Packed programme for the Maxi fleet
A mid-season update from the International Maxi Association
Justin Chisholm
Supercharging the America's Cup
The new AC38 Protocol promises to end the America’s Cup’s boom-and-bust cycles, and ushers in a more dynamic, inclusive, and commercially viable future for sailing’s most prestigious prize. Here's why I think the future is bright...
Dalton and Ainslie speak on new Protocol for AC38
Following on from today’s announcement of a new agreed Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton and Athena Racing CEO Ben Ainslie faced questions from the international media about the new deal. Here are the highlights of what they had to say…
AC38 back on track after Defender and COR ink bold new Protocol
The Protocol for AC38 has been signed, introducing a new partnership model, budget caps, fleet racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup, no new AC75s for existing teams, five-person crews including a mandated female sailor, battery power, the return of the Youth and Women's ACs, and no non-compete clause.
Editor's Notebook
Peter Lester 1954 – 2025 | Are there signs of détente in the long-running America’s Cup dispute? | Spectacle and drama in Kiel at the start of The Ocean Race Europe 2025
Admiral’s Cup 2025 – What went well – and how to make it even better
With the dust now settled on the 2025 edition of the Admiral’s Cup I thought it would be a good time to celebrate the many successful elements of the event – and also to reflect on what I think could be improved on for the next edition, which is scheduled for 2027.
How Tom Dolan won the Figaro du Solitaire by changing his mindset
Tom Dolan made history in 2024 as the first non-French winner of the Solitaire du Figaro. In this interview, the Irish solo skipper shares how a mindset shift, better preparation, and focusing on what he could control helped him finally conquer France’s toughest offshore race.
Garmin quatix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Yacht Racers
The Garmin quatix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED is more than a smartwatch – it’s a race tool for serious sailors. With GPS-assisted start functions, full Garmin marine integration, and a stunning AMOLED display, it’s built to give yacht racers an edge on and off the water.
If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry – Micky Beckett on Olympic campaigning
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast I chat with Welsh Laser ace Micky Beckett about about his journey from a home‑built dinghy in Pembrokeshire to the Olympic stage, the lessons learned from the pain of Paris 2024, his redemption in Palma this year, and his drive towards LA 2028.
Carbon spars for all...
With hi-tech construction processes, efficient production, expanding reach, extended product ranges and increasing economy of scale, MC1 Spars is making it feasible for a broader church of boats to have carbon masts and booms.
Simon Fisher’s 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race weather and routing outlook
With light to moderate winds forecast, this year's Rolex Fastnet won’t be a record‑breaker, but according to legendary British navigator Simon Fisher, it could be brutal on the brain – with moderate breeze, tricky tides, and a high‑stakes routing game from Cowes to Fastnet Rock and on to Cherbourg.
SailGP Portsmouth Analysis
Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley unpack the highs and lows of SailGP Portsmouth — from Team GB’s home-water resurgence to bold new ideas for the league’s future — plus some candid reflections on SailGP's media strategy.
Admiral's Cup: Old heads and new tricks
The Admiral’s Cup returns with inshore and offshore challenges testing veterans and newcomers alike. After three races, Monaco and Hong Kong lead the standings, with New Zealand and Italy close behind. Crews are relishing the mix of conditions and some classic Solent complexity.
SailGP draws the crowds as the Admiral's Cup returns to the Solent
I am in England’s sailing capital, Cowes on the Isle of Wight, soaking in the heady atmosphere at the first Admiral’s Cup to be held in 22 years. But I also sneaked away over the weekend to catch the action at the SailGP event in nearby Portsmouth.
Adrian Stead on taking on the Admiral's Cup for New Zealand
The Admiral’s Cup returns after 22 years, and Adrian Stead is back – this time racing for New Zealand. With a top-tier crew and two proven boats, I quizzed Stead for some insights on the challenge ahead – from inshore finesse to offshore endurance in one of sailing’s toughest tests.
Interview: Tom Slingsby ahead of Emirates Great Britain SailGP in Portsmouth
Tom Slingsby and his Aussie crew are out to halt Spain’s two-event SailGP winning streak at this weekend's Portsmouth, UK regatta. I chatted to Slingsby today about what he's learned from analysing the Spanish team's data, flight control strategy, and how Moth Worlds racing has sharpened his edge.