Daily Sailing Debrief - 2026/01/11

World Match Racing Tour (WMRT)

WMRT: Champions collide as the final four emerge: On Day 4 in Shenzhen, the final four skippers emerged from a challenging field to secure their spots in the 2025 Match Racing World Championship semifinals.
2025 World Match Racing Tour Final - Day 5 Semi-Finals: Exclusive footage from the semi-finals in Shenzhen as the world's best match racers battle for a place in the championship final.
WMRT: Experience prevails as Williams marches into Shenzhen final: Veteran skipper Ian Williams showed his championship pedigree by navigating tough conditions to secure his position in the final showdown.
Ian Williams wins 9th Match Racing World Title: History was made in Shenzhen as Ian Williams and his crew secured a record-breaking ninth world title, cementing his legacy as the greatest match racer of all time.

Three navigators, one ocean — rival minds approach the Atlantic: Ahead of the start in Lanzarote, top navigators discuss their differing strategies for tackling the 3,000-mile crossing to Antigua.
Newcomer Raven favourite for IMA Trophy: All eyes are on the foiling yacht Raven as it prepares to lead the charge for the International Maxi Association Trophy.
Berlin students embark on RORC Transatlantic Race: A crew of students from Berlin joins the offshore "royalty" to test their skills in one of the most prestigious ocean races.
Flawless start for the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race: The fleet has officially set sail from Lanzarote under perfect conditions, featuring the first-ever foiling superyacht to compete in the event.

Mercedes F1 team axes America's Cup distraction: Toto Wolff confirms that Mercedes will refocus exclusively on Formula 1, ending its high-profile technology consulting and sailing partnership.

38th America's Cup Preliminary Regatta: Cagliari: Official confirmation has been signed to host the first preliminary regatta of the next cycle in Sardinia.
America's Cup: Cagliari tipped for first event: Insiders suggest that key dates for the 2026 and 2027 America's Cup cycles will be revealed later this month following the Sardinia announcement.

2025 Boat of the Year Nominees: Sailing World reveals the top contenders for the prestigious BOTY award, including the Mackay VX Two and the Beneteau First 30.
Excess 13: The cat for Gen Z: A deep dive into the sporty new Excess 13 catamaran, designed with a focus on youthful aesthetics and high-performance sailing feel.
Glimpse Inside Grand Prix Sailing's Biggest Wins: An exploration of how top racing programs redefined success in 2025 through technical innovation and elite partnerships.

2026 North American Melges 24 Sailing Series: The International Melges 24 Class announces a stellar lineup of events for the upcoming season across the U.S. and Canada.
2026 Caribbean Regattas & Trophies Rundown: The Caribbean Sailing Association provides a comprehensive look at the upcoming rally calendar and rule changes for the islands.

Sodebo 3 rounds Cape Horn at record pace: The Jules Verne Trophy attempt continues as Sodebo 3 passes Cape Horn just 26 days after departure, maintaining a blistering speed.
2026 12ft Skiff Interdominion Championship Overall: A recap of the intense competition on Sydney Harbour as the best skiff teams from Australia and New Zealand fought for the Interdominion title.