It's all about sailing this week - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 15 Apr 08:00 PDT
Wetsuit waste © Circular Flow
Clean Sailors, the organisation behind the innovative ReSail platform, announced an exciting new partnership with Circular Flow, a leader in neoprene reuse solutions.
This collaboration expands ReSail's global offering, enabling sailors to responsibly dispose of not only sails, but also wetsuits and neoprene gear. A digital platform maps drop-off locations worldwide where retired items can be repurposed. With no formal recycling infrastructure currently available for complex sail textiles anywhere in the world, the platform provides a solution.
The annual Sail America Industry Conference (SAIC) returned to Newport, RI, bringing the sailing industry together for two engaging days of learning, conversation, and connection. From AI technologies to insurance and boat building, attendees were exposed to a wealth of information. The keynote session was a conversation with Sample Temple (Rockport Marine) and Tom Degremont (Langan Design), moderated by Aaron Porter (ProBoat), focused on designing and building the 95' Ouzel in New England.
Following one of its most successful editions, the Yacht Racing Forum has unveiled the first elements of its 2026 programme. The event will take place on 19-20 November in Amsterdam, at the end and the day after Metstrade, with the traditional Sailors' Night on Thursday evening. The 16th edition will once again bring together the international sailing community for two days of conferences, keynotes and high-level networking at the crossroads of sport, business and innovation.
The organisers of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup, the world's most prestigious and historic yachting competition, have announced the appointment of IMG Licensing as the exclusive global licensing agency for the event ahead of the showdown in Naples, Italy in July 2027. Under the terms of the agreement, IMG Licensing will develop and manage a comprehensive global licensing program spanning consumer products, publishing, collectibles, and memorabilia.
The Viper 640 Class has appointed SERO Sailing as the new official class builder, marking an exciting new chapter for the popular high-performance one-design class. With a vibrant racing calendar, expanding fleets, and a reputation for exciting, tactical competition, the Viper 640 continues to attract sailors seeking both performance and community. "During our site visit we were impressed with the professional production facility and strong customer support team," said Steve Chapman, Chair of the Class Association.
Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing this week announced the full launch of its 2026 Purpose Program, a structured, action-oriented commitment to transforming diversity, belonging, and high performance in sailing. Clapcich said, "I have spent my life trying to fit into sailing, now I work to make sailing fit more people." The team has launched two free, evidence-based programs now open to sailing schools, and club teams worldwide. The team has also commissioned Leeds Beckett University's Carnegie School of Sport to develop its research into how to create a winning culture in performance sport, speaking to international sports teams from Australia to the USA.
But not forgetting fishing! This week, more than 100 sportfishing industry professionals travelled to Washington, D.C. for the inaugural Keep America Fishing Fly-In. Over the next few days, our community will hear from leaders in federal agencies, meet with members of Congress and celebrate the many benefits recreational fishing provides for our country and the almost 60 million Americans that spend time on the water each year.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media