocket 2 – for insight.
A sailing Paradox: Racing Fast, Cruising Easy
When Paul Flynn decided to return to sailing after a decades-long absence, he didn’t follow the expected route. Instead, he bought Paradox – a 63-foot carbon fibre trimaran with offshore racing pedigree and the sort of speed potential that turns heads on any racecourse.
Enzo Balanger Interview – Part 1: Preparing for victory
In the first of three exclusive stories based on my interview with 2025 Moth World Champion – Enzo Balanger – we find out how the French sailor prepared for the event by moving to the championship venue months ahead of the regatta.
Back to what they love
As Doyle Sails joins the North Technology Group (NTG) the company's directors are refocused on sailmaking and sailing.
Next level hydraulic systems
When you need a canting keel for a supermaxi that also lifts like a dinghy centreboard, Cariboni is up for the challenge.
Analysing the boldest America's Cup Protocol yet
In the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast, I sit down with Andy Rice, – founder of both Sailjuice.com and Road to Gold – and Dave Reed – editor of Sailing World magazine – to pick over what the new AC38 Protocol means for the Cup, the teams, and the sport.
Quick out of the blocks
At only their second regatta in the 52 Super Series the Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup, Andrea Lacorte’s Alkedo Vitamina team came tantalisingly close to finishing runners-up behind the triumphant American Magic Quantum Racing – writes Andy Robertson.
SailGP Sassnitz analysis
Sassnitz served up drama for SailGP: France’s first win this season, Britain’s resurgence, Aussie consistency – plus pre-racing breakages and a crash, that raised big safety questions. Magnus Wheatley and I break it all down on the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast.
Packed programme for the Maxi fleet
A mid-season update from the International Maxi Association from IMA Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine…
Dalton and Ainslie speak on new Protocol for AC38
Following on from today’s announcement of a new agreed Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton and Athena Racing CEO Ben Ainslie faced questions from the international media about the new deal. Here are the highlights of what they had to say…
AC38 back on track after Defender and COR ink bold new Protocol
The Protocol for AC38 has been signed, introducing a new partnership model, budget caps, fleet racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup, no new AC75s for existing teams, five-person crews including a mandated female sailor, battery power, the return of the Youth and Women's ACs, and no non-compete clause.
Editor's Notebook
Peter Lester 1954 – 2025 | Are there signs of détente in the long-running America’s Cup dispute? | Spectacle and drama in Kiel at the start of The Ocean Race Europe 2025
Admiral’s Cup 2025 – What went well – and how to make it even better
With the dust now settled on the 2025 edition of the Admiral’s Cup I thought it would be a good time to celebrate the many successful elements of the event – and also to reflect on what I think could be improved on for the next edition, which is scheduled for 2027.
How Tom Dolan won the Figaro du Solitaire by changing his mindset
Tom Dolan made history in 2024 as the first non-French winner of the Solitaire du Figaro. In this interview, the Irish solo skipper shares how a mindset shift, better preparation, and focusing on what he could control helped him finally conquer France’s toughest offshore race.
Seven IMOCA crews prepare for The Ocean Race's five-stage sprint around Europe
The Ocean Race's 4,500-nautical mile six-week European tour starts on Sunday with a testing and technical stage from Kiel to Portsmouth on the English south coast, where the four-strong mixed crews are expected to arrive on Thursday or Friday next week. Ed Gorman previews the action.
The post-regatta routine that delivers podium results
Most sailors pack up after a regatta with only a vague sense of what to improve. The best review each race, study what top performers did differently, & create targeted training plans to fix weaknesses. Dan Self from The Layline on how to turn every regatta into a step toward the front of the fleet.
Northern raiders...
A couple of weeks ago, three middle-aged sailors – two Brits and an Aussie – got together in London with a couple of bottles of champagne to celebrate a remarkable episode in the sport that happened 26 years ago on Sydney Harbour – writes Ed Gorman.
Garmin quatix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Yacht Racers
The Garmin quatix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED is more than a smartwatch – it’s a race tool for serious sailors. With GPS-assisted start functions, full Garmin marine integration, and a stunning AMOLED display, it’s built to give yacht racers an edge on and off the water.
Carbon spars for all...
With hi-tech construction processes, efficient production, expanding reach, extended product ranges and increasing economy of scale, MC1 Spars is making it feasible for a broader church of boats to have carbon masts and booms.
Simon Fisher’s 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race weather and routing outlook
With light to moderate winds forecast, this year's Rolex Fastnet won’t be a record‑breaker, but according to legendary British navigator Simon Fisher, it could be brutal on the brain – with moderate breeze, tricky tides, and a high‑stakes routing game from Cowes to Fastnet Rock and on to Cherbourg.
SailGP Portsmouth Analysis
Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley unpack the highs and lows of SailGP Portsmouth — from Team GB’s home-water resurgence to bold new ideas for the league’s future — plus some candid reflections on SailGP's media strategy.
Admiral's Cup: Old heads and new tricks
The Admiral’s Cup returns with inshore and offshore challenges testing veterans and newcomers alike. After three races, Monaco and Hong Kong lead the standings, with New Zealand and Italy close behind. Crews are relishing the mix of conditions and some classic Solent complexity.
SailGP draws the crowds as the Admiral's Cup returns to the Solent
I am in England’s sailing capital, Cowes on the Isle of Wight, soaking in the heady atmosphere at the first Admiral’s Cup to be held in 22 years. But I also sneaked away over the weekend to catch the action at the SailGP event in nearby Portsmouth.
Adrian Stead on taking on the Admiral's Cup for New Zealand
The Admiral’s Cup returns after 22 years, and Adrian Stead is back – this time racing for New Zealand. With a top-tier crew and two proven boats, I quizzed Stead for some insights on the challenge ahead – from inshore finesse to offshore endurance in one of sailing’s toughest tests.
Interview: Tom Slingsby ahead of Emirates Great Britain SailGP in Portsmouth
Tom Slingsby and his Aussie crew are out to halt Spain’s two-event SailGP winning streak at this weekend's Portsmouth, UK regatta. I chatted to Slingsby today about what he's learned from analysing the Spanish team's data, flight control strategy, and how Moth Worlds racing has sharpened his edge.
Terry Hutchinson debriefs Quantum Racing American Magic's TP52 World Championship win
I sat down with Terry Hutchinson to talk about the TP52 Worlds in Cascais, where bold calls, and tight teamwork led to a dramatic regatta win for American Magic Quantum Racing. From high-stakes manoeuvres to hard-earned lessons – it's a great insight into high pressure sailing at the top level.
Ken Read Interview
In the latest episode of the Yacht Racing life podcast I sit down with North Sails president Ken Read for a chat about the recent goings on in the sailboat racing world.
Enzo Balanger’s Garda Breakthrough
France’s Enzo Balanger claimed the 2025 Moth World Championship on Lake Garda with a week of near-flawless racing. Tom Slingsby stormed back for second, while Kiwi Jacob Pye sealed third and the Youth title in a stacked fleet of Olympic medallists and rising stars.
Extreme H2O: Designing the PB72, a semi-foiling offshore machine
Ferdinand van West, project lead designer at Morrelli & Melvin takes us through the naval architecture of Extreme H20, the PB72, a semi-foiling offshore machine.
Luna Rossa becomes true home team for 38th America's Cup in Naples
Luna Rossa will race under the flag of Naples’ Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia for the 38th America’s Cup – marking a proud home campaign and a new partnership for Italy’s iconic challenger.
Interview: Tanguy Cariou – new CEO at the ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP team
Justin Chisholm speaks to Tanguy Cariou – new CEO of the ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team, who brings four years SailGP experience with the Swiss team, and aims to boost performance, manage league relations, and support skipper Nicolai Sehested as the team regroups for the rest of Season 5.
Full steam ahead...
Canada is all-in for the 2027 Youth and Women’s America’s Cup events in Naples, with the Vancouver Yacht Club-backed team aiming for the podium and building a national pathway for Olympic, SailGP, and America's Cup sailors along the way. Justin Chisholm quizzed team CEO Mark McLean for more details.