Log of the Week: Sailing News October 2025

As the season winds down, many cruisers are hauling out, others are just finding quiet anchorages, and the sea keeps moving. From new rules and greener marinas to apps and tech that make life afloat easier, here’s what’s been making waves this week.

⚓ 1) Greece Tests Digital Berthing Permits

Greece has started testing a new digital berthing permit system in Lefkas and Rhodes — a big step toward smoother marina check-ins. The pilot allows skippers to pre-book berths, register crew, and pay fees online before arrival.

Local authorities say it’s the first move toward a national “e-Harbour” network, expected by 2026. If it succeeds, it could end those long, paperwork-heavy afternoons at marina offices. For cruisers who like planning ahead, it also means fewer surprises with space and pricing.

Simple, modern, and long overdue — this might finally bring Greek marinas into the digital age.

🌊 2) France Expands Its “Clean Marina” Label

France’s Port Propre 2025 program (literally “Clean Marina”) now includes new rules for energy use and wastewater management. Marinas like Port Camargue and Antibes have already joined the updated scheme, which ties environmental performance to small tax reductions and promotion on national tourist maps.

The idea is to reward marinas that reduce pollution, recycle waste oil, and install pump-out points. For sailors, it means easier access to responsible facilities — and perhaps friendlier fees in the long run. Another small win for sustainable cruising.

The Med’s eco-mooring projects are expanding quickly — from France’s new standards to the Balearic Islands’ anchoring zones. If you missed it, here’s our guide on: New Anchoring Rules in the Balearics: What Skippers Need to Know

🪸 3) Spain Boosts Posidonia Patrols

The Balearic Islands have strengthened their Posidonia Protection Patrols with four new boats and aerial drones. These teams now visit crowded anchorages daily to check compliance with seagrass-protection zones.

Unlike before, inspectors will focus on educating visiting skippers instead of instantly issuing fines — a softer approach that aims to build awareness rather than fear. Clearer maps, updated apps, and signs in multiple languages will also help.

After several tough seasons of confusion and frustration, this feels like a positive shift toward cooperation between sailors and local authorities.

💡 4) Navily Adds Real-Time Mooring Alerts

The popular app Navily just rolled out live storm and swell notifications for the Mediterranean. Users can now receive pop-up alerts when weather conditions change at their current anchorage or booked marina.

It’s a small update with a big effect — especially for liveaboards who leave their boats unattended or cruisers who anchor overnight. Navily also added crowd-sourced status updates, so sailors can warn each other about dragging conditions or surge in harbors.

Practical tech that keeps everyone safer — and a good reminder to keep the phone charged, even when the batteries ashore are resting.

🚤 5) Croatia Tests Electric Charter Fleet

Croatia has launched its first electric charter trial in the Kornati Islands, with five Elan sailboats running on quiet, emission-free propulsion. The program, supported by SailCro and local universities, will study real-world range, charging habits, and guest feedback.

The results could shape how future charter fleets operate — especially in protected areas where noise and emissions are becoming a concern. It’s still a small test, but a sign that even charter tourism is ready to think electric.

(For more on this trend, read our post: Electric Boating in the Med — Are Marinas Ready Yet?)

🔋 6) New Solar-Hybrid Watermaker for Smaller Boats

French manufacturer Dessalator has unveiled a compact solar-powered watermaker designed for yachts under 45 ft. The system can run directly from solar panels during sunny hours, producing enough water for daily needs without using a generator.

Early testers in the Med report simple installation and quiet operation — perfect for cruisers who enjoy self-sufficiency. With energy prices up and silence worth more than ever, this little innovation might become a favorite on smaller cruising boats next season.

🐋 7) Ocean Cleanup Expands Its Med Project

After collecting over 100 tons of plastic from the Ionian Sea this year, The Ocean Cleanup has confirmed plans to extend its Mediterranean program. The next phase, beginning 2026, will cover routes between Sicily and Tunisia, with local fishermen helping retrieve debris caught in collection booms.

For those of us who sail these waters, it’s heart-lifting news — proof that local cooperation and smart tech can actually make a visible difference. Cleaner waters aren’t just better for marine life, they’re better for all of us who live on it.

⚓ Sailing Into November

From digital berths to electric fleets, it feels like the Med is entering a quieter, smarter era — one marina at a time. As sailors head for winter quarters, the sea keeps moving forward.

Stay curious, stay connected, and subscribe to Sailoscope for your weekly sea stories, news, and honest cruising reflections delivered straight to your inbox.

Many cruisers are already preparing for the off-season. If you’re getting your boat ready for winter, check our Lead-Acid Battery Winterization Guide for simple tips that’ll save you a lot of voltage drama next spring.