Log of the Week: Sailing News November 7 2025

The sailing season may be winding down in the Med, but the world of cruising never really stops. From new marina facilities to rally starts and regulation changes, sailors everywhere are busy preparing for the next passage — or planning upgrades while the wind howls outside. Here’s what’s been happening this week across the sailing world.

1) Countdown Begins for ARC+ 2025 Crews

The docks in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria are buzzing again. Crews joining the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Plus (ARC+) are finalizing safety checks and provisioning before setting sail for Cape Verde and then Grenada. This year’s route covers almost 3,000 nautical miles — and for many sailors, it’s their first Atlantic crossing.

The ARC+ remains one of the most inspiring reminders that long-distance cruising is still very much alive. Even if you’re not joining the rally, following their tracker is a great way to learn about weather routing, provisioning, and what it really takes to cross an ocean.

2) Oyster Yachts Opens New Service Centre in Barcelona

British builder Oyster Yachts has opened a new service hub in Premià de Mar, just outside Barcelona. The facility will handle refits, guardianage, and maintenance for the growing number of Oyster owners who winter in the Mediterranean.

For long-term cruisers, this is another sign that the Med’s “off-season” is evolving into a well-supported period for yacht maintenance. Having a strong service network nearby can save time, money, and stress — especially when you’re living aboard through the winter months.

3) X-Yachts Hosts Its Annual Boat Show in Denmark

This weekend, Danish boatbuilder X-Yachts is welcoming sailors to its shipyard in Haderslev for the 2025 In-House Boat Show. The event features test sails, tours, and an impressive lineup of both new and pre-owned models — including the ocean-ready Xc 47.

While most visitors are there to dream about upgrades, these small-scale manufacturer events are also a window into where the market is heading. For cruisers, it’s a good time to see which innovations are filtering down — from better hull insulation to improved energy systems and storage.

4) EU Regulations to Bring Site Checks for Ports and Marinas

The EU’s MRV and FuelEU Maritime regulations will soon require site visits — physical or virtual — to verify compliance and emissions data. While the rules target commercial shipping, marina operators and port facilities are preparing to adapt before March 2026.

For yacht owners and long-term liveaboards, this means some marinas may tighten administrative procedures or slightly adjust costs to meet inspection standards. It’s another reminder that environmental regulation is slowly reshaping how the boating world operates — even for smaller vessels.

5) France Simplifies Entry and Exit for Visiting Yachts

France has officially allowed 53 marinas — not just designated border ports — to process customs clearance for non-EU yachts. This makes it far easier for cruisers entering or leaving the Schengen zone through France.

The update means less bureaucracy, shorter detours, and a more relaxed arrival experience for anyone cruising the Atlantic coast or heading toward the Med. If you’re planning a passage from the UK, Caribbean, or Morocco, this change could simplify your next landfall.

6) Australia’s Sydney Boat Show Returns with Strong Cruising Focus

The 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show opened this week with a focus on sustainable cruising and new multihull designs. With over 150 boats on display, many brands are showcasing solar-assisted systems, new hull materials, and practical liveaboard layouts.

Even for sailors far from Australia, it’s a useful preview of what’s coming next to global boat design: quieter systems, smarter battery setups, and compact comfort upgrades — things every full-time cruiser appreciates.

7) Global Sailing Rally Data Shows More Boats Staying Regional

Jimmy Cornell’s latest Global Cruising Movement Report shows that more yachts are choosing to stay in one region for longer instead of circumnavigating. Factors include rising costs, complex border rules, and better digital connectivity making it easier to “work from boat.”

It seems more cruisers are turning toward semi-nomadic lifestyles — moving between nearby countries seasonally rather than constantly crossing oceans. For many, it’s a balance between adventure and sustainability.

Until Next Week

From the bustling docks of Las Palmas to quiet yards in northern Europe, the sailing world is full of movement — even in November. Whether you’re crossing an ocean or simply staying put for the season, there’s always something new to learn from what’s happening elsewhere.

Stay warm, stay curious — and fair winds until next week’s log.

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