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The Melges 15 is redefining what sailors can expect from a modern, doublehanded dinghy. Since its launch, the boat has gained momentum across America and Europe for one simple reason — it delivers high-performance sailing with unmatched accessibility.
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As one of two new teams for Season Five, the Italy SailGP Team revealed it is funded by a group of investors organized by Muse Sport, the sports investing and advisory practice of early-stage VC firm Muse Capital. The consortium is led by Muse founding partner Assia Grazioli-Venier, Italian luxury brand entrepreneur Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, and team CEO Jimmy Spithill.
The transaction, which valued the team at $45 million, also includes Hollywood flair. Academy Award winning actress Anne Hathaway is among the investors, while Passi de Preposulo is married to Academy Award-winning actress and producer Jessica Chastain.
“Anne brings both vision and values to the table. We hope her involvement encourages more people to look under the hood of this league and realize this is not our grandfather’s sailing,” Grazioli-Venier told ESPN. “Her presence reflects the kind of team we’re building — one with heart, talent, and purpose.”
Muse Capital’s portfolio includes the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, Women’s Professional Baseball League, Sports Innovation Lab, and Just Women’s Sports. The acquisition marks the first women-led ownership group for the global racing championship.
The Italian-born Grazioli-Venier got her first taste of SailGP team ownership through the U.S. team, which she invested in several years ago as a minority partner. While the latest transaction closed in February, the new owners have effectively been financing and operating the team since its on-water debut in November.
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The SP80 kiteboat has reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h. This new personal best makes SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded, behind Vestas Sailrocket II and its 68.01-knot top speed.
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Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and match racing world champion Ian Williams nominated the M32 Catamaran. Here’s the report:
As a match racer, Ian Williams frequently jumps into different classes of boats, but the Marström-designed M32 Catamaran is his pick. “What I love about the M32 is the simplicity of design allowing for such a light weight boat (550kg all up) which makes for a number of sailing and practical benefits.
“The boat can be towed behind a normal car, and rigged and launched from a slipway in a few hours.
“On the water, the boat is incredibly responsive, flying a hull in as little as four knots of wind. The C-boards and relatively full bows mean they are also controllable in strong winds, but if you do capsize they are quite straightforward to right with a medium sized RIB, usually with no damage.”
The M32 Catamaran has a rotating rig and hiking racks. “With only two sails, rigging is very quick, and the job list is usually very short. Combined with getting around the race course at high speed means you can step off the boat about four hours after stepping on, having completed five races. Top speed is about 28 knots in perfect conditions, but the boat regularly sails downwind at 23 knots.”
M32 Catamaran stats rating
Top speed: 28 knots
LOA: 9.68m/31ft 9in
Launched: 2011
Berths: 0
Price: $250,000
Adrenalin factor: 85%
For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.
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The Transatlantic Race 2025 from the East Coast of the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom stands as one of sailing’s most time-honored and demanding challenges.
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by Buttons Padin
On a ship in the Navy, Hail and Farewell parties blend the arrival of a new member of the wardroom with a send-off for a departing shipmate. In the Racing Rules of Sailng 2025-2028, an improper “hail” could result in an untimely “farewell” from the protest room.
The current rules address Hailing as follows:
20.1 Hailing
A boat may hail for room to tack and avoid a boat on the same tack by hailing ‘Room to tack.’ However, she shall not hail unless:
• She is approaching an obstruction and will soon need to make a substantial course change to avoid it safely, and
• She is sailing close-hauled or above.
In addition, she shall not hail if the obstruction is a mark and a boat that is fetching it would be required to change course as a result of the hail.
Intertwined in this rule are a number of subtle points that most sailors “reading through the rules” quickly may miss. Let’s consider hailing at an obstruction. – Full report
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Matt Sheahan tours the new Magic Carpet-e, considered to be the most advanced Maxi in more than a decade. In the first of three reports, Matt speaks to owner Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, skipper Danny Gallichan, and project manager Ed Bell about this sophisticated and slippery 100-footer.
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This Sunday at 13:02, the 19 duos competing in the Transat Paprec will set sail across the Atlantic Ocean. The morning promises to be full of emotion.
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Garry Hoyt, visionary sailor and advertising executive, passed away peacefully at home in Newport, Rhode Island on March 31, 2025. He was 93 years old.
Garry’s first career was with the leading global advertising and marketing agency of Young & Rubicam in New York City. After a short time, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Creative Director, to lead business operations and creative services for all Y&R offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Latin America and the Far East.
The twenty-five years spent in the Caribbean allowed him to focus on his favorite sport of sailing during his free time. He represented Puerto Rico in the Olympic Games in Mexico, 1968, Germany, 1972, and Canada, 1976. In St. Thomas, USVI (1970), he became the first Sunfish World Champion. During his years of competitive sailing, he won many trophies in the Caribbean Ocean Racing Circuit and in later years at the Nantucket Yacht Club.
Garry retired from Y&R after 25 years to pursue his unwavering passion for sailing. He moved to Newport, RI in 1980 where he began his second career. He founded Freedom Yachts and for the next twenty-five years he was a yacht designer and innovative entrepreneur.
He was honored with Sail Magazine’s 1999 Award for innovation and in 2001 their Award for Industry Leadership. To acknowledge his many accomplishments, he was inducted into the Barnegat Bay Sailing Hall of Fame in 2008 and the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Garry was the inventor and owner of ten patents. He was the author of five books, his first being ‘Go For The Gold’, written in 1971. He was the architect behind countless designs under the Freedom Yachts, Escape, and Alerion brands.
In the words of Bill Schanen, Publisher and Editor of Sailing Magazine, “These boats were the brainchild of one of the most innovative minds in the world of sailing, that of Garry Hoyt. This hard-core sailing competitor and savvy businessman had a single cause: to make sailing Swifter, Safer and Simpler. He was a World Champion Sailor, Olympic competitor, Yacht Designer, widget Inventor and book author. Garry Hoyt was an authentic Renaissance man of sailing, indeed.”
Garry was born in Elizabeth, NJ to Robert T. and Frances M. (Garrison) Hoyt on April 7, 1931. He was predeceased by his parents and former wife, Patricia T. Hoyt. Garry grew up in Plainfield, NJ. The family summered in Beachwood, NJ and were members of the Beachwood Yacht Club, where Garry learned to sail at the age of 8.
He graduated from Plainfield High School Class of 1948 and Colgate University Class of 1952. He was Captain of the swim team at both schools. This was followed by service to his country in the United States Coast Guard. In 1956 he earned a graduate degree from American Institute of Foreign Trade, now named Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona.
Garry was a member of The New York Yacht Club, the Nantucket Yacht Club, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the Storm Trysail Club and the Naval War College Foundation.
He leaves his wife of 43 years, Donna Robinson Hoyt, his sister-in-law, Janet L. Robinson, his children: Mary C. Brittingham (David) of Washington, DC, Jeffrey T. Hoyt (Yolanda) of Boynton Beach, FL, Eric G. Hoyt (Lilian) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, his brothers, Robert T. Hoyt, Jr. of Newtown Square, PA and Timothy S. Hoyt of Pine Beach, NJ, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Memorial Observance will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sail Newport or the National Sailing Hall of Fame, both of which are in Newport, RI.
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The inaugural J/70 Corinthian European Championship has been a roller coaster of conditions at Clube Naval de Cascais Portugal…
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The 24-year-old Tauranga sailor claimed bronze in the women’s iQFOiL at the 2025 Princess Sofia Trophy regatta in Palma, Mallorca on Saturday following a strong display of speed and consistency in her first major regatta since finishing 10th in Marseille…
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USSailing’s application was designed to be completed in sections. An owner can submit their initial application without having all the required measurement data on hand, including your final crew weight.
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Seattle is set to host the Clipper 2025-26 Race as the global sailing event has announced the city will feature on its race route…
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Donald Gregg Stokes, 73, of Topsfield, MA departed this life on Wednesday, March 27, 2025. His principal passion of competitive sailing began from working at Hood Sails in Marblehead and carried on to the highest levels as a prime candidate for the 1980 Olympic USA Sailing Team.
He launched Stokes Boatworks, Inc., a full-service boatyard that built a fine reputation as an expert in custom boat work, constructing, and preparing racing sailboats for worldwide competition. His boats won many races in the Etchells, Lightning, J/24 and J/30 classes, with one of his Echells standing atop the podium at the 1981 World Championship in Marblehead.
He trained in Hawaii and Australia as practice crew for the 1987 America’s Cup, and volunteered in his later sailing years as an instructor at the Courageous Sailing Center in Boston.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA he was the son to the late Delores Jean Gregaitis & Edward Donald Stokes, and beloved husband to Debra A. Stokes.
Don was a husband, father, grandfather and stalwart friend. Don was a proud and loyal navy recruit in the United States Navy. His dedication to his family was evident in every aspect of his life.
Involved early on in Boy Scouts, he proudly achieved Eagle Scout, eventually involving both of his sons in Scouting as Scoutmaster. Don enthusiastically volunteered and coordinated many learning events for his Troop.
Don was an exceptional person with many abilities and interests. He was known for his innovative artwork and would often be found in his workshop creating sculptures utilizing hardwoods from clear-felled trees. His original creations were featured at local Art Exhibitions alongside the work of his father, Ed Stokes.
Don gladly volunteered his wood craftmanship frequently and donated many creations to benefit children. In recent times building and donating sizable Rocking Horses for the 2022 National Adoption Day celebration at Essex Probate and Family Court in Salem, MA.
Don fostered his love of woodworking by forming a specialty construction and historic restoration company, Harrison Taylor Enterprises (HTE). HTE was responsible for the renovation/restoration of many homes throughout New England, with work featured in local builder’s magazines, Fine Woodworking, and being featured on several episodes of “This Old House” as hosted by Bob Vila.
Don was an enthusiastic Motorsports fan, predominantly focused on Formula 1. Don would always set aside Sunday mornings to cheer on his favorite team and driver, Ferrari and Michael Schumacher. Don would most often be seen sporting some form of Scuderia Ferrari gear and made sure to introduce his sons to his Sunday ritual as often as he was able.
Don is survived by his wife, Debra, sons Harrison and Dillon, and grandson Wesley. Two brothers – George B. Stokes and Robert A. Stokes – and his very much loved adopted English Lab, Buddy Blu. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by one brother, Allan.
Funeral services for Don are private. Contributions may be made in Don’s memory to The American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/donald-stokes-obituary?id=58048852
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President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that the next America’s Cup, the prestigious sailing competition dating back to 1851, will be held at his private club, Mar-a-Lago…
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Not far from the German headland of Cape Arkona, a sailing boat sank March 31 due to massive water ingress. The crew had to climb into the life raft, from which they were rescued a short time later by a fishing boat. The accident was preceded by an attack by killer whales.
According to the crew, the animals were after the yacht’s rudder, which then caused a large leak. The bilge pump was unable to cope with the rapidly penetrating water, with the yacht sinking within a very short time. It is the first documented incident of this kind in the Baltic Sea. Previously, such attacks were only known from the Iberian Atlantic coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. – Full report
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Now that Auckland has removed itself as an option to host the 38th America’s Cup, the leading candidates floating in the media are Italy and Greece, with Greek billionaire George Prokopiou as the man behind his nation’s bid to host the next America’s Cup in 2027.
The 78-year-old shipping tycoon is one of Greece’s richest men with a net worth of more than NZ$6.5 billion, according to Forbes, and is hoping to stage sailing’s biggest event in Athens for the first time.
While Naples is reportedly Italy’s potential host city, that venue may be seen as an advantage to the Italian challenger while Athens would provide a neutral site with significant Olympic history as host to 1st and 28th Games. – Full report
Details: https://www.americascup.com/
Defender New Zealand will work with the Challenger of Record from Great Britain to organize the 38th America’s Cup. Anticipated to be held in 2027, the two teams have agreed on some details with the venue to be confirmed by June 2025 after Barcelona declined hosting another edition.
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33-year-old former British soldier Craig Wood has officially begun his world first maritime expedition to become the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported 7,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean…
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As the Australian summer concludes and the sailors are set for the 2025 international regattas, the Australian Sailing ILCA7 squad has made a crucial stopover in Long Beach, California, the future home of the LA 2028 Olympic sailing competition…
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The XR 41 from X-Yachts was quite a departure from what they’d been doing for the last 15 years: concentrating on high-end Performance Racing Cruisers. This is an out and out race yacht, but it’s also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior…
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In a session at the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum, Bring the Fun Back to Sailing Using Innovative Regatta Formats, the title implies that the fun has left sailing. Has it? Increased participation does follow fun, and growth in the sport is limited. Here are some of the observations shared:
• Conflicting commitments reduce time for traditional weekend racing.
• Conventional racing (ie, W/L courses) is expensive and labor-intensive for organizers and teams.
• Limited availability of regular crew for conventional racing.
• Casual formats and performance cruising are more inclusive and popular.
• Participation is dropping almost everywhere except in innovative, fun formats.
Alternate starting formats:
• Pursuit Starts: Staggered starts based on handicaps; reduces stress.
• Le Mans Starts: Boats anchored with sails down, adding excitement.
• Two-Way Starts: Closed courses where boats can sail in either direction.
• Rally Races: Focus on hitting a predetermined time for finishing.
Innovative race formats:
• Point-to-Point Races: Include destinations with social events.
• Mixed Formats: Buoy and distance races in multi-day events.
• Casual Races: Government mark options, harbor tours, and ‘random’ races.
• Youth & Tech Appeal: Kite/foiling slalom races, newer creative formats.
• Match/Team racing combinations: Attracts various skills.
Events with innovative formats:
• 2025 Annapolis YC 3-2-1 Invitational (Annapolis, MD)
• 2025 O’pen Skiff North American “Un-Regatta” (Pensacola, FL)
• 2025 AYC Two Bridge Fiasco Race (Annapolis, MD)
• 2025 SDYC Hot Rum Series (San Diego, CA)
• Bang & Go Back: Open to any type of boat, starting all together on a beam reach, aiming for a destination until a cannon sounds (~ 30 min), turning back on the sound to the start/finish line, first boat back wins.
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There wasn’t a boat Matt Mitchell couldn’t race or a challenge he wasn’t up for. And, say those closest to the America’s Cup star and grassroots sailing champion, no one was spared his good-hearted quips.
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One of the coolest aspects of SailGP’s fifth season of racing has been the rotating cast of characters who have been reaching the podium’s top step. This past weekend, in San Francisco, it was the Spain SailGP Team’s time to shine…
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On the fourth and final day of the GL52 Pensacola Cup regatta (3/23/25) two races were run in 10-13 knots of breeze.
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The Flying Roos (AUS) broke their wingsail in the final seconds leading up to the start of Race 7 of the Oracle SailGP Regatta in San Francisco.
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Now we published the first one back in June last year. It did really well, thank you. Very much appreciated. Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing, and are keen to get into the foiling world.
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The entry lists are now almost definitive and confirm a historic post-Olympic edition, with almost 850 boats registered comparing favourably to the 779 which took part at the first Sofia regatta of the Paris 2024 cycle.
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The Rockwool Denmark Racing SailGP Team will not compete in San Francisco after damage sustained in Los Angeles was deemed too extensive to repair in time for the weekend.
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The Interdominion Windsurfer LT event, starting Friday, is to challenge the Australian and Pacific nation Windsurfer LT sailors to show the New Zealand Windsurfer LT sailors how they compare on an international level.
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A successful rescue is always rooted in preparation which George Day has us thinking about in this report for the Cruising Compass:
We’re soon going to be in the spring and early summer migration and offshore event season so our thoughts turn to the gear we’ll need to be safe out there. We’ll need the foul weather gear for the region we’re sailing. Got that. Sea boots. Check. Sailing gloves and a watch cap if the nights will be cold. Check. Headlamp with a red lens. Check. New-last-year PLB with AIS. Check.
And then there’s the most important item, an inflatable PFD/harness with a good tether. Last week we reviewed the new Mustang Atlas PFD which impressed me and made me look at my very old and bulky Mustang unit with a clear eye. It’s going to be replaced.
But just as important is the tether and the hooks at either end. These little bits of gear are the keys to the whole personal safety kit. If you don’t stay on the boat because the hook at the end of your tether failed, everything else is now Plan B. – Full report
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The 2025 RORC Caribbean 600 brought together a world-class fleet for one of the most challenging and exhilarating offshore races on the calendar. A 600-mile course weaving through 11 stunning Caribbean islands, with record-breaking Maxis, professionally crewed teams, and Corinthian sailors lining up on the same start line. Watch the full story of the 16th edition.
Event information – Race details – Entry list – Tracker – Results
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Today’s wind was light and shifty as it was yesterday, but the results of the two short-course races was vastly different, which has added to the drama of the final three races of the Winnings 2025 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship.
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While storms don’t read calendars, the start of storm activity in the Eastern Pacific is considered May 15 while the Atlantic begins growling June 1, with both “storm seasons” lasting until November 30. The National Hurricane Center tracks this storm activity, with changes in 2025 helping to predict the havoc.
First, their advisories may be issued up to 72 hours before a system with tropical-storm-force winds or storm surge is likely to approach land regardless of whether or not tropical storm, hurricane or storm surge watches are issued. In recent years, these advisories were issued no more than 48 hours before a system was likely to bring dangerous wind or water hazards to land.
Also, the cone of uncertainty will be reduced in 2025, with the forecast improvements in the eastern Pacific Basin most noticeable. To put this into context, the forecasts for where a tropical storm or hurricane’s center is in five days will decrease from 220 miles to 213 miles in the coming season. Compared to 2003, the five-day forecast in that year was 323 miles.
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Online auction opening Friday 7th March closing Thursday 13th March 2025 at 2pm AEST.
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Nick Hill, Tataki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive, the Events arm of Auckland Council, has confirmed that they are part of a group bidding to hold the America’s Cup in Auckland…
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Seldén Mast is pleased to unveil the Halyard Tensioner 32, a game-changing solution designed to eliminate the cumbersome coils of halyard lines typically found under the sprayhood or at the mast when a furling sail is hoisted…
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The University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation (FBCN) have released the outcome of their post event economic impact study which reveals over €1 billion positive economic GDP return from AC37 for the host venue Barcelona…
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A damaged mast can’t stop him – Aussie Solo Sailor Dan Turner Overcomes Significant Boat Damage Against The Odds and Maintains 4th Place in Mini Globe Race.
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The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is delighted to announce the publication of the Notice of Race for the 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race…
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The 2025-26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is returning to Portsmouth to kick off the next lap of the globe. When the fleet departs in August, the event will be celebrating two milestones, the 25th anniversary of the first departure from the city of Portsmouth and 30 years of training people to cross oceans and sail around the world. The race start will see a four-day festival starting on August 28, 2025, taking over the venue and its surrounding waters, and culminating in a grand departure for this editions competing teams on August 31. – Full story
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