Log of the Week: Sailing News October 2025 (10 Oct)
- Editor
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
The Season Slows, but the Sea Never Sleeps
Autumn is here. The air cools, marinas calm down, and the Med turns back into a sailor’s sea. But across the yachting world, new rules, quiet innovations, and creative ideas keep things moving. Here’s what’s been making waves this week.
🏝️ 1) Albania Opens Its Coastline to Cruisers
Albania is quickly becoming the next cruising hotspot between Greece and Montenegro. The government announced new tax incentives and faster clearance for visiting yachts. Marinas in Orikum (orikummarina.com) and Saranda are expanding their berths, and new floating docks are expected by 2026.
The coastline offers clear water, low costs, and easy day sails between bays — a rare thing in the Mediterranean now. Several long-term liveaboards who left overcrowded Ionian anchorages say they’ve found peace (and space) along Albania’s rugged shores.
For more about nearby regions, see our post: Croatia’s 2025 Anchoring & Dinghy Rules.
🌊 2) More Whales in the Med Than in Years
Marine scientists at WWF Mediterranean (wwf.panda.org) report a 20% increase in whale sightings across the western Med in 2025. Sperm and fin whales were spotted near the Balearics, Corsica, and Sardinia.
Researchers link this to cleaner shipping fuels and slower speeds in protected areas — proof that ocean protection pays off. Cruisers have shared footage of whales surfacing close to yachts, sometimes within a few meters. It’s a powerful reminder that our playground is their home too.
If you enjoyed this topic, check Sailoscope’s earlier post: Ocean Giants Under Threat: How Yachting Can Support Marine Conservation.
⚓ 3) New Waste-Water Rules for Greek Marinas
From now on, Greek marinas must comply with EU waste-water directives that require pump-out systems and waste management logs. The Hellenic Ports Association (elime.gr) confirmed that upgrades are already underway in Lefkas, Rhodes, and Kos.
This is big news for yacht owners wintering in Greece — it means easier pump-out access and fewer “no facilities” excuses. Some marinas are even offering small discounts for skippers who use official pump-out points instead of discharging at sea.
Cleaner bays and happier swimmers ahead — a win for both sailors and the sea.
💡 4) Smart Boat Monitoring Gets Cheaper
What used to cost thousands now fits in a pocket. Startups like BoatOfficer (boatofficer.com) and Sensar Marine (sensarmarine.com) are offering compact monitoring units that track battery voltage, bilge activity, and temperature for under €300.
They send data to your phone via Wi-Fi or SIM — perfect for skippers leaving their boats unattended this winter. You’ll know instantly if water enters the bilge or voltage drops. For liveaboards or seasonal cruisers, it’s cheap peace of mind.
Combine it with solar charging or a shore power timer, and you’ve got a smart, safe setup for winter storage.
🎨 5) Real Wood Makes a Comeback in Yacht Interiors
After years of synthetic “teak-look” finishes, real wood is returning to yachts. Builders like Nautor Swan (nautorswan.com) and Beneteau (beneteau.com) are using light oak and walnut veneers again — warmer, softer, and far more natural.
Designers say owners are asking for materials that feel more like home. Expect next season’s production yachts to include wood floors, linen textures, and softer LED lighting — blending traditional feel with modern simplicity.
It’s a small trend, but one that reconnects boats with their origins: wood, sea, and craftsmanship.
🌀 6) Solace Reborn: 57 m Feadship Completes 10-Month Refit
The 55.5 m Feadship Solace has just finished a major 10-month overhaul at Pendennis’ Falmouth yard. She’s gearing up for sea trials and is expected to sail out soon, possibly launching a new charter season or long cruising itinerary.
This kind of refit is a reminder: even big yachts need winter care, systems upgrades, and fresh finishes. In many cases, the refit defines how well a vessel performs (and resells) in years to come.
⛵ 7) Galateia Wins 2025 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore
In the final standings of the 2025 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge, Galateia took the top spot with 319.99 points, just ahead of Wallycento V.
The result not only brings prestige to her team but also shows how competitive the inshore maxi circuit remains — even as most cruising sailors haul out for the season.
⚓ Sailing Into What’s Next
From Albania’s new marinas to real wood on decks, sailing news October 2025 shows the same old truth: even as the season slows, life at sea keeps evolving.
Maybe this weekend’s job is updating your shore cable, cleaning the bilge, or just sitting in the cockpit watching the masts sway. Either way, there’s always something happening between the tides.
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