In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, host and NorthStar SailGP Team grinder Tom Ramshaw steps to the other side of the lens to interview a very special guest: Hugo Chartier, the team’s Digital and Branding Manager (and the producer of this very podcast).

Tom and Hugo dive into what it takes to build, maintain, and modernize the visual identity of a world-class professional sailing team.

Whether you are a die-hard SailGP fan or curious about the business, communication, and heart that drives a professional sports franchise, this episode offers an exclusive look at the passion powering the NorthStar SailGP Team.

Drop your questions in the comments, and don't forget to follow the team on social media!1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailgpcan?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Twitter (X): https://x.com/SailGPCAN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAILGPCAN

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@canadasailgpteam

In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, host Tom Ramshaw sits down with the NorthStar SailGP Team’s newest powerhouse, Alex Sinclair.

From his early days as a "nipper" on the docks of Antigua to surviving the dramatic American Magic crash in the America’s Cup, Alex shares the grit required to compete at the sport's pinnacle.

He recounts the harrowing effort to keep a sinking boat afloat, remarking, "We did everything we could to keep the dream alive". Now at the G1 handles for Team Canada, Alex discusses his "nationally confused" background and the instinctual chemistry needed to drive the F50 to success. This conversation is a deep dive into the resilience of a professional grinder.

In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, the NorthStar SailGP Team podcast, grinder Tom Ramshaw sits down with Nicolas Rolaz, NorthStar Reserve Athlete, to unpack an incredible sailing journey that spans lakes, world championships, and the highest levels of professional sailing.

Nico takes us back to his roots growing up in Switzerland, where sailing quickly became more than just a pastime. He shares the story of his rise through the junior ranks, culminating in becoming Optimist World Champion in 2014, and how that moment helped launch his career on the international stage.

The conversation dives into Nico’s path through elite sailing, including his time working with the Swiss SailGP Team, his role today with the NorthStar SailGP Team, and how he ultimately earned his place with Alinghi in the America’s Cup campaign.

From junior racing to the cutting edge of foiling teams, this episode is a deep look into the dedication, resilience, and opportunities that shape a modern professional sailor.

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Pursuing Polaris! We’re kicking off 2026 with an inside look at the NorthStar SailGP Team's newest addition.

In this season premiere, host and team grinder Tom Ramshaw sits down with Ali Ten Hove, the team's new Reserve Strategist. Ali brings an incredible resume to the squad, having represented Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and campaigned for the Paris Games in the 49er FX.

They dive deep into the high-octane world of professional foiling, from the "video game" intensity of training for the Women’s America’s Cup on simulators to the physical reality of the F50. Ali opens up about her transition from helming her own boat to supporting the team in various roles—whether she's facilitating technical briefings or stepping in as the "best water girl around" to ensure the crew is race-ready.

Pursuing Polaris sits down with Jennifer Hall, Marketing Director for the NorthStar SailGP Team, for a deep dive into what it really takes to build a Canadian pro sailing team from the inside out. Hosted by grinder Tom Ramshaw, this episode goes way beyond the racecourse.

From growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to working on some of the biggest events in sailing like the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race, Jen shares how her journey eventually led her back home to help launch Canada’s SailGP team—and turn Halifax into one of the most iconic stops on the calendar.

Pursuing Polaris sits down with Jennifer Hall, Marketing Director for the NorthStar SailGP Team, for a deep dive into what it really takes to build a Canadian pro sailing team from the inside out. Hosted by grinder Tom Ramshaw, this episode goes way beyond the racecourse.

From growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to working on some of the biggest events in sailing like the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race, Jen shares how her journey eventually led her back home to help launch Canada’s SailGP team—and turn Halifax into one of the most iconic stops on the calendar.

In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, NorthStar Grinder Tom Ramshaw sits down with Jareese Finch, also grinder for the NorthStar SailGP Team — and one of the hardest-working sailors in the league.

From his early days racing battered dinghies on the beaches of Antigua, to competing on maxi yachts, J-Class boats, and now flying at nearly 100 km/h on the F50, Jareese’s journey is a story of pure determination. He shares how he fought his way into professional sailing, the lessons learned from rejection and hard work, and the mindset it takes to perform when every second — and every turn of the pedestal — matters.

Jareese also opens up about the grind behind the glamour of SailGP: the trust, precision, and teamwork it takes to make these boats fly.

In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, NorthStar driver Tom Ramshaw sits down with Joe Glanfield — one of the most accomplished sailors and coaches in Olympic history. With five Olympic medals across six Games, Joe has spent a lifetime at the highest level of performance — now bringing that experience to the fast-paced world of SailGP as coach of the Canada SailGP Team.

Joe shares what it really takes to stay at the top for decades, the lessons he’s learned from chasing perfection, and why the smallest margins make the biggest difference. From Olympic highs to SailGP pressure, from family balance to building winning teams — this is a rare look inside the mind of a coach who’s never stopped evolving.

👉 Subscribe to follow Pursuing Polaris and go behind the scenes with the NorthStar SailGP Team as they chase progress, performance, and purpose.

#SailGP #NorthStarSailGP #PursuingPolaris #JoeGlanfield #Olympics #HighPerformance #Sailing #TeamCanada

What really happens behind the scenes of SailGP?

In this episode of Pursuing Polaris, we sit down with Fletcher Kennedy, Shore Team Manager for the NorthStar SailGP Team, to uncover the untold stories from life on the shore crew.

From 15-hour days and high-pressure deadlines, to surviving one of the most dramatic accidents in SailGP history, Fletcher gives us an inside look at what it takes to keep an F50 on the water. He shares how the shore team juggles impossible schedules, what it feels like watching the racing from the rib, and why one crash in Sydney almost cost him his job.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep SailGP running at the highest level—or what happens when things go wrong—you won’t want to miss this episode.

🎧 Listen to Rising North wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ Pursuing Polaris – From Shore Crew to SailGP Pro – Cooper Dressler's Wild Ride to the Top - Ep. 08


From sailing skiffs in California to grinding in the America’s Cup and now racing with the NorthStar SailGP Team for Canada, Cooper Dressler has one of the most unconventional and inspiring journeys in pro sailing. In this episode, Cooper sits down with teammate Tom Ramshaw to share how he went from tearing down bases for Oracle to being called up to sail with legends — all thanks to hustle, humility, and a whole lot of hard work.

They talk everything from near-misses in the Youth America’s Cup, to epic wipeouts in New Zealand, to balancing elite sailing with fatherhood. Plus, Cooper gives his take on how wing foiling is shaping the future of sailing — and why more young sailors should jump on a board.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into the world of professional sailing, this one’s for you.