Yacht Racing Life Podcast

On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast I'm joined by Danish SailGP skipper Nicolai Sehested from the ROCKWOOL Racing Team for a catch-up on the Danish team's journey since joining SailGP back in 2020 at the start of the international circuit's second season. 
The pair discuss how SailGP has evolved over that period and touch on the performance upgrades the sailors have experienced aboard their F50 foiling catamarans since those early days. Sehested explains the workings of the close relationship between the sailing team and its long-time naming sponsor, the world-leading stone wool building insulation products manufacturer – ROCKWOOL, and how the company leverages its involvement in SailGP so effectively. Sehested also explains in more detail how the team's recent acquisition by Doug DeVos' American Magic organisation came about and the positive impact it will have on the team going forward. 
The pair also discuss the shocking crash that took place at the previous regatta in Auckland, New Zealand between the Kiwi and French teams that injured two crew members and has put both boats out of action for the foreseeable future. Sehested shares his opinion on whether the New Zealand team's season is effectively over and the duo discuss what might need to happen to keep the sailors safe during racing in windy conditions.
The episode concludes with Sehested taking a look ahead to the upcoming SailGP event in Sydney, Australia where the teams will have to factor in the vagaries of the wind around the notorious Shark Island.

Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley discuss the recent SailGP regatta in Auckland, New Zealand, which was marred by a serious collision between the Kiwi and French teams. They delve into the implications of the crash, safety concerns in the league, and the need for changes in race formats. The hosts analyze team performances, including the Americans, French, Australians, Italians, and the Spanish, and discuss the impact of technical issues on racing outcomes. They also explore financial aspects of SailGP, including team valuations and potential future developments in the league, and speculate on whether the spilt-fleet format is now here to stay.
Image © Simon Bruty for SailGP

Guest presenter Matt Sheahan from the PlanetSail website catches up with British ocean racing yachtswoman Dee Caffari just over a week since she and the all-women crew aboard The Famous Project CIC 103-foot long trimaran completed a tortuous nonstop lap of the planet.

The Famous Project crew made it around in just under 58 days and although that’s well outside the new 40 day record just set by Thomas Coville’s men aboard the French Sodebo Ultim – who now hold the coveted Jules Verne Trophy – Dee and her crewmates have become the the first all female team to race nonstop around the world.

Matt sat down with Dee as soon as she arrived back in the UK to find out more about what – incredibly – is her seventh time racing around the world.

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, host Justin Chisholm speaks with navigator Will Oxley about his recent experience racing the foil-assisted superyacht Raven in a transatlantic race. They discuss the design and features of the boat, the challenges faced during the race, the crew's considerable around-the-world experience, and the significance of their achievements. Oxley shares insights into the performance metrics of the boat, the strategy employed during the race, and the future of foiling technology in yachting. The conversation also touches on recent record attempts in the sailing world and Oxley's upcoming projects.

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, British sailing journalists Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley dive into the thrilling opening event of SailGP Season 6 which took place in Perth, Australia over the weekend. 
During their chat the pair break down the racing action from the event’s two days of wild and windy conditions and highlight the standout performances from overall winners Emirates Great Britain and fellow finalists Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos and France’s DS Automobiles, as well as analysing the high speed crash between the Swiss and Kiwi teams that cost boat teams valuable early season points. 
They also discuss the impressive debut of Nathan Outteridge’s Swedish Artemis crew, the much improved performance of Taylor Canfield and the US SailGP Team, and plenty more besides.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/yacht-racing-life-podcast3387/exclusive-content