Skipper's Watchlist: The influencers, sailors, and crews to follow this season
Nikki Henderson
This year's Skipper Watchlist highlights the voices, sailors, and crews you should be following—because their impact stretches well beyond the racecourse. Every sailing season has its stars—but in 2025, the lines between professional campaigns, grassroots initiatives, and digital influence are more blurred than ever. The sport isn't only defined by who lifts the trophy, but by who sets the pace online, who represents change, and who dares to take on the giants of offshore racing.
Influencers steering the conversation
Elayna Carausu & Riley Whitelum – Sailing La Vagabonde
Still the world's most recognisable sailing influencers, La Vagabonde continue to draw millions into the cruising lifestyle. Their recent shift into shorter, snappier content is aimed at younger audiences who might otherwise never discover sailing. If anyone has democratised the dream of casting off, it's this duo.
www.sailinglavagabonde.org
Nikki Henderson – Offshore Sailor & Commentator
The youngest skipper in Clipper Round the World Race history has matured into one of offshore sailing's most authoritative voices. Whether mentoring, skippering, or commentating, Henderson keeps sustainability, diversity, and accessibility firmly on the agenda—making her one of the sport's most critical modern figures.
www.nikkihenderson.com
Tom Ehman – America's Cup Insider
Tom Ehman makes a point at the World Yacht Racing Forum. L-R Paul Cayard, Olympic, Volvo and America’s Cup Skipper, Tom Ehman BMW Oracle, head of external affairs and Stephan Kandler, K-Challenge
Few are as outspoken—or as plugged-in—as Tom Ehman. His Sailing Illustrated shows have become essential viewing for anyone following the America's Cup. Expect sharp commentary, political insight, and a willingness to call out what others won't.
www.sailingillustrated.com
Rising stars on the water
Joan Cardona (Spain)
Olympic Finn bronze medallist and SailGP talent, Cardona embodies versatility: a heavyweight Olympic sailor who's equally at home on a foiling catamaran. With Spain pushing hard in SailGP and Olympic pathways, he is firmly at the forefront of Europe's next sailing generation.
Mikaela Wulff (Finland)
Bronze medallist at the London 2012 Olympics, Wulff remains a fierce competitor. In 2025, she's been active in the Snipe class, competing in the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta. She's a reminder that Olympic pedigree and tactical nous remain transferable across classes.
Crews to keep on your radar
Austrian Ocean Racing – Team Genova
The underdog story with staying power. After strong performances in past VO65 campaigns, Austrian Ocean Racing are now preparing for The Ocean Race Europe 2025, which kicks off in August from Kiel. Backed by Genova as a host city, the team is blending youthful energy with growing offshore experience—making them one of the most exciting squads to follow this year.
11th Hour Racing – Team Mālama
Fresh off their victorious Ocean Race campaign, Team Mālama remains the benchmark for blending blistering offshore performance with a mission for ocean health. Their projects and campaigns in 2025 continue to demonstrate that high performance and high principles can coexist at the top of the sport.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing
One of the most compelling challengers for the next America's Cup. Combining Swiss precision with Red Bull's flair for high-octane sports, their every move in 2025 is being scrutinised. Expect big narratives to unfold as they refine their foiling programme in the lead-up to the Cup.
Voices of change
Hannah Diamond – Sustainability & Performance Advocate
A rare talent who has bridged Olympic campaigns and offshore racing, Diamond uses her platform to advocate for gender equity and a greener sailing future. Her influence continues to grow as she shows that results and advocacy can—and should—go hand in hand.
www.hannahdiamond.co.uk
Conrad Colman – The Green Skipper
The first sailor to finish the Vendée Globe without fossil fuels remains a standard-bearer for sustainable ocean racing. Colman's story isn't just about completing courses—it's about demonstrating that the most daunting challenges can be met responsibly.
www.conradcolman.com
Why they matter
The sailors and crews on this watchlist aren't just contenders on the racecourse—they're redefining what it means to influence the sport. Some are winning medals and Cup races. Others are winning hearts, minds, and the future of the sailing industry. Together, they're reshaping sailing's relevance in a digital, sustainability-driven age.
Whether you're scrolling La Vagabonde's latest reel, tuning into Ehman's Cup commentary, or watching the Austrian Ocean Racing VO65 thunder out of Kiel this August, these are the names and crews shaping the conversation in 2025.
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