Sailing News – Log of the Week (14 November 2025)

The sea keeps moving, and with it the rules, tech, and marina worlds shift too. Whether you’re prepping for winter or planning next year’s cruise, here are sailing and boating news worth reading this week.

1) Europe Recognises Recreational Boating as Major Tourism Sector

The European Boating Industry (EBI) and the ADAC joined a breakfast debate at the European Parliament on 12 November to highlight that nautical tourism is no longer niche. With 6.5 million boats and over €28 billion turnover annually, the sector is being positioned as a key element in Europe’s tourism strategy. For sailors, this means stronger policy backing, improved infrastructure, and a possible shift in marina pricing models and services.

2) Major Marina in Mallorca Removes Over a Tonne of Waste from Seabed

The Marina Port de Mallorca recently completed its annual seabed clean-up, removing 1,140 kg of debris including tyres and shopping trolleys. This kind of hands-on environmental work shows that marinas are thinking beyond berths. For cruisers, keeping anchorages and marina waters clean helps the experience — and may signal higher standards for marinas you choose.

3) New Zealand to Enforce Updated Marine Protection Rules from 1 December

Maritime NZ announced that from 1 December 2025, several changes to the Marine Protection Rules will come into force. These include stricter definitions for “persistent floaters” and new rules for oily water and sewage for vessels. While these apply technically to commercial ships, rules like these often ripple into marina practices and regional regulations — worth keeping in mind if you cruise into or out of NZ or similar jurisdictions.

4) Debate Over LNG’s Role in Marine Fuel Intensifies

A recent article discussed whether LNG (liquefied natural gas) is a genuine bridge fuel for marine decarbonisation — or simply greenwashing. For cruisers and boat-owners planning refits or future power-systems, this debate matters. It signals that fuel and propulsion choices will increasingly be scrutinised — and future regulations may favour systems that are truly low-emission.

5) Marine Equipment Standards Updated in the EU

The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1533 introduced changes to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) from 23 September 2025, including new certification requirements for lifejackets, smoke-detectors and GNSS gear. For sailors, these sorts of updates mean that new-equipment purchases should check for compliance — older gear may still work but may not meet future resell or survey demands.

6) Industry Highlights Show Growing Interest in Aluminium-Cruisers

A feature on new aluminium cruising yachts highlighted how robustness, durability and smarter hull materials are gaining traction for serious sailors.If you’re thinking about boat upgrades or future choices, this trend tells you what boat-builders believe the future holds — and what kinds of hulls might retain value.

7) Global Sailing Body Flags Challenge of Unmanned Vessels

The World Sailing’s Offshore & Ocean Committee noted the growing risk of autonomous / unmanned surface vessels (USVs) interfering with usual cruising traffic. For cruisers, particularly at night or in busy channels, this signals we may need to keep an extra eye out for navigation hazards that didn’t exist a few years ago.

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Thanks for reading this week’s log. As always, whether you’re winterising, planning next season or simply keeping one eye on the horizon, these stories help you stay informed and better prepared.

Fair winds until next week.

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