Weekly Sailing News – August 1, 2025 | Transpac, Fastnet, Eco Yachting & More

Log of the Week For Long-term Cruisers, Liveaboards, and Ocean Voyagers

This week’s highlights include regatta triumphs, offshore racing, sustainable yachting, and tech innovations. All curated for sea people who like to keep sailing smart and informed.

1. Yacht Club de Monaco Wins the 2025 Admiral’s Cup 🏆

In the revival of the legendary Admiral’s Cup, Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) claimed victory during the Rolex Fastnet Race finale. It’s a historic win: Monaco’s debut entry, piloting Jolt 6 with Pierre Casiraghi, triumphed over seasoned teams like Royal Hong Kong YC and Costa Smeralda. The fleet faced inshore races on the Solent followed by the iconic offshore leg to Fastnet Rock and Cherbourg. Monaco’s success was built on flawless execution, tactical strength, and outstanding teamwork. Its Fastnet rounding marked a high point both symbolically and strategically. A momentous return for one of offshore sailing’s most storied competitions.

2. Fastnet Relay: Black Pearl Leads Admiral’s Cup Fleet

During the offshore leg of the Admiral’s Cup, Stefan Jentzsch’s Botin 56 Black Pearl (NYYC) became the first boat to round Fastnet Rock on July 28, navigating light conditions with precision. Close behind were Beau Geste and Jolt 3, with each team jockeying for position under IRC correction. Black Pearl’s navigator Marc Lagesse noted the emotional milestone of seeing Fastnet in clear light—the site’s legacy defined by endurance and history. As fleet positions shifted over the next 24 hours, the race stood as a testament to strategic seamanship in iconic ocean conditions.

3. Transpac 2025 Award Ceremony Lights Up Hawaii

The 53rd Transpac Yacht Race, sailing from California to Hawaii, held its first awards ceremony on July 15 at Kaneohe Yacht Club. The event celebrated division winners—including the Merlin Trophy team aboard Fast Exit II—with separate events each night to honor endurance, navigation, and seamanship. Recognized as one of the world’s classic offshore passages, Transpac continues to offer spirited competition paired with Pacific cruising culture. Its mix of serious race performance and relaxed island community presence makes it a highlight for passage-making cruisers and racing sailors alike.

4. Gold Coast–Mackay Yacht Race Set to Start in Queensland

Tomorrow marks the start of the 2nd annual Gold Coast–Mackay Yacht Race, linking two regional hubs across 1,000 nautical miles. Twenty-eight boats from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Hong Kong will sail offshore through tropical waters. The fleet will be streamed live, with drone and onboard commentary. This year’s participation notably increased from 19 to 28 yachts. Organizers also introduced new safety standards in response to past offshore incidents, emphasizing risk management and crew preparedness. A significant racing scene for Southern Hemisphere offshore cruisers.

5. Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy Returns with TP52 Debut

Held in early July in Cascais, the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy debuted the TP52 class as part of its sixth edition. The event featured the 52 SUPER SERIES and multiple classes including J70, SB20, and Optimist. The regatta’s winning entries came with sustainability commitments—in the form of single-use plastic bans and proceeds donated to ocean-conservation causes. The inclusion of TP52s elevated competition level and visibility, while reinforcing Mirpuri’s environmental focus. This event showcases how performance racing and ocean stewardship can sail in tandem. 

6. Yacht Clubs Aid Conservation with Charter Practices

An emerging trend in 2025 sees charter companies embracing marine stewardship by adopting eco-friendly practices. Sustainable charter operators now support reef restoration, minimize plastic use onboard, and contribute to marine research projects. Insights from a yachting & conservation feature highlight how these practices boost destination health while educating guests. For cruisers, chartering sustainably offers a direct way to support ocean ecosystems while vacationing. It also signals how the yachting sector is evolving toward responsible coastal tourism.

7. Superyacht Owners Enter Ocean Science Partnership

Superyachts are increasingly being repurposed as research platforms. Reports show over 30 new marine species have been discovered via expeditions that superyachts helped facilitate. Some vessels now host ocean mapping and migration studies. This shift positions yachting not just as recreation, but as active contributors to marine science and discovery—especially as data-sharing platforms evolve. 

8. Cannes Yachting Festival Adds 14 World Premieres

The 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (Sept 9–14) will showcase nearly 50 superyachts, including 14 world premieres in the superyacht extension at Vieux Port. Highlights include Benetti’s 44m flagship fiberglass vessel and Arcadia’s solar-powered A80new raised‑pilothouse yacht. While focused on luxury models, the event reflects broader trends in sustainable designs and onboard health standards that may eventually filter down to cruising-oriented designs.

9. WELL Yachts Pioneers Onboard Health Certification

Well Yachts, in alignment with the internationally recognized WELL Building Standard, is the first to deliver WELL certification to superyacht interiors. Its focus includes air quality, thermal comfort, and use of non-toxic materials. For sailors who live aboard full time or own health-conscious boats, WELL-certified designs offer both wellness and eco-safety. This approach reflects a shift toward healthier onboard environments across yachting.

10. Blockchain Tech Tracks Ocean Pollution in Real-Time

A new proposal published in March 2025 outlines a blockchain-based environmental compliance system for real-time monitoring of sulfur emissions aboard ships. By integrating sensors and smart contracts, the framework ensures data integrity and automates regulatory reporting. While still in concept stage, this technology could revolutionize how cruising yachts engage with environmental standards, especially in Emission Control Areas (ECAs)—making green compliance more transparent and trustworthy.

✍️ Sailoscope Insight

This week showcases innovation at the intersection of cruising and competition—whether through classic events like the Admiral’s Cup and Transpac, new race routes like Gold Coast–Mackay, or tech-led sustainability in chartering and pollution tracking. For cruisers and charters, it's a reminder that offshore sailing isn't just about destinations—it’s about legacy, responsibility, and evolving ocean values.

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