Sailfaster: The Podcast For Racing Sailors

Today we dive into the world of crewing with Quantum Sails’ John Rampe. We discuss what it takes to excel as a new crew member and the art of crewing including how to evolve your skills from the bow to the back of the boat. From the critical role of communication and preparation to the unique qualities that make a good skipper stand out in the eyes of the crew, John’s insights are both inspiring and practical. We also found time to unpack what separates top-tier boats from the rest, from the point of view of its crew. You'll also pick up on the power of teamwork, the joy of learning, and the sheer, infectious thrill of sailing fast boats...!

Today’s guest is Chelsea Freas, a highly sought-after expert in weather and routing forecasts for sailors of all kinds—offshore racers, regatta competitors, cruisers, and even Olympians. She’s the founder of SeaTactics, offering marine weather solutions like weather routing, regatta forecasting, navigation, consulting, and education—check out www.sea-tactics.com - it includes some excellent free courses!

Chelsea shares how she began her career in weather forecasting, the forecasting challenges she tackles and the sailors she supports. We’ll also dive into topics like wind shear, sea breezes, which racing locations are harder to forecast than others, and her favourite weather apps.... Fun fact: Chelsea is not only a competitive sailor herself but also a new mom!

So much to learn from Ryan Simmons and Brent Draney of San Francisco-based J/105 Blackhawk! In this episode we interview Ryan and Brent fresh off their recent success at San Francisco’s Rolex Big Boat Series. We discuss crew dynamics and longevity, the crossovers between business and sailing as well as the team’s history of success including Blackhawk’s six victories in the Big Boat Series. Brent and Ryan dive into how consistent teamwork, preparation, innovation and some serious hiking have contributed to Blackhawk’s impressive track record in competitive sailing!

A super-interesting and revealing panel discussion with top Charleston sailors the evening before the start of 2024 Charleston Race Week. You’ll about how they prepare for CRW, how local knowledge helps (or hinders!) course, how they manage campaigns and teams and much more! Thanks to Sarah Schaill Colarusso for co-hosting our panel of Madeline Baldridge, Sail Designer for North Sails and PanAm Games Gold Medalist, Jack Jorgensen, consistent top finisher in the North American VX One fleet, Crisp McDonald, co-owner of top Melges 32 'Guillotine', and John Bowden, many times winner of CRW and North Sails Sailmaker. I apologise for sound quality, which should have been better; I do hope it doesn’t detract too much from your enjoyment of this fascinating discussion. Image credit: JBoats.com

Today’s episode features sailing legend Dawn Riley at the renowned Oakcliff Sailing Center. Dawn’s been interviewed hundreds of times but I tried to home in on her thoughts on getting boats and teams to sail faster. Our episode touched on many things – managing campaigns and teams, race preparation, nutrition, and we spent a fair amount of time on her approach to helming. Oh we also talked about being tested to the limits – by the Southern Ocean and by kids learning to sail which was hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed our chat – Dawn is inspiring, gracious and hilarious.

Dawn is one of the foremost sailors of the modern era. Famous around the world, she was the first woman ever to manage an entire America's Cup syndicate, the first American, man or woman, to sail in three America's Cups and two Whitbread Round the World races. Just to zoom in on that for a moment - Dawn was the first women to have an active role on an America’s Cup team in 1992 as pitperson, in 1995 she captained America3, the first women’s team in the America’s Cup, and was skipper of Skipper of Heineken, the only all-women’s entry in the 1993-94 Whitbread round-the-world race. If you haven’t seen it already, you must watch the film Maiden – it’s the epic story of the first all-women’s team in the 1989-90 Whitbread race, in which Dawn stars with Tracy Edwards, Mandi Swan, Claire Warren, and others.

Dawn is also a passionate advocate for the sport of sailing – under her leadership the Oakcliff Sailing Center in Long island has become one of the foremost providers of community access into the sport of sailing. And this is where we met for the recording, on a snowy winter’s day in Long Island, New York. You’ll find the audio quality changes a little as we were in an echoy room; I do hope that doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of what was a terrific discussion. Take a listen...