Sailfaster: The No 1 podcast for racing sailors

This week I sat down with Guillaume Seynhaeve—seasoned racer and accomplished helmsman—for an engaging conversation on the art of driving a keelboat. From mastering boat speed to simplifying race strategy, Guillaume eloquently shares invaluable insights gained from decades of sailing experience, including everything from semi-circumnavigations to competitive world championships.It's an episode I was really looking forward to, and it didn't disappoint!  We dive into starting line tactics, the importance of rig tuning, the concept of “feel” when helming, and why simplicity is often the key to success on the water. Guillaume’s passion and clarity make this episode a must-listen for sailors of all levels. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or gain a fresh perspective on racing strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful philosophy. Join us for a fascinating masterclass on driving fast and smart!Note that my new studio needs to be optimised for sound...apologies if it's a bit boomy in places. [Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—fair winds!]

This week, Scott Nixon came back to Sailfaster to chat about his winning run on TP52 "Fox" at the 2024 ORC World Championships.  Scott shares what it took to prepare for this event over four years, from nailing down teamwork and boat handling to bouncing back after losing wind instruments mid-race. We got into the nitty-gritty of sailing at the top level—how technology and instincts work together, why the TP52 class rules are always evolving, why you should focus on weaknesses, and why constant learning (and relearning!) is the secret to staying competitive.  Scott’s got some fantastic tips to up your game: the value of recording your progress, using local races as training grounds, and focusing on the fundamentals like heel angles and smooth boat handling. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice; hope it inspires you to sail faster and smarter!

In this episode we dive into the inspiring journey of Maura Winston, London Calling’s tactician.  Maura grew up sailing in the picturesque waters of Rhode Island and began racing at an early age, moving later into Bermuda Cup match racing and J/24 and J/105 keelboat racing.  With her infectious enthusiasm for the sport, Maura shares how teamwork is at the heart of sailing success, as well as the importance of networking and finding the right team, proving that building connections is a vital skill for burgeoning keelboat racers!  We also chat about London Calling’s performance journey over the last two years, with Maura emphasizing how intentional practice and coaching elevates performance, with driving skills being an obvious game-changer for boat speed. Maura also offers refreshing advice: focus on the basics instead of getting bogged down by excessive data.  And how practice starts are the perfect way to boost confidence and get a solid read on that day’s racecourse.  Maura’s insights are practical and motivational, making I what I hope is a great listen!  

This episode features an engaging conversation with two-time Danish match racing champion Marie Klok Crump. She shares how a pivotal high school experience ignited her passion for match racing, propelling her to international rankings in just two years.  We explore the precision and intensity of match racing, the art of mastering chaos, and the crucial role of teamwork and communication in high-stakes competition. Marie offers sharp insights into pre-start tactics, mark roundings, and balancing speed with strategic control.   From staying calm under pressure to adapting in dynamic environments, this episode is packed with lessons for both sailors and anyone navigating fast-paced, high-stress situations!