Lightwave marks 30
Australian catamaran builder Lightwave Yachts marks 30 years of production with an investment in robotics and advanced manufacturing at its Queensland facility.
Sail Expo success
Sail Expo 2026 attracted sailors, prospective yacht buyers and marine industry representatives to Sydney’s Pittwater for a successful weekend showcasing new yachts, sailing equipment and the latest opportunities to get on the water.
SailGP Training Hub
SailGP has officially opened its first permanent training facility in Pensacola, Florida, establishing a year-round base for F50 catamaran training, athlete development and technical innovation.
Vision 484 unveiled
South African catamaran builder Vision Yachts has unveiled its new Vision 484 bluewater cruising catamaran, with the first five hulls sold ahead of its scheduled launch in March 2027.
Small boats dominate
The 30- and 40-footers are setting the pace in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore as 26 yachts prepare for the 260-nautical-mile Tollgate Islands Race, starting Friday 16 October.
Port Stephens 20th
Sail Port Stephens will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, with entries now open for 11 days of racing across three weeks from 12 April to 2 May.
Gloss innovation
Awlgrip has expanded its innovative Gloss Finish Primer into North America and Asia-Pacific, offering superyacht builders and refit yards a more efficient coating system that reduces application time and VOC emissions.
Olympic opening
The Australian Sailing Team has introduced the next generation of female sailors to Olympic-class racing through a 49erFX Experience Camp at Lake Macquarie.
Middle Sea showdown
The 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race is shaping up as a compelling battle for line honours, with defending champion Black Jack 100 facing seven former round-the-world racing yachts and unpredictable Mediterranean conditions.
Celestial champions
Sam Haynes and Tom Woods have secured national titles at The Yacht Sales Co. Sail Paradise 2026, with Celestial and Saltwater Wine crowned Australian Yachting Champions on the Gold Coast.
Prepare for boot 2027
Next year’s boot Düsseldorf will bring an expanded program of watersports, paddling and adventure activities to Hall 12, with a larger indoor pool, new canoe course and more opportunities for visitors to get on the water.
GGR breakaway
Damien Guillou and Pat Lawless have broken clear of the chasing fleet in the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race, as unpredictable conditions in the Atlantic begin to reshape the solo round-the-world contest.
Botin 41 underway
McConaghy has commenced construction of Swing, a new Botin 41 racing yacht designed by Botin Partners and engineered for high-performance inshore racing.
Sponsor returns
Sydney Brewery has renewed its partnership with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), supporting the club’s 2026/27 Twilight Series and the 81st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Solely sailing
Australia’s largest Sail Expo returns to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Newport on 17 and 18 October, bringing together an extensive display of sailing yachts, marine equipment and services on Pittwater.
Porto new home
The Ocean Race will establish its long-term global headquarters in Porto, Portugal, under a landmark partnership that will also see the city host the start of three editions of the round-the-world race through 2040.
