Log of the Week: Smarter Sails, Growing Regattas & Winds of Change
- Editor
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
This week’s sailing updates are packed with forward motion. New sail tech is hitting the market, regattas are bouncing back, marina infrastructure is expanding in the Pacific, and even the global shipping industry is learning from the past — all while marine conservation remains a strong undercurrent. Here are ten stories that caught our attention this week, handpicked for real-world sailors, liveaboards, and ocean lovers.
Doyle Sails Launches Structured Luff Sails
Doyle Sails has released its newest performance sail innovation: Structured Luff sails. Originally designed for high-end racing, this technology reduces luff sag and allows for flatter, more stable sail shapes — which means better upwind performance and reduced strain on rigging. For cruisers, that translates to lighter loads, smaller winches, and easier handling in changeable conditions. Doyle is now applying this tech to cruising and performance-cruising sails, making it more accessible to everyday yacht owners. The Structured Luff concept is part of a broader move in sailmaking to make fast sails smarter — and safer — for longer-distance passage-making.
🔗 More at Doyle Sails
Wallywind110 Showcases Performance Without Compromise
The newly launched Wallywind110 by Wally Yachts represents a new category of sailing yacht — one that blends cutting-edge speed with cruising comfort. At 33.4 meters, it’s larger than most of us would helm, but what makes this yacht worth watching is its emphasis on simplified sail handling and performance efficiency. Twin rudders, a retractable keel, and an advanced sail plan allow the boat to be helmed like a much smaller vessel. The hull is carbon composite, light and strong, with integrated hybrid propulsion. It’s a performance cruiser for owners who love sailing fast — and sailing often.
Melges 15 Reaches 1,000 Boats and Gains Traction in Europe
The Melges 15, a fast, lightweight two-person dinghy from Melges Performance Sailboats, has reached a new milestone: over 1,000 boats built globally. Originally launched in the U.S., the design is gaining a foothold in Europe after its first continental championship during the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. The boat’s design makes it ideal for both competitive racing and recreational sailors looking for speed and simplicity. Its open cockpit, easy tuning, and exciting downwind planing make it popular with sailors of all ages. The growth of the Melges 15 class is great news for small-boat enthusiasts looking for strong fleets and active events.
🔗 More at Melges
Cape 31 Racing Class Expands Globally
The Cape 31 is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about one-design racing keelboats. Designed in South Africa and now taking Europe and the U.S. by storm, the Cape 31 is loved for its high performance, tight class rules, and growing global fleet. It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly simple to sail with a small team. Regattas in the UK, Mediterranean, and North America are drawing more entries every season. For sailors looking to get serious about racing without the complexity of big-boat programs, the Cape 31 offers an exciting middle ground — one that keeps the focus on sailing skill, not deep pockets.
Travemünde Week Returns to the Baltic with Full Racing Calendar
Travemünde Week, Germany’s second-largest regatta, is back in full swing — and despite scaled-back shore events due to budget limitations, the racing action hasn’t skipped a beat. More than 1,000 sailors have gathered along the Baltic coast to compete in everything from dinghies to keelboats, celebrating a regatta known for its relaxed spirit and strong tradition. The event is organized by the Lübecker Yacht-Club, and it’s become a staple on the European summer sailing circuit. With over 130 years of history, Travemünde Week remains one of the most accessible and inclusive multi-class events on the calendar.
Benoa Marina Expansion Brings Cruising Growth to Indonesia
Benoa Marina in Bali is undergoing a major expansion that’s expected to make it one of Southeast Asia’s best-equipped stops for cruising yachts. Phase 3 of construction will increase capacity to 180 berths, including deepwater slips for yachts up to 90 meters. New infrastructure will also include upgraded customs processing, provisioning services, and a digital reservation platform. For bluewater cruisers heading through the Indian Ocean or planning stops between Australia and Southeast Asia, Bali is becoming a more practical and comfortable hub. The expansion is set to finish in 2026.
🔗 Read more at Benoa Marina
Wind Cargo Revival Gathers Momentum in Europe
Sail-powered cargo vessels are making a comeback, thanks to rising fuel costs and strict emissions targets. In Europe, ships like Grain de Sail II are proving that wind-assist or fully wind-driven cargo transport isn’t just possible — it’s efficient and scalable. These vessels use modern rigs, solar backup, and efficient routing software to deliver wine, cocoa, and other products across the Atlantic without burning fossil fuel. The EU has increased incentives for wind shipping, with more hybrid vessels expected to launch by 2026. It’s a trend that echoes sailing’s roots while pointing toward a cleaner maritime future.
Dolphins May Gain Legal Rights in South Korea
In a groundbreaking conservation move, activists in South Korea are campaigning for a local pod of dolphins near Jeju Island to be recognized as legal persons. The effort is rooted in marine ethics and growing legal recognition of non-human rights. While the dolphins are already living in a marine protected area, advocates say this isn’t enough. If granted personhood, the dolphins could receive stronger protections against fishing, development, and tourism threats. Legal experts and environmentalists worldwide are watching closely, as this case could set precedent for future conservation policies globally.
Aluminium Cruising Yachts Rise in Popularity for Offshore Voyaging
Rugged, reliable, and designed to handle anything from tropical reefs to polar ice, aluminium cruising yachts are making a strong comeback. Builders like Boréal, Garcia, and Allures are leading the way, offering boats with shoal-draft centerboards, watertight bulkheads, and efficient layouts for long-distance cruising. The 2025 launches of the Boréal 47.2 and Allures 51.9 are especially well-received. These boats are attracting serious voyagers who value resilience and practicality over luxury finishes. Aluminium offers strength, ease of repair, and peace of mind in extreme conditions — making it ideal for sailors who go far and stay out long.
MODX Catamaran Pushes Boundaries with Zero-Emission Sailing
The MODX 70, built by VPLP Design, is challenging what we expect from modern sailing catamarans. With dual inflatable wingsails, solar generation, and hydro-generators, it’s one of the first large sailing vessels to operate entirely without fossil fuels. MODX is modular and lightweight, designed to be produced sustainably and run with a minimal crew. Its test voyages have demonstrated that zero-emission long-distance sailing is not only viable — it can be efficient and elegant. While it’s still a prototype, MODX could inspire a new generation of eco-forward multihull designs.
🔗 Learn more at VPLP
🌊 Final Thoughts from Sailoscope
This week’s log reminds us that sailing isn't just about the sea — it's about choices, design, and connection. Whether you're watching a regatta grow, switching to smarter sails, or following a legal case about dolphins, there’s always something new to explore in the sailing world. As always, we bring you what matters — without the noise, just the wind.
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