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SailGP New York Analysis
In this episode of The Yacht Racing Life Podcast, Justin Chisholm is joined from the UK by fellow yachting journalist Magnus Wheatley to dive into all the drama, intrigue, and slippery foils of the the sixth event of SailGP Season 5, which took place in New York last weekend. While neither of them got the call-up from Russell Coutts to attend in person (again), Justin and Magnus were watching intently online and had plenty to say about a weekend of unpredictable conditions, inconsistent performances, and some curious tactical decisions. Magnus begins with heaps of praise for the SailGP tech team for getting the boats racing at all after the major repair operation that has taken place in the last 12 weeks. The pair talk about the impact of the light-air LAB foils—and how some of the fleet looked like they were back in Season 1—and question the wisdom of requiring just three crew for the first race on Saturday. Spain were worthy winners, but nobody really dominated. Even the mighty Aussies looked rattled, perhaps distracted by their new A-list ownership? Justin and Magnus tip their hats to the Brazilians, with Martine Grael looking more relaxed and effective at the helm—clearly benefiting from the support of Paul Goodison, Leigh McMillan, and Andy Maloney. Off the water, they tackle the booming commercial side of SailGP. Celebrity investors, eyewatering valuations, and a media machine that’s clearly focused on global reach more than just the core sailing fan. They speculate on American Magic’s rumoured interest in the US team, discuss where the real value lies in these franchises, and whether Russell Coutts' high-stakes game could reshape sailing’s professional landscape. The duo finish with a few bold season-winner predictions. Listen to the end to find out who they each back.
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British Vendée Globe Skipper Sam Goodchild.
Justin Chisholm’s guest is the British solo around-the-world sailor Sam Goodchild.Goodchild recently fulfilled a 14 -year dream to compete in the Vendée Globe solo, nonstop, around-the-world race. Racing as part of Thomas Ruyant’s two boat TR Racing campaign and on a previous generation IMOCA he led the race several times in the early stages heading down the Atlantic and entered the final fortnight of the race in a battle for fourth place with Vendée veteran Jérémie Beyou on his new generation boat Charral.Disappointingly catastrophic mainsail damage in a storm on the approach to Cape Finisterre at the entrance to the Bay of Biscay saw him split his mainsail in two. Ever resourceful Goodchild somehow managed to glue the sail back together on the rolling pitching wave-washed deck of his 60-foot yacht and get back in the race to finish a highly credible ninth overall.Justin caught up with him recently at his home in Lorient where he lives with his wife and two children.Image © Pierre Bouras
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Francesca Clapcich
Justin Chisholm's guest is Italian / American sailor Francesca Clapcich. Frankie – as she is best known – has had an amazing career in sailing since having been introduced to the sport by her parents when she was a young child growing up in Trieste, Italy. She has won world and European titles, twice represented Italy at the Olympic Games, is the first Italian to sailor win The Ocean Race, and competed at last year's Women's America's Cup. If all that isn’t enough – she’s also a CrossFit Coach, a triathlete, and ski instructor, too. Despite having achieved so much, Frankie is far from ready to rest on her laurels and last month announced her campaign to compete in the 2028 edition of the world’s toughest yacht race – the singlehanded, nonstop, around the world Vendée Globe. Frankie spoke to us from her home in Park City, Utah where she lives with her professional sailor wife Sally Barkow and their young daughter Harriet.[Image © Eloi Stichelbaut - polaRYSE / 11th Hour Racing]
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SailGP San Francisco Analysis
Yacht Racing Life editor Justin Chisholm is joined from the UK by Magnus Wheatley as the pair give their independent analysis and commentary on the fifth event of the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 season which took place in San Francisco, CA this weekend.
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SailGP Los Angeles Analysis
Yacht Racing Life editor Justin Chisholm is joined from the UK by Magnus Wheatley (Rule69 Blog) as the pair give their independent analysis and commentary on the fourth event of the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 season which took place in Los Angeles, CA this weekend.
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