Sailing News Roundup — August 8, 2025 | Offshore Races, SailGP, and Ocean Initiatives

Sailing news, curated for sea people

From SailGP’s splash in Portsmouth to the quiet confidence of all-female crews in the Norfolk Broads, this week’s roundup captures what matters — whether you’re racing at 50+ knots or cruising toward solitude. As always, we keep it relevant for long-distance sailors, liveaboards, and ocean lovers.

1. SAIL Amsterdam Returns with Largest Fleet Ever

From August 20–24, SAIL Amsterdam 2025 will grace the IJ waters with over 10,000 ships representing more than 20 countries — a celebration of maritime tradition and spectacle in the heart of the city. Every five years, this festival brings together historic tall ships and modern vessels, blending heritage, culture, and urban energy in a way that feels astonishing out on the water. For cruising sailors and heritage enthusiasts alike, it’s a stunning reminder of how sailing connects the past with today.

Follow here - Sail Amsterdam

2. Ocean Race Europe Kicks Off from Kiel with Eco Mission

The much-awaited Ocean Race Europe 2025 is set to begin on August 10, originating from Kiel and spanning to Boka Bay via major ports like Portsmouth, Cartagena, Nice, and Genova. The race will feature IMOCA 60 foilers—like Malizia-Seaexplorer—and VO65 one-design boats, continuing the legacy of fully crewed mixed-gender format. The forward-looking event also promises sustainability drivers with an environmental mission woven into its global rally.

More info - Ocean Race Europe

3. SailGP Brings "F1 on Water" to Portsmouth

Imagine Formula 1 boats, but on the ocean: that’s SailGP’s reality. In Portsmouth, 12 national teams raced aboard foiling F50 catamarans reaching speeds up to 52 knots. Cheers echoed from huge shore-side screens as New Zealand beat Great Britain in a thrilling showdown. The event was more than a competition—it turned sailing into entertainment, mixed-gender crews, live analytics, and DJ sets onshore making it a spectacle to remember.

More - SailGP

4. Empowering Women Onboard — Sailing Retreat in Norfolk Broads

A serene all-female retreat took place in the Norfolk Broads, organized by Women on the Water Wellbeing Weekends. Fifteen sailors, many over 45, from novices to experienced, found community over five boats with yoga, evening pub dinners, swims, and shared skills. Skipper Els Robinson led the crew aboard “Windsong.” The experience—it wasn’t just sailing, but emotional restoration and confidence built at the helm.

Read full story - Women at the helm

5. Kiteboarders Chase Meltemi Winds near Athens

When the strong meltemi winds hit the coast near Athens, kitesurfers flocked to Agios Nikolaos beach to ride the waves. Gusts reached 60 km/h — the perfect playground for aerial tricks. One rider, Alexios Limperopoulos, shared the rush of riding high and how the community stays connected to weather, sea, and spirit of the sport. It's a reminder that challenging breeze can turn into endless opportunity—both for adrenaline and connection to nature.

6. Dorsia Sailing Team Launches Ambitious New Season

Spain’s Dorsia Sailing Team kicked off their 2025 campaign sporting ambition and experience. Led by accomplished sailors including Olympian Sara Carmo, the all-female squad will compete in major regattas like the Copa del Rey and Winter Series. They highlight innovation and female leadership in sailing, having previously earned Spain’s National Sailing Project Award. Expect bold performances and bold presence across Mediterranean waters.

Follow them - Dorsia Sailing Team

7. Melilla Nautical Week Brings Culture & Racing to Spain

Melilla, Spain, is hosting its annual Nautical Week in August, where dinghy racing, offshore regattas, and cultural festivals collide. The “Two Continents Race” reflects Melilla’s unique geography and heritage. Over 300 athletes from Spain and Morocco will join in, proving how sailing can connect maritime sports, local history, and community pride all in one coastal event.

8. New Youth Wave in 29er Porto World Championship

The 2025 29er World Championship in Porto (Aug 1–8) brings together the world’s best youth sailors in a class loved for speed, agility, and growth. Coastal cities like Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos host these rising stars. For cruising yachts selecting training programs or junior crews, it’s a glimpse into talent and energy shaping the sport’s future.

9. Community Sailing Grows Inland—Kansas City Clubs Engage Local Youth

Sailing isn’t only for the coast—clubs in Kansas City are fostering wind skills inland. Only accessible via lakes like Shawnee Mission and Jacomo, these groups offer boat rentals, racing, and a strong social core. Commodore Matthew Lero and team host “Come Sail With Us” event in October, proving the draw of sailing is as much about people as it is about wind and waves.

10. Hanse Sail 2025 in Rostock Welcomes Tall Ship Enthusiasts

Europe’s maritime tradition continues with Hanse Sail 2025 (Aug 7–10) in Rostock, sponsored by AIDA Cruises. Tall ships and historic vessels will gather to celebrate heritage and cruising culture, offering festivals onshore and parades on the water. AIDA’s “Admiral” sponsorship shows how cruising experience and event culture drive maritime community forward.

More info - Hanse Sail

Sailoscope Insight

This week’s Log blends high-speed performance, heritage events, and inclusive community moments—from elite racing commands to wind-driven empowerment and inland inclusivity. Cruising and sailing is becoming more diverse, participatory, and creative than ever.

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