Log of the Week – 15 August 2025: America’s Cup Changes, Youth Victories & Sustainable Superyachts

From groundbreaking America’s Cup reforms to futuristic superyachts and high-speed foiling races, the past week has been nothing short of thrilling for the sailing world.

In this week’s log, we look at the stories making waves — from young crews claiming victory in classic offshore races to clean-energy breakthroughs redefining luxury yachting. Whether your heart beats faster for competitive regattas, cutting-edge tech, or the quiet romance of marina life, there’s something here to inspire every sailor, cruiser, and sea dreamer.

1. America's Cup Undergoes Radical Overhaul

The 174-year-old America's Cup is being reimagined for broader appeal. New rules introduce a guaranteed female sailor seat, a €75 million cost cap, five-person crews, inclusion of influencers onboard, and a shift to battery-powered systems replacing cyclors. The winner's privilege of setting future venues has been revoked, with a board of teams now in charge. The biennial event begins in Naples in 2027.

2. Equal Governance for America's Cup 2027

Complementing the reforms above, the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) now grants all teams equal say in organizations, media, and event structure. The competition will retain AC75 foiling yachts and impose a spirit of inclusivity with nationality rules and cost ceilings.

3. Lanzarote Team Wins Spain's Oldest Offshore Race

In the LXXV Regata Internacional San Ginés, Lanzarote Sailing Paradise, helmed by Alonso Pérez, triumphed in challenging, light-wind conditions. The youthful crew (ages 16–20) took the ORC 1-2 class win. The event, which ran from Gran Canaria to Arrecife, also awarded legends and fastest-boat honors in a celebratory prize-giving ceremony.

4. 2025 Garmin ORC World Championships Kick Off in Tallinn

Sixty-five teams from nine nations are competing in the 2025 Garmin ORC World Championship, hosted by the Kalev Yacht Club and Tallinn Olympic Sailing Centre. The event includes both inshore and offshore races and promises to crown top contenders in a full schedule of competitive sailing.

5. Record-Breaking Hybrid Superyacht 'Leviathan' Launched

Oceanco has launched its largest-ever build: the 111 m (364 ft) hybrid superyacht Leviathan. Blending scale, innovation, and human-centric design, Leviathan represents a new wave in purposeful luxury yachting, with sea trials now under way.

6. SailGP 2025 Season Rolls On with Germany Debut

The high-octane SailGP championship continues with its first-ever German stop in Sassnitz on 16–17 August. Sailors will race foiling catamarans at over 60 mph—bringing elite, visually stunning racing to European waters.

7. Olympic Gold Medalist Joins SailGP Ranks

Olympic kiteboarding champion Ellie Aldridge is transitioning into pro catamaran racing with SailGP’s Emirates Great Britain team. She’ll shadow strategists and train for roles like flight controller—bridging solo Olympic prowess with the teamwork and speed of SailGP.

8. Fuel-Cell Superyacht "Breakthrough" Redefines Clean Cruising

Feadship’s Breakthrough, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, is now delivered. The 118.8 m vessel can cruise emission-free using liquid hydrogen and methanol, with backup hybrid systems. It features beachfront-like expanses, balconies, an infinity pool, and underwater lounge—a luxurious vision of sustainable yachting.

9. The Ocean Race Europe 2025 Sets a Pan-European Course

The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe started on 10 August in Kiel. The race stretches across five legs through Portsmouth, Cartagena, Nice, Genoa, and concludes in Boka Bay—promising high-stakes offshore competition across major European sailing hubs.

Final Thoughts

This week’s news—from game-changing reforms in flagship regattas to sustainable yacht launches and high-speed racing evolutions—paints a vibrant picture of where sailing is heading. What connects them all? The balance between heritage and innovation: respecting traditions while boldly embracing the future. Here’s to sails that honor the past and navigate toward tomorrow’s seas.