Log of the Week: Sailing News October 2025 (16 Oct)

The Sea Keeps Moving — Even as the Season Slows

Autumn has arrived. The sea is calmer, the air cooler, and the anchorages quieter. But even as sailing plans wind down, the marine world keeps changing — through new rules, innovations, and stories that remind us how connected we are to the sea.

Here’s what’s been making waves this week ⚓

🐋 1) California Expands Whale-Protection Slowdowns Statewide

California has expanded the Blue Whales & Blue Skies program to the entire coast, asking large ships to travel at 10 knots or less in sensitive areas. The goal is simple: fewer whale strikes, lower underwater noise, and cleaner air. Scientists have shown that slowing down by just a few knots can cut fatal collisions by more than half.

For sailors, these rules make coastlines calmer and safer to share. When ships slow, everyone wins — from the captains navigating busy routes to the whales surfacing beside them.

Learn more at Blue Whales & Blue Skies.

🛥️ 2) FLIBS 2025: Dates Confirmed for October 29–November 2

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will return from October 29 to November 2, bringing hundreds of new yacht debuts and technology showcases. This year, expect a strong focus on hybrid propulsion, electric tenders, lightweight interiors, and eco-friendly materials.

Many European builders will attend to present their U.S. premieres, while service companies highlight refit technology and smart-monitoring systems for private yachts. For anyone planning upgrades or dreaming of their next vessel, FLIBS remains the best place to see what’s coming next season.

Official details at flibs.com.

⚓ 3) Safe Harbor Marinas Expands and Upgrades Worldwide

Safe Harbor Marinas continues to grow after merging with Monaco Marine earlier this year, creating one of the world’s largest service networks for yachts. New investments are going into upgraded shore-power systems, improved Wi-Fi, and expanded dry-dock capacity across Europe and the United States.

For liveaboards and long-term cruisers, the expansion means more consistent maintenance standards and easier transitions between summer and winter bases. It’s a sign that marinas are becoming more global, giving boaters greater flexibility and reliable service from one coastline to another.

Explore the network at shmarinas.com.

(Related reading: Best Marinas in Greece for Cruisers)

⛵ 4) Inclusive Sailing Series in India Sets a Milestone

The Asian Inclusive Sailing Series, held in Mysuru and supported by World Sailing, welcomed sailors of all abilities from across Asia. Racing in identical Hansa boats on the KRS backwaters, participants showed remarkable teamwork, determination, and joy on the water.

This first-of-its-kind event in India highlights how fast accessibility is growing in sailing. It’s inspiring to see clubs, schools, and marinas redesign facilities to make sailing more inclusive. Beyond medals and finishes, this series celebrated what the sport does best — bringing people together under the same wind.

🤖 5) Drones Map Mediterranean Seagrass Meadows

Across the Mediterranean, scientists are now using AI-powered drones to map and protect Posidonia oceanica meadows — the seagrass that keeps coastal ecosystems alive. These drones can scan vast areas from above and below, identifying damage from anchors and trawling in just a few hours.

The data helps authorities mark eco-moorings and plan better protection zones. For sailors, it’s another step toward balance — preserving the underwater forests that clean the water and shelter sea life. Technology and nature are finally sailing the same course.

Learn more via WWF Mediterranean.

🌊 6) Greece Defines Two New Marine Parks

Greece has set the boundaries for two new Marine Protected Areas — one in the Ionian Sea and one in the Aegean. Together, they help the country reach its goal of protecting 30% of national waters by 2030.

The parks will safeguard habitats for monk seals, dolphins, and turtles, while limiting destructive fishing methods. Cruisers may see new charts and local notices marking these zones, but they’ll also find cleaner water, more wildlife, and better-managed anchorages. It’s a big move toward a healthier Mediterranean.

⚓ Sailing Into What’s Next

From whales protected by slower ships to seagrass mapped by flying robots, the sea’s stories this week remind us that progress and care can go hand in hand.

Maybe your weekend plan is simple — a quiet marina morning, one last swim before winter, or a long coffee in the cockpit. Wherever you drop anchor, the ocean keeps changing — and it’s always worth staying curious.

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