Sailing News – October 24, 2025 | Log of the Week

The sailing world keeps moving — from race start lines to marina docks, from small-boat dreams to big sustainability steps. Here’s a look at what’s been happening this week across the seas and shores that connect us all.

1. The Middle Sea Race 2025 Kicks Off from Malta

The 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race began from Grand Harbour in Valletta, with a strong fleet and the usual drama of fickle Mediterranean winds. As the cannons fired from the bastions, boats slipped out past the ancient city walls — a sight that never gets old.

This race has always been more than competition. It’s a love letter to the Med itself, circling Sicily and passing active volcanoes, rocky shores, and calm blue stretches that many cruisers know well. It’s also a good reminder of how performance sailing often crosses paths with the routes we cruise.

2. “Lucky” Wins the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race

The Sydney–Auckland Ocean Race finished with a clean sweep: the American maxi Lucky took line honours, IRC and PHS victories — a rare triple. They crossed the line in just under three days, shaving hours off the previous record.

What made this race interesting wasn’t just speed, but contrast. Competitors faced calm patches, heavy rain squalls, and everything in between. It was a true test of patience and seamanship — something every long-distance cruiser can relate to. Sometimes, luck really is the mix of good planning and keeping your cool.

3. Small Boats, Big Adventures

Not everyone dreams of a 50-footer. A growing number of sailors are turning back to small, shallow-draft cruisers — boats that can slip into hidden coves, dry out on a beach, or explore quiet rivers.

An article in Sailing Today sparked good conversations online: are we over-complicating cruising? Many argue that smaller boats bring more joy, less cost, and more freedom. Maybe it’s a gentle reminder that adventure doesn’t have to come with big bills — just a good chart, a solid hull, and curiosity.

👉 Sailing Today

4. D-Marin Adds More Life to Med Marinas

D-Marin, which runs marinas in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Türkiye, is adding new lifestyle experiences for cruisers. Their summer 2025 calendar will include open-air cinema nights, yoga and wellness sessions, and small local food events at the docks.

It’s part of a wider shift we’re seeing around the Med — marinas turning into small communities instead of just parking spots for boats. After all, what we remember most isn’t the mooring lines but the evenings spent talking under the fairy lights.

5. OneSails Powers Wind-Driven Cargo Ship

OneSails, known for high-tech racing sails, is now part of a project called Neoliner Origin — a cargo ship powered by the wind. The vessel’s sails use the same 4T FORTE composite material used on performance yachts. Its first Atlantic crossing from France to Canada is planned for this autumn.

It’s a fascinating full-circle moment. Commercial ships once ruled the seas under sail, and now technology is helping wind power return in a cleaner, smarter way. For those of us who still travel under canvas, it’s nice to see the big guys catching up.

6. Smart Dock Tech for Safer Cruising

Safety and convenience meet in new smart-load monitoring systems by companies like Cyclops Marine. These sensors read real-time load data on rigging and mooring lines — helping sailors avoid overloads, snapped cleats, and damaged gear.

The tech might sound “race-only,” but it’s making its way to cruising boats too. Think of it as a little helper that tells you when your lines are under stress, long before they fail. With weather swings becoming sharper, tools like these can make docking and anchoring much safer.

7. Sustainable Innovation at METSTRADE 2025

The world’s biggest marine trade show, METSTRADE 2025, opens soon in Amsterdam with more than 1,700 exhibitors and a strong focus on sustainability. Expect to see new eco-materials, electric systems, and lightweight components built for both performance and durability.

For boat owners and dreamers alike, it’s always a window into the future of yachting — and this year’s trend is clear: less fuel, more efficiency, and smarter design. The green wave is finally turning into the new normal.

Wrap-Up

From high-speed races to quiet coves, from marina cafés to cutting-edge cargo ships — sailing keeps evolving, yet the essence remains the same: freedom, curiosity, and the love of the sea.

If you enjoyed this week’s stories, don’t forget to explore other posts like Marina Cultures Around the Med.

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