Log of the Week: Sailing News July 2025 – Orcas, Superyachts & Summer Hotspots

Welcome to Sailoscope’s Log of the Week — your essential sailing news update for July 2025. Here’s what’s been catching our eye this week — a mix of marine conservation wins, elegant sailing innovation, global yacht adventures, and more:

1. 🇲🇽 Mexico Bans Dolphin & Marine‑Mammal Shows

Mexico’s Senate just passed a groundbreaking law banning all dolphin shows, captive breeding, and swim-with-animal programs. While existing mammals must remain under high-welfare care, no new breeding or performances are permitted. Mexico now joins a handful of countries like Costa Rica and Canada in prioritizing marine mammal freedom.

This shift comes after long advocacy from animal welfare groups and scientists — and is being praised as a climate- and conscience-driven blow against entertainment-driven exploitation. For cruisers, this is a powerful reminder: we can enjoy the sea without caging its inhabitants.

🔗 Learn more: Humane World for Animals

2. 🌞 Silent Yachts Launches Sundance SY80 – A Solar‑Electric Catamaran

Silent Yachts has taken a major leap with their launch of the Sundance SY80, an 80-foot catamaran that runs entirely on solar power. With 22.4 kWp of rooftop solar and a 522–696 kWh battery bank, it can silently cruise at 7–8 knots—and reach 12 knots maximum—without using a drop of diesel.

This vessel isn't just eco-friendly, it’s spacious and luxurious, thanks to Italian design by Marco Casali. Configurations include 2-Deck or 3-Deck layouts, lavish cabins, shaded sky lounges, and hidden toy garages. It proves that sustainable boat life doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style.

🔗 Explore the design: Silent Yachts – 80 Series

3. ⚓ Ares Yachts Unveils 62m Sailing Ketch Simena

Antalya-based Ares Yachts has introduced Simena, their first entry into the superyacht world. Stretching 62 meters, this ketch blends timeless teak decks, hybrid diesel-electric engines, and carbon superstructure. She can sail silently at 11 knots under electric power alone, with a top speed of 14.5 knots when diesel power joins in.

Designed by Taka Yacht Design, Simena presents a luxurious interior by Design Unlimited. It accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew in opulent cabins — all without losing sight of green sensibilities. It’s a strong statement that large-scale sailing can remain elegant, responsible, and refined.

🔗 Discover Simena: Ares Yachts – Simena

4. 🐢 SeaKeepers Society’s “Discovery Vessels” Sail for Science

The SeaKeepers Society has announced a new wave of “Discovery Vessels” — pleasure yachts outfitted to collect critical ocean data. These boats monitor water quality, microplastics, coral health, and marine species on their routes.

The program collaborates with global science initiatives such as Seabed 2030 and CoralWatch, empowering sailors to participate in research. It’s proof that anyone with a cruising spirit can make meaningful scientific contributions on every voyage.

🔗 Program details: SeaKeepers – Discovery Yacht Program

5. 🇭🇷 Croatia: A Rising Star in Cruising Tourism

Croatia’s Dalmatian coast continues to thrive, with a 10% increase in yacht visitors in 2024. Favorite stops like Dubrovnik and Zadar remain popular, but gems like Telašćica and Vis are gaining attention for their beauty and calm anchorages. Companies like Sail Croatia now offer “Ultra Flotillas,” combining daily sailing with swimming, wine tastings, hiking, and local meals.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or enjoying your first flotilla, Croatia delivers sea and shore in equal measure — ideal for those seeking adventure without sacrificing ease.

🔗 Check flotilla options: Sail Croatia

6. 🌐 Oyster Yachts Opens 2028 World Rally

Luxury cruiser Oyster Yachts is hosting its 2028 Oyster World Rally, a 27,000-nautical-mile, 16-month circumnavigation with up to 30 yachts. Starting in Antigua, the fleet will explore the Panama Canal, Galapagos, French Polynesia, and beyond — all while maintaining reliable Starlink internet on board.

For cruising yacht owners seeking a structured yet adventurous global journey, this rally offers community, safety, and the chance to sail across some of the most beautiful seas on the planet.

🔗 Rally info: Oyster World Rally 2028–29

7. ⏱️ Clipper Round-the-World Race Opens Sign-Ups

The Clipper Round‑the‑World Yacht Race is now recruiting teams. This unique event allows amateur sailors to join professional crews on Clipper 70 yachts, racing global ocean legs with full training. You can sail one segment or join for the full circumnavigation — and experience team dynamics in a high-seas challenge.

For adventurous sailors without professional aspirations, this is a rare opportunity to combine offshore racing and global community spirit.

🔗 Apply here: Clipper Race – Apply Now 

8. 🎖 Gipsy Moth IV Restored with Modern Upgrades

Sir Francis Chichester’s legendary Gipsy Moth IV has been lovingly restored in the Netherlands. Her classic wooden lines are preserved, but she’s been fitted with a quiet, electric bow thruster to make marina maneuvers easier — all while retaining her historic charm.

This restoration combines nautical heritage with subtle tech updates, keeping a piece of sailing history seaworthy and relevant.

🔗 Learn more: Gipsy Moth IV Restoration

9. 🛠 Salvage Operation Nears Completion for Bayesian

Nearly a year after sinking in a storm off Sicily, the 56-meter superyacht Bayesian is close to being fully salvaged. TMC Marine and Hebo led the recovery using remote-controlled robots to safely remove hazards like a 72-meter mast. Once refloated and raised, the yacht is being towed to Termini Imerese for hull inspection and environmental safeguards.

This massive operation, requiring coordination and discipline, demonstrates how modern engineering can recover major yachts responsibly — reminding us of the serious side of owning and operating at sea.

🔗 Learn about the salvage: TMC Marine Case Study

📝 Final Thoughts

From protecting marine life to pioneering green yacht design, citizen science, and global cruising rallies, this week proves that yachting is about responsibility, discovery, and connection — not just destinations. these stories are proof that the sea’s future lies in our hands, sails, and stewardship.

🌊 If you enjoyed this log, subscribe to Sailoscope via the homepage for more weekly updates — straight from the sea. Let’s explore the blue, together.