Log of the Week - 13 December 2025 - Sailing News

Some weeks, the sailing world feels loud and fast. Other weeks, the changes are quieter — but just as important. This week is very much the second kind. Behind the headlines, you can see patterns forming: how people buy boats, when they choose to sail, where marinas invest, and how the industry adjusts after a busy few years.

Here are the stories that stood out this week — not dramatic, but meaningful for anyone who spends time on the water.

SailGP confirms calendar expansion plans beyond 2026

SailGP has confirmed that it is actively planning further expansion beyond its current calendar, with discussions underway for additional venues in Asia and South America. The league says it wants to grow carefully, keeping events close to major coastal cities while staying aligned with its sustainability goals.

For sailing fans, this signals that SailGP is settling into a long-term role in the sport rather than remaining a short-lived spectacle. For the wider sailing world, it also shows how professional sailing is increasingly tied to global visibility, clean technology messaging, and coastal engagement. Even if foiling race boats feel far removed from cruising life, the attention they bring to sailing — and to environmental responsibility — still ripples through the industry.

Major European yacht builders report slower order growth for 2026

Several large European yacht builders have reported slower growth in new orders for 2026 compared to the post-pandemic boom years. Industry representatives describe this not as a collapse, but as a return to more normal levels after an unusually busy period.

Interestingly, many builders also note strong demand for refits, upgrades, and after-sales support. This suggests a shift in mindset: instead of constantly buying new boats, owners are investing more in the boats they already have. For cruisers, this could mean slightly better availability of new builds, more attention from yards, and — importantly — a healthier used-boat market as fleets stabilise.

Global marina groups increase investment in shore power infrastructure

Marina operators around the world are increasing investment in shore power systems, driven by environmental targets and growing demand from boat owners. Projects are expanding across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia-Pacific, with a focus on reducing emissions in port and improving energy efficiency.

For sailors, shore power upgrades may not sound exciting, but they change daily life in very real ways. Better electrical capacity means fewer restrictions, quieter nights, and more options for boats with larger battery banks or hybrid systems. It also signals where the industry is heading: cleaner marinas, stricter expectations, and a future where plugging in becomes just as normal as filling up with water.

Demand for used cruising boats remains strong despite new-boat slowdown

While new-boat orders are slowing, brokers report that demand for well-maintained used cruising boats remains strong. Boats that are ready to sail, sensibly equipped, and properly documented continue to sell quickly, especially models suited for liveaboard life and longer-distance cruising.

Buyers, however, are becoming more careful. Condition, upgrade history, and clear documentation matter more than ever. This is good news for sellers who have looked after their boats — and a reminder for current owners that good maintenance and clear records are not just helpful now, but valuable later. In a calmer market, quality stands out.

More cruisers choose shoulder seasons to avoid congestion

Cruising associations and marina operators report a growing number of sailors deliberately shifting their plans to spring and autumn. Crowded anchorages, limited marina space, and rising summer costs are pushing many cruisers away from peak season.

The shoulder seasons offer quieter harbours, more availability, and often better sailing conditions — without the pressure of high summer traffic. This trend is reshaping how people think about “the sailing season.” Instead of racing the calendar, more cruisers are choosing flexibility, patience, and a slower rhythm that fits better with both the sea and their own energy.

A Personal Note

Reading through this week’s news, I’m struck by how much sailing is settling into a new balance. Fewer extremes, more thoughtfulness. Less rush to buy new, more care for what already floats. Less focus on peak moments, more appreciation for quieter times.

None of these changes happen overnight, but together they shape the way we sail — how we plan seasons, choose boats, and imagine life on the water. I find that encouraging. Sometimes progress looks less like speed, and more like calm confidence.

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