December 20, 2024
2 minutes reading time
The December World Sailing Show recaps an incredible year for the sport
December’s episode of the World Sailing Show brings the year to a close with an in-depth interview with 2024 Rolex female World Sailor of the Year Marit Bouwmeester where the most successful female Olympic sailor in history details her journey to the top, balancing a family with training, dips in form, returning to the podium and what’s next for her to achieve.
- Marit Bouwmeester shares her journey to becoming the most successful female Olympic sailor in history
- The new look SailGP season lifts off in Dubai with familiar faces taking the honours
- Sailing meets to shape its future at the Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam
- A recap of all the action from an exciting season in Olympic class and offshore sailing
- The latest news from across the world of sailing
Season 5 of SailGP kicked off in Dubai with many new-look crews and two new teams but it would be familiar faces crossing the line first in the final. The next stop is Auckland where all teams will be racing with the new T-Foils where improved performance and higher speeds are expected.
The sailing industry gathered in Amsterdam for the Yacht Racing Forum where representatives from all sectors of the sport discussed the future of sailing, including presentations on sustainability, AI and new technologies, sponsorships, equal opportunities and the future direction of the sport.
Pauline Courtois’ Normandy Elite Team of France dominated the Women’s Match Racing World Championships in Jeddah, recording a perfect score – 21 wins from 21 races – to claim victory. Jeddah had also hosted the Youth World Match Racing World Championship where the French team reached the final once again but this time, they faced an inspired Australian team led by Cole Tapper.
The 44Cup Series headed to the Virgin Islands for the final round of the five-event season. Just five points separated the top five boats going into the final day, leading to a tense last race.
The World Sailing Show also catches up with the Vendée Globe fleet after a month at sea and takes a look at the highlights from a year of Olympic class sailing, from qualification events to the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition, and a recap of the big stories from a record-breaking season in offshore sailing, wingfoil and kite events.