In this episode, we sit down with pro sailor and sailmaker Drew Mitchell at the historic North Sails loft in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Drew shares how sails are made, maintained, and raced — from classic Blue Nose boats to high-tech 3Di sails. We also explore career paths in the sailing industry, racing tips, and how technology is reshaping the sport. Whether you're a cruiser, racer, or just curious, there's something here for every sailor.

 North Sails - Sail Loft Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
📞 +1 902 634 3343
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 northsails.com

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In this episode, Evan Oulahen and Colleen Dewis break down essential sailing rules and recent updates that impact competitive racing. Evan, a regional judge certified by Sail Canada, walks us through fundamental right-of-way rules, overlap situations, and critical racecourse scenarios every sailor should understand.

Colleen then dives into the latest rule changes, explaining how they adapt to modern sailing dynamics, including faster boats, evolving race strategies, and new interpretations of contact, mark rounding, and obstructions. With insights from international judges and real-world regatta experiences, this discussion highlights what every racer needs to know to stay competitive and compliant on the water.

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💡 Key topics covered:
✅ Overlap, keep-clear rules & right-of-way basics
✅ Tacking, mark rounding, and the importance of "proper course"
✅ Updates to Racing Rule 14: Why contact rules now include committee boats
✅ Changes to mark room & obstruction definitions
✅ The importance of quick protest flag response in race disputes

📚 Resources Mentioned:
🔹 World Sailing - Official Website (https://www.sailing.org/racingrules/)
🔹 Racing Rules of Sailing - (https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/)
🔹 Books by Dave Perry on racing rules interpretation
🔹Joe Jospe (International Judge)
🔹Mike Turner (International Judge)
🔹Andrew Alberti (International Judge)

📚Animation sources:
🔹http://david-sailing.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/barging.html
🔹https://sailzing.com/

⚓ Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into competitive sailing, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the rules and help you avoid costly mistakes on the water.

📩 Join the conversation! Have questions or experiences with race rules? Drop a comment below!

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Want to extend the life of your sails and save money? In this episode, Luke Porter from Doyle Sails shares expert tips on sail maintenance, including how sunlight and wind impact sail durability, proper storage techniques, and common weak points to inspect. Whether you're a racer or a cruiser, these insights will help you get the most out of your sails!

🔹 How UV rays and flapping wear down sails
🔹 Best practices for storage and handling
🔹 When to repair vs. replace your sails
🔹 What to look for during a sail check

⛵ Watch now to keep your sails in top shape!

Doyle Sails loft Halifax : https://www.doylesails.com/loft-halifax/

Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca

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Ever wondered how much wear and tear your sailboat really goes through? In this episode, Alex Teeft takes us through a thorough breakdown of essential boat maintenance, from inspecting keels and through-hulls to rigging, stanchions, and lifelines. Learn why your boat’s aging components might need more attention than you think—and how to prevent costly failures before they happen.

Whether you’re a racer or a cruiser, this episode is packed with insights to keep your boat safe, fast, and seaworthy. Don’t wait until something breaks—listen in and get ahead of your maintenance game!

Alex Teeft : [email protected]

Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca

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Paula Minnikin, Regional Race Officer,  breaks down the roles of race officials, explains the importance of knowing flags, and highlights how evolving technology—like automated flags and mark set bots—is reshaping sailing events. This episode offers a mix of practical advice, and essential lessons for anyone involved in competitive sailing. Don’t miss it! 🌊⛵

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Join us as we explore the many reasons to join a yacht club! From building lifelong friendships and learning to sail, to enjoying exciting social events and practical boating benefits, this episode dives into the vibrant community and opportunities waiting for you. Hear inspiring stories from members and get a glimpse of the sailing lifestyle!

Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca

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Dive into the world of One Design racing with Matt Haley from Bedford Basin Yacht Club.  Learn about the Fall One Design Regatta, the power of shared knowledge, and why sailing is about more than just winning races. From family participation to volunteer-driven events, this episode explores the heart of sailing culture in Nova Scotia.


Photos: Credit to Fay Dickinson
Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca

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Discover the hidden universe of model yacht racing, a sport that combines craftsmanship, skill, and strategy on a miniature scale. In this episode, we dive into the intricate details of this fascinating hobby that’s far more than just "toy boats." From Canadian clubs to international championships, meet racers who put serious dedication into these pint-sized sailboats.  Join us as we chat with racers, craftsmen, and tacticians who bring this sport to life—and maybe find yourself inspired to harness the wind on your own miniature vessel.

Canadian Radio Yachting Association (CRYA) - CRYA – Canadian Radio Yachting Association, RC Sailing
Talking IOM Setup with Ian Vickers (Youtube) - Talking IOM Setup with Ian Vickers

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Designed by George Hinterhoeller Yachts, the Niagara 26 is a beloved classic known for its sleek design and excellent performance. But what makes this boat so special? We’ll cover the key strengths and vulnerabilities of the design, share some interesting facts, and discuss the ideal sailor for this vessel.

Don't miss out on learning about the builder, the best uses for the Niagara 26, and why it’s a boat that continues to capture the hearts of sailors today!

Check our Youtube channel for images and videos of the boat: https://youtu.be/SPP9uGDBMFE

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Billy Gooderham is a member of the Canada SailGP Team and joined us for a tech talk at the Bedford Basin Yacht club (BBYC).

Episode recorded on Jun 27, 2024. Music credit - Get some street, Vitaliy Levkin

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