scuttlebutt
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:30:07 +1100
Subject: Scuttlebutt_6483_–_November_11,_2025
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News [1]
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Issue 6483
The NEW J/7 is fast, fun and program-tough.
This newsletter is provided through the support of its sponsors, delivering a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk…with a North American focus.
Today's sponsors:
Bitter End Yacht Club - UK Sailmakers - J/Boats
SCUTTLEBUTT ADVERTISING IN 2026 [mailto:advertising@sailingscuttlebutt.com]
Advertising is limited in Scuttlebutt, and the inventory tends to sell out by January. We are now accepting advertising requests for 2026. Curious? Ask for details at [advertising@sailingscuttlebutt.com].
The Room Where It Happens [2]
The 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference [3] was held November 1-8 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. US Sailing was well represented with this report coming from Charlie Enright:
November 1st marked six months since I became CEO of US Sailing. I spent that day in Manhattan resting before running an ill-advised TCS New York City Marathon — one I’d registered for before taking on this more-than-full-time role.
I found myself wondering where all my training time had gone? After dragging myself through all five boroughs, I showered, inhaled a cheeseburger, and hopped on a flight to Dublin for the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference — my first as CEO and as a member of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee.
At its core, US Sailing serves two vital functions: we’re both a National Governing Body (NGB) and a Member National Authority (MNA).
Our NGB status comes from the USOPC, with our mission defined by the Ted Stevens Act: to grow sailing in the United States, field Olympic and Pan American teams, and ensure fair selection criteria for those events. I experienced this firsthand a few weeks ago at the USOPC Assembly in Salt Lake City. Our MNA status, meanwhile, comes from our International Federation — World Sailing — and I was about to see that relationship in action.
I landed in Dublin at 9:30 AM and reached the hotel by 10:30 AM, only to learn I couldn’t check in until 4:00 PM. After a marathon and a redeye, I was feeling spent. The ORC Annual Meetings overlapped with the World Sailing sessions and were still underway, so I joined as an observer.
The discussion was fascinating, and two particular topics caught my attention: electronic starting systems and Weather Routing Scoring. It was eye-opening to see how much consideration and debate go into every decision. I was thrilled to witness it all — even if I was fighting to keep my eyes open, thanks to the previous 24 hours of activity.
When I finally checked in, I took another shower and a much-needed nap before donning my monkey suit for the ORC Gala. The rating agency had kindly invited me, and I found myself at a table with representatives from all over the world.
We discussed how other MNAs operate and explored the intricacies of measurement — both at regattas and at the manufacturing level. It was a crash course in an area I hadn’t known much about before stepping into this role. - Read on [4]
Editor's note: This report reminded me of what I shared [5] after attending the 2018 conference.
[6]
Sails shouldn’t be on your spring To Do list [7]
Dock talk says sailors: 1) don’t read NoRs or SIs, and 2) procrastinate about getting ready for spring. Reading regatta documents may never change, but UK Sailmakers believes procrastination can be overcome!
With all you’ll have to do next spring, don’t add servicing your sails to the list. Have sails inspected, cleaned, and properly stored sooner...not later.
Take your sails to UK Sailmakers for the winter. If we find an issue, we’ll contact you about correcting it. We’ll then clean your sails and store them in our climate-controlled facilities. If a sail needs to be replaced, ordering it early means one less worry come spring. Then when you’re ready for them, your sails will be ready for you.
Let’s fool those dock talkers by making two early 2026 resolutions: 1) promise you’re read regatta documents, and 2) take your sails to UK Sailmakers now for winter service and storage.
UK Sailmakers. Sail with Confidence. [7]
Elections and decisions for World Sailing [8]
World Sailing issued this report [9] following their 2025 Annual Conference [3] held November 1-8 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland:
At the 2025 World Sailing General Assembly, the final meeting of the 2025 Annual Conference, World Sailing Member National Authorities voted in the Vice Presidential elections.
Dr Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY and Corinne Migraine were elected as new World Sailing Vice Presidents at elections held during the World Sailing General Assembly.
Nominated by Cyprus, Dr Papamichalopoulos OLY received 45 votes while Migraine, who was nominated by France, received 36 votes in the first and only round of voting.
These appointments ensure gender parity of the World Sailing Board in line with the constitution. Both members of the Board will serve a three-year term, at which time another election will be held. - Full report [8]
[10]
Final trip for the Magic Bus [11]
Marine industry veteran Brandon Flack was forced to spectate at home as his 54-foot catamaran Magic Bus, a charter staple in the Exuma Islands, sank while making its seasonal shift from Connecticut to the Bahamas.
Early on November 6, the Magic Bus became disabled in extreme conditions. But led by his lifelong friend Buster Pike, the steady teamwork of the crew, and the heroic efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, everyone made it home safe and sound.
Coast Guard Report:
The Coast Guard rescued five people after their vessel began taking on water 260 nautical miles offshore Cape Hatteras.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a distress call from the crew of the sailing vessel Magic Bus, reporting their vessel was taking on water and all five people aboard were abandoning ship into their life raft. - Full report [11]
[12]
Coast Guard exceeds recruiting goals [13]
The Coast Guard revealed it exceeded its fiscal year 2025 (FY25) recruiting goals, achieving the highest accession numbers since 1991.
The Coast Guard accessed 5,204 active-duty enlisted service members in FY25, which was 121% of its FY25 target of 4,300. This success was the second year in a row that the Coast Guard met its active-duty enlisted recruiting goals after the Service brought in 4,422 new service members last year.
In addition to the success of the active-duty enlisted recruiting efforts, the Service commissioned 371 new officers, to achieve 101% of the overall goal. This represents the largest officer target achieved in recorded history. - Full report [13]
[14]
Does the America’s Cup need a reset? [15]
The America’s Cup only needs two boats, and as of the October 31 entry deadline, that’s all there is. Kiwi defender versus British challenger, and even that assumes the Brits have found funding. With less than two years to the start, is anybody worried?
As the host in 2027, it does make you wonder about the fee paid by Naples, Italy. Nobody is making vacation plans until they see more sugar. Barcelona, after hosting in 2024, looks smart to have walked away.
The event is obligated to reveal all entries, and while there is an ultimate deadline of January 31, 2026, where is the buzz? USA is a confirmed no. Swiss is pretty much a no. France lacks money. Luna Rossa is the only realistic repeat challenger, yet they haven't entered.
Has the current trustee made the America’s Cup too expensive and unwinnable? Where is the new blood? Will there need to be reset which occurred after the 1937 edition when the 12-Metre replaced the J-Class for the next race in 1958?
It’s all systems go for Team New Zealand as they return to their home waters for summer [16], with plans to be in Naples next year to train at the venue. Will they be alone? Standing by.
Details: [17]
[18]
Hoping influencers help America’s Cup [19]
During the heyday of IOR racing, economics often meant if you could afford the boat, you might not be able to steer the boat. Spending time in the boardroom doesn't make you a better sailor, and if you wanted to win, ownership often meant taking a back seat to the emerging pro sailors.
As the sport matured, certain classes inserted an owner-driver rule, but for the America's Cup, an owner-rider was more the norm. That was until May 9, 2013 [20], when Andrew Simpson died during a training accident on the AC72 Artemis Racing.
The role of guest rider was now for celebrities and sponsors, but the risk was too great. Fearing the cancellation of the America's Cup, crew training and safety equipment was accelerated, and cameras replaced the onboard experience.
But when the Class Rules and Technical Regulations for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 were published, one of the notable developments was the requirement of a ‘Guest Racer Cockpit.’ The AC72 was not a safe boat, but foiling design and control for the current AC75 boat has led to what will now be an opportunity for influencers to broaden the event's appeal. - Full report [21]
[22]
J/7 - sailing made pure & simple [23]
The new J/7 is a sleek 23’ keelboat with spacious sit-in cockpit, easy-to-handle sail plan, and built-in stability second to none in the size range. The large mainsail and furling jib is all one needs for a fun day’s sail, and 4-5 can stretch out with comfy places to relax in the spacious cockpit. The walk-through swim platform is a bonus, and the small cabin provides all-weather protection, storage, and a place to nap. Selected by Sail Newport for its new 2026 keelboat fleet, the J/7 is exhilarating to sail, built program-tough, and easy to own and trailer home. [23]
SailGP: Is this fashion’s fastest billboard? [24]
You can either speak something into truth, or it already is true. Not always easy to tell, particularly when the speaker has a vested interest. Here is what's being said at Women's Wear Daily (WWD) Apparel Retail CEO Summit:
“SailGP is the fastest-growing emerging sport in history,” Assia Grazioli Venier, cofounder of The Muse Sport consortium that acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team last May, told WWD’s Apparel and Retail CEO Summit last month.
“This has been one of the most extraordinary things in my career that I’ve seen in terms of operational excellence, from content to digital to what happens at these events,” she said. “Also, because it is fueled by the wind as opposed to gas guzzling, it represents a lot of the values that we know are important to today’s consumer.” - Full report [25]
Details: sailgp.com [26]
[27]
School Singlehanded Nationals in USA [28]
The Singlehanded Nationals for the High School and College academic season wrapped up in Norfolk, VA. Hosted by Old Dominion University, light and variable winds mostly prevailed for both events using charter boats – ILCA 6 and 7 – from ZIM Sailing.
On November 1-2, three High School divisions each had 12 competitors, with Sydney Small [29] (Clear Lake High School ’28) topping the girls in the ILCA 6 while David Coates [30] (School for Advanced Studies ’27) and Michael Sentovich [31] (Corona del Mar High School ’26) took the male titles in the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7, respectively.
The College contingent followed on November 8-9 [32], though suitable conditions were available only on day one for the two 18-boat fleets. Gilda Dondona (Cornell University ’28) won her school’s first-ever singlehanded national title by topping the girls in the ILCA 6 while Robby Meek (Harvard University ’27) dominated the men in the ILCA 7.
[33]
Canada lifts luxury tax on yachts [34]
Canada’s 2025 federal budget has confirmed the removal of the luxury tax on private boats and aircraft, a move expected to revitalize the country’s superyacht and leisure marine industries. Introduced in September 2022, the levy had been widely criticized for stalling high-value yacht sales and reducing competitiveness in the North American market.
The tax, part of the Trudeau government’s earlier fiscal policy, applied to vessels valued at more than CA$250,000 (c. US$177,300) or aircraft exceeding CA$100,000 (c. US$70,900). It amounted to either 10% of the total value or 20 per cent of the amount above the threshold—whichever was lower. While the levy on luxury cars remains, its removal for yachts and aircraft is set to take effect from 5th November 2025.
Marine industry organizations, including NMMA Canada and the Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA), campaigned heavily for the repeal, warning that the policy had led to job losses, reduced tax revenue, and a decline in yacht sales across Canada’s domestic market. – Full report [35]
[36]
GUEST COMMENTARY
Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. You can add your comments directly to stories on the website [37] or submit commentary by email [mailto:editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com]. Please save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
AMERICA’S CUP HAS DEVOLVED INTO A SPECTACLE ( #6482 [38])
Dr. Hamish Ross is unfortunately right: The 'Cup' has now become a big Disney Park show, or a Super Bowl final… essentially a spectacle bringing in more money and of course TV /Media coverage to the full satisfaction of the owners / mentors. How to destroy a legend? Just ask the Americash Cup Committee.
- Pierre-Alain Varreon
I couldn’t agree more with this piece. I still remain bitter when the Kiwis first hosted the Cup and repeatedly called off racing because the wind didn’t suit the narrow range that was optimal for their boat design. It was a prelude of the nonsense to come that may end the Cup competitions. Originally a competition among Corinthian sailors from the countries they represent, it’s become a game for the benefit of nomadic professional sailors and billionaires, many of inherited wealth. Enough.
- Michael Morandi
As a New Zealander myself, I am ashamed of the behavior of the 'supposedly New Zealand's Cup Team'... basically, it only takes ONE person, to ruin any sport for the rest of the country (if not THE world) and while I still like 'to belong to the world sailing club via this platform', when it is handled by one person, who manages to put more and more people off the whole race - oh hey, he just needs to show his face, and I (and many others) cringe away from reading any report.
- Sandy Johnston
Editor’s note: The problem with the cutting edge is the knife becomes too sharp to hold. The steady rise of cost and complexity has predictably decreased participation, and now that we are fully amid an era to maximize commercial appeal, the loyal base of sailing enthusiasts has been alienated. Even the America’s Cup is capable of evolving toward extinction [39].
WHEN WINNING DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT ( #6482 [38])
I read Paloma’s heartbreaking story, but wondered if the Protest Committee had errored in their decision. I reviewed the NoR and SI’s to determine if the error in the RRS 2024 had been corrected….it was not. The rule under validity states that the protest is invalid if it comes from an individual who was not involved in or did not see the incident.
Clearly the protestor was not involved in the incident and thus the protest was invalid and should not have been heard. A young sailor going to the room should have access to a fair hearing.
This error in the rule book was discussed at our appeals committee meeting in June and Dave Perry tasked us to review SIs make the change and notify clubs in our areas. Clearly, US Sailing missed this memo. It is unfortunate that Paloma was disqualified without recourse, and my hat is off to this young lady for her courage and stamina
- Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire
MORE DRAMA FOR ILCA ORGANIZATION ( #6482 [38])
What an embarrassment that we find ourselves in another dispute over hull shapes and moulds. It's not just ILCA and PSA in this affair, World Sailing is in there too. Here we have another World Sailing Class who allows builders agreements to be kept secret from the athletes, yet the athletes are at the mercy of those agreements, not mention those people who actually spend money to buy the equipment.
Of course, nothing of this affair is on the World Sailing website keeping competitors and officials informed of what is happening to their World Sailing and Olympic Class! It's a wonder that no-one, except it seems PSA, seems to be able to read technical drawings and understand design and manufacturing tolerances.
Is this still a mould class or has it changed to a measurement class? It seems that the ILCA has reshaped it into a measurement class. Ten millimeters in length doesn't sound much, but anyone who know the square root rule can easily tell you that in a 45 minute race, 10mm is worth about 6 seconds or 3 to 3 1/2 boat lengths in an ILCA.
How did the ILCA and World Sailing get it so wrong? On the upside, PSA can easily claim that their boats are faster than the others! Go PSA! Does our sport present a fair and even playing field? Ironically, one-design was lost many years ago. We race by different rules these days.
- Chris Pratt
CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
One day you’ll find someone that is obsessed with you. It’s probably going to be a dog, but it is what it is.
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Links in this document:
[1] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com
[2] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/09/the-room-where-it-happens/
[3] https://www.sailing.org/inside-world-sailing/organisation/governance/conferences/2025-world-sailing-annual-conference/
[4] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/09/the-room-where-it-happens/#more
[5] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2018/11/05/watching-sausage-get-made/
[6] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-m/
[7] https://www.uksailmakers.com/lofts/
[8] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/08/elections-and-decision-for-world-sailing/
[9] https://www.sailing.org/2025/11/08/dr-sophia-papamichalopoulos-oly-and-corinne-migraine-elected-as-world-sailing-vice-presidents/
[10] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-c/
[11] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/07/final-trip-for-the-magic-bus/
[12] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-q/
[13] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/07/coast-guard-exceeds-recruiting-goals/
[14] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-g/
[15] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/10/does-the-americas-cup-need-a-reset/
[16] https://emirates-team-new-zealand.americascup.com/en/news/766_EMIRATES-TEAM-NEW-ZEALAND-BACK-IN-ACTION-BUILDING-MOMENTUM-TOWARDS-AC38.html
[17] https://www.americascup.com/
[18] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-jy/
[19] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/10/hoping-influencers-help-americas-cup/
[20] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/05/09/disaster-americas-cup-challenger-capsizes-ac72/
[21] https://www.americascup.com/news/3854_THE-GUEST-RACER-COCKPIT-ON-THE-AC75-THE-MOST-COVETED-RIDE-IN-SPORT-TODAY
[22] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-jd/
[23] https://www.jboats.com/boats/j7
[24] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/10/sailgp-is-this-fashions-fastest-billboard/
[25] https://wwd.com/eye/lifestyle/sailgp-potentional-fashion-wwd-summit-1238329679/
[26] https://sailgp.com/about
[27] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-tl/
[28] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/09/school-singlehanded-nationals-in-usa/
[29] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-singlehanded-champ-ilca-girls
[30] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-national-singlehanded-ilca-boys
[31] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-nationals-ilca-open
[32] https://singlehanded.collegesailing.org/events/2025-singlehanded
[33] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-tu/
[34] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/07/canada-lifts-luxury-tax-on-yachts/
[35] https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/canadian-government-lifts-luxury-yacht-tax-news.html
[36] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydmlytl-ijtljumj-il/
[37] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/latest-posts/
[38] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/j/0023E987B7FDDB2B2540EF23F30FEDED/C67FD2F38AC4859C/
[39] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2020/04/16/the-state-of-the-sport-in-2020/
[40] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/sailing-supplies-resources
[41] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/about-scuttlebutt/
[42] https://scuttlebuttsailingnews.updatemyprofile.com/j-ydmlytl-0D30E67E-ijtljumj-ih
Subject: Scuttlebutt_6483_–_November_11,_2025
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News [1]
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Issue 6483
The NEW J/7 is fast, fun and program-tough.
This newsletter is provided through the support of its sponsors, delivering a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk…with a North American focus.
Today's sponsors:
Bitter End Yacht Club - UK Sailmakers - J/Boats
SCUTTLEBUTT ADVERTISING IN 2026 [mailto:advertising@sailingscuttlebutt.com]
Advertising is limited in Scuttlebutt, and the inventory tends to sell out by January. We are now accepting advertising requests for 2026. Curious? Ask for details at [advertising@sailingscuttlebutt.com].
The Room Where It Happens [2]
The 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference [3] was held November 1-8 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. US Sailing was well represented with this report coming from Charlie Enright:
November 1st marked six months since I became CEO of US Sailing. I spent that day in Manhattan resting before running an ill-advised TCS New York City Marathon — one I’d registered for before taking on this more-than-full-time role.
I found myself wondering where all my training time had gone? After dragging myself through all five boroughs, I showered, inhaled a cheeseburger, and hopped on a flight to Dublin for the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference — my first as CEO and as a member of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee.
At its core, US Sailing serves two vital functions: we’re both a National Governing Body (NGB) and a Member National Authority (MNA).
Our NGB status comes from the USOPC, with our mission defined by the Ted Stevens Act: to grow sailing in the United States, field Olympic and Pan American teams, and ensure fair selection criteria for those events. I experienced this firsthand a few weeks ago at the USOPC Assembly in Salt Lake City. Our MNA status, meanwhile, comes from our International Federation — World Sailing — and I was about to see that relationship in action.
I landed in Dublin at 9:30 AM and reached the hotel by 10:30 AM, only to learn I couldn’t check in until 4:00 PM. After a marathon and a redeye, I was feeling spent. The ORC Annual Meetings overlapped with the World Sailing sessions and were still underway, so I joined as an observer.
The discussion was fascinating, and two particular topics caught my attention: electronic starting systems and Weather Routing Scoring. It was eye-opening to see how much consideration and debate go into every decision. I was thrilled to witness it all — even if I was fighting to keep my eyes open, thanks to the previous 24 hours of activity.
When I finally checked in, I took another shower and a much-needed nap before donning my monkey suit for the ORC Gala. The rating agency had kindly invited me, and I found myself at a table with representatives from all over the world.
We discussed how other MNAs operate and explored the intricacies of measurement — both at regattas and at the manufacturing level. It was a crash course in an area I hadn’t known much about before stepping into this role. - Read on [4]
Editor's note: This report reminded me of what I shared [5] after attending the 2018 conference.
[6]
Sails shouldn’t be on your spring To Do list [7]
Dock talk says sailors: 1) don’t read NoRs or SIs, and 2) procrastinate about getting ready for spring. Reading regatta documents may never change, but UK Sailmakers believes procrastination can be overcome!
With all you’ll have to do next spring, don’t add servicing your sails to the list. Have sails inspected, cleaned, and properly stored sooner...not later.
Take your sails to UK Sailmakers for the winter. If we find an issue, we’ll contact you about correcting it. We’ll then clean your sails and store them in our climate-controlled facilities. If a sail needs to be replaced, ordering it early means one less worry come spring. Then when you’re ready for them, your sails will be ready for you.
Let’s fool those dock talkers by making two early 2026 resolutions: 1) promise you’re read regatta documents, and 2) take your sails to UK Sailmakers now for winter service and storage.
UK Sailmakers. Sail with Confidence. [7]
Elections and decisions for World Sailing [8]
World Sailing issued this report [9] following their 2025 Annual Conference [3] held November 1-8 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland:
At the 2025 World Sailing General Assembly, the final meeting of the 2025 Annual Conference, World Sailing Member National Authorities voted in the Vice Presidential elections.
Dr Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY and Corinne Migraine were elected as new World Sailing Vice Presidents at elections held during the World Sailing General Assembly.
Nominated by Cyprus, Dr Papamichalopoulos OLY received 45 votes while Migraine, who was nominated by France, received 36 votes in the first and only round of voting.
These appointments ensure gender parity of the World Sailing Board in line with the constitution. Both members of the Board will serve a three-year term, at which time another election will be held. - Full report [8]
[10]
Final trip for the Magic Bus [11]
Marine industry veteran Brandon Flack was forced to spectate at home as his 54-foot catamaran Magic Bus, a charter staple in the Exuma Islands, sank while making its seasonal shift from Connecticut to the Bahamas.
Early on November 6, the Magic Bus became disabled in extreme conditions. But led by his lifelong friend Buster Pike, the steady teamwork of the crew, and the heroic efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, everyone made it home safe and sound.
Coast Guard Report:
The Coast Guard rescued five people after their vessel began taking on water 260 nautical miles offshore Cape Hatteras.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a distress call from the crew of the sailing vessel Magic Bus, reporting their vessel was taking on water and all five people aboard were abandoning ship into their life raft. - Full report [11]
[12]
Coast Guard exceeds recruiting goals [13]
The Coast Guard revealed it exceeded its fiscal year 2025 (FY25) recruiting goals, achieving the highest accession numbers since 1991.
The Coast Guard accessed 5,204 active-duty enlisted service members in FY25, which was 121% of its FY25 target of 4,300. This success was the second year in a row that the Coast Guard met its active-duty enlisted recruiting goals after the Service brought in 4,422 new service members last year.
In addition to the success of the active-duty enlisted recruiting efforts, the Service commissioned 371 new officers, to achieve 101% of the overall goal. This represents the largest officer target achieved in recorded history. - Full report [13]
[14]
Does the America’s Cup need a reset? [15]
The America’s Cup only needs two boats, and as of the October 31 entry deadline, that’s all there is. Kiwi defender versus British challenger, and even that assumes the Brits have found funding. With less than two years to the start, is anybody worried?
As the host in 2027, it does make you wonder about the fee paid by Naples, Italy. Nobody is making vacation plans until they see more sugar. Barcelona, after hosting in 2024, looks smart to have walked away.
The event is obligated to reveal all entries, and while there is an ultimate deadline of January 31, 2026, where is the buzz? USA is a confirmed no. Swiss is pretty much a no. France lacks money. Luna Rossa is the only realistic repeat challenger, yet they haven't entered.
Has the current trustee made the America’s Cup too expensive and unwinnable? Where is the new blood? Will there need to be reset which occurred after the 1937 edition when the 12-Metre replaced the J-Class for the next race in 1958?
It’s all systems go for Team New Zealand as they return to their home waters for summer [16], with plans to be in Naples next year to train at the venue. Will they be alone? Standing by.
Details: [17]
[18]
Hoping influencers help America’s Cup [19]
During the heyday of IOR racing, economics often meant if you could afford the boat, you might not be able to steer the boat. Spending time in the boardroom doesn't make you a better sailor, and if you wanted to win, ownership often meant taking a back seat to the emerging pro sailors.
As the sport matured, certain classes inserted an owner-driver rule, but for the America's Cup, an owner-rider was more the norm. That was until May 9, 2013 [20], when Andrew Simpson died during a training accident on the AC72 Artemis Racing.
The role of guest rider was now for celebrities and sponsors, but the risk was too great. Fearing the cancellation of the America's Cup, crew training and safety equipment was accelerated, and cameras replaced the onboard experience.
But when the Class Rules and Technical Regulations for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 were published, one of the notable developments was the requirement of a ‘Guest Racer Cockpit.’ The AC72 was not a safe boat, but foiling design and control for the current AC75 boat has led to what will now be an opportunity for influencers to broaden the event's appeal. - Full report [21]
[22]
J/7 - sailing made pure & simple [23]
The new J/7 is a sleek 23’ keelboat with spacious sit-in cockpit, easy-to-handle sail plan, and built-in stability second to none in the size range. The large mainsail and furling jib is all one needs for a fun day’s sail, and 4-5 can stretch out with comfy places to relax in the spacious cockpit. The walk-through swim platform is a bonus, and the small cabin provides all-weather protection, storage, and a place to nap. Selected by Sail Newport for its new 2026 keelboat fleet, the J/7 is exhilarating to sail, built program-tough, and easy to own and trailer home. [23]
SailGP: Is this fashion’s fastest billboard? [24]
You can either speak something into truth, or it already is true. Not always easy to tell, particularly when the speaker has a vested interest. Here is what's being said at Women's Wear Daily (WWD) Apparel Retail CEO Summit:
“SailGP is the fastest-growing emerging sport in history,” Assia Grazioli Venier, cofounder of The Muse Sport consortium that acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team last May, told WWD’s Apparel and Retail CEO Summit last month.
“This has been one of the most extraordinary things in my career that I’ve seen in terms of operational excellence, from content to digital to what happens at these events,” she said. “Also, because it is fueled by the wind as opposed to gas guzzling, it represents a lot of the values that we know are important to today’s consumer.” - Full report [25]
Details: sailgp.com [26]
[27]
School Singlehanded Nationals in USA [28]
The Singlehanded Nationals for the High School and College academic season wrapped up in Norfolk, VA. Hosted by Old Dominion University, light and variable winds mostly prevailed for both events using charter boats – ILCA 6 and 7 – from ZIM Sailing.
On November 1-2, three High School divisions each had 12 competitors, with Sydney Small [29] (Clear Lake High School ’28) topping the girls in the ILCA 6 while David Coates [30] (School for Advanced Studies ’27) and Michael Sentovich [31] (Corona del Mar High School ’26) took the male titles in the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7, respectively.
The College contingent followed on November 8-9 [32], though suitable conditions were available only on day one for the two 18-boat fleets. Gilda Dondona (Cornell University ’28) won her school’s first-ever singlehanded national title by topping the girls in the ILCA 6 while Robby Meek (Harvard University ’27) dominated the men in the ILCA 7.
[33]
Canada lifts luxury tax on yachts [34]
Canada’s 2025 federal budget has confirmed the removal of the luxury tax on private boats and aircraft, a move expected to revitalize the country’s superyacht and leisure marine industries. Introduced in September 2022, the levy had been widely criticized for stalling high-value yacht sales and reducing competitiveness in the North American market.
The tax, part of the Trudeau government’s earlier fiscal policy, applied to vessels valued at more than CA$250,000 (c. US$177,300) or aircraft exceeding CA$100,000 (c. US$70,900). It amounted to either 10% of the total value or 20 per cent of the amount above the threshold—whichever was lower. While the levy on luxury cars remains, its removal for yachts and aircraft is set to take effect from 5th November 2025.
Marine industry organizations, including NMMA Canada and the Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA), campaigned heavily for the repeal, warning that the policy had led to job losses, reduced tax revenue, and a decline in yacht sales across Canada’s domestic market. – Full report [35]
[36]
GUEST COMMENTARY
Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. You can add your comments directly to stories on the website [37] or submit commentary by email [mailto:editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com]. Please save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
AMERICA’S CUP HAS DEVOLVED INTO A SPECTACLE ( #6482 [38])
Dr. Hamish Ross is unfortunately right: The 'Cup' has now become a big Disney Park show, or a Super Bowl final… essentially a spectacle bringing in more money and of course TV /Media coverage to the full satisfaction of the owners / mentors. How to destroy a legend? Just ask the Americash Cup Committee.
- Pierre-Alain Varreon
I couldn’t agree more with this piece. I still remain bitter when the Kiwis first hosted the Cup and repeatedly called off racing because the wind didn’t suit the narrow range that was optimal for their boat design. It was a prelude of the nonsense to come that may end the Cup competitions. Originally a competition among Corinthian sailors from the countries they represent, it’s become a game for the benefit of nomadic professional sailors and billionaires, many of inherited wealth. Enough.
- Michael Morandi
As a New Zealander myself, I am ashamed of the behavior of the 'supposedly New Zealand's Cup Team'... basically, it only takes ONE person, to ruin any sport for the rest of the country (if not THE world) and while I still like 'to belong to the world sailing club via this platform', when it is handled by one person, who manages to put more and more people off the whole race - oh hey, he just needs to show his face, and I (and many others) cringe away from reading any report.
- Sandy Johnston
Editor’s note: The problem with the cutting edge is the knife becomes too sharp to hold. The steady rise of cost and complexity has predictably decreased participation, and now that we are fully amid an era to maximize commercial appeal, the loyal base of sailing enthusiasts has been alienated. Even the America’s Cup is capable of evolving toward extinction [39].
WHEN WINNING DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT ( #6482 [38])
I read Paloma’s heartbreaking story, but wondered if the Protest Committee had errored in their decision. I reviewed the NoR and SI’s to determine if the error in the RRS 2024 had been corrected….it was not. The rule under validity states that the protest is invalid if it comes from an individual who was not involved in or did not see the incident.
Clearly the protestor was not involved in the incident and thus the protest was invalid and should not have been heard. A young sailor going to the room should have access to a fair hearing.
This error in the rule book was discussed at our appeals committee meeting in June and Dave Perry tasked us to review SIs make the change and notify clubs in our areas. Clearly, US Sailing missed this memo. It is unfortunate that Paloma was disqualified without recourse, and my hat is off to this young lady for her courage and stamina
- Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire
MORE DRAMA FOR ILCA ORGANIZATION ( #6482 [38])
What an embarrassment that we find ourselves in another dispute over hull shapes and moulds. It's not just ILCA and PSA in this affair, World Sailing is in there too. Here we have another World Sailing Class who allows builders agreements to be kept secret from the athletes, yet the athletes are at the mercy of those agreements, not mention those people who actually spend money to buy the equipment.
Of course, nothing of this affair is on the World Sailing website keeping competitors and officials informed of what is happening to their World Sailing and Olympic Class! It's a wonder that no-one, except it seems PSA, seems to be able to read technical drawings and understand design and manufacturing tolerances.
Is this still a mould class or has it changed to a measurement class? It seems that the ILCA has reshaped it into a measurement class. Ten millimeters in length doesn't sound much, but anyone who know the square root rule can easily tell you that in a 45 minute race, 10mm is worth about 6 seconds or 3 to 3 1/2 boat lengths in an ILCA.
How did the ILCA and World Sailing get it so wrong? On the upside, PSA can easily claim that their boats are faster than the others! Go PSA! Does our sport present a fair and even playing field? Ironically, one-design was lost many years ago. We race by different rules these days.
- Chris Pratt
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[15] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/10/does-the-americas-cup-need-a-reset/
[16] https://emirates-team-new-zealand.americascup.com/en/news/766_EMIRATES-TEAM-NEW-ZEALAND-BACK-IN-ACTION-BUILDING-MOMENTUM-TOWARDS-AC38.html
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[20] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/05/09/disaster-americas-cup-challenger-capsizes-ac72/
[21] https://www.americascup.com/news/3854_THE-GUEST-RACER-COCKPIT-ON-THE-AC75-THE-MOST-COVETED-RIDE-IN-SPORT-TODAY
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[28] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/11/09/school-singlehanded-nationals-in-usa/
[29] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-singlehanded-champ-ilca-girls
[30] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-national-singlehanded-ilca-boys
[31] https://scores.hssailing.org/f25/issa-2025-cressy-nationals-ilca-open
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[35] https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/canadian-government-lifts-luxury-yacht-tax-news.html
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