In Part 2 of my chat with Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats, we dive into the art of getting the most out of your J/Boat on the racecourse. Jeff shares invaluable insights on optimising boat setup, crew coordination, and tuning techniques that can make all the difference in competition. From rig tuning and weight distribution to the importance of repetition and dialing-in manoeuvres, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for every racing sailor. Plus, we explore the philosophy behind J/Boats’ design and why performance and ease of handling are at the heart of every model. Whether you’re new to racing or looking for that extra edge, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Today I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats, to Sailfaster. If you’ve spent any time on the water, chances are you’ve sailed or raced on one of their iconic boats. From the game-changing J/24 to the latest J/99, J/9, and J/45, J/Boats has set the standard for speed, versatility, and pure sailing joy.  Jeff has been at the helm of J/Boats since 1988, continuing the Johnstone family’s legacy of innovation and excellence. Under his leadership, the brand remains at the forefront of performance sailing, making it faster, more thrilling, and accessible to sailors of all levels.

In this first part of our chat, we take a deep dive into the J/boats design philosophy and process, we discuss the trends in performance sailing design, and how the different J/boat models came to be. And don’t miss Part 2, where Jeff will share his top tips for getting the most out of your J/Boat on the racecourse!

So let’s crack on—here we go with Part 1!

In this episode we dive into a critical topic: safety at sea. I’m joined by John Schafer, founder of Ministry of Sailing, a platform dedicated to improving safety, training, and risk management for sailors of all levels, whether they’re involved in offshore racing, coastal cruising, or inshore sailing.  John’s a highly-experienced racing sailor and marine safety expert dedicated to enhancing safety standards across the sailing community.  He shares his insights on how to foster a culture of safety, the importance of man overboard drills and the oft-overlooked challenge of getting someone back onboard, the power of communication in emergencies and practical steps every sailor should take to stay prepared. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or stepping onto a race boat for the first time, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Learn how to transform your team into a cohesive unit, mitigate risks, and approach every sailing adventure with the right tools, training, and mindset 

Richard Hudson joins us from Australia to share his experience of December's challenging Hobart race.  A highly-experienced ocean racer, Richard shares what led up to their retirement from the race, how the Pretty Woman team executed a flawless night-time high-speed jibe in 30 knot winds, coping with dramatically- changing wind conditions, and making the critical decisions.  He also reflected on the emotional impact of retiring from the race and the lessons learned.

In this episode of Sailfaster, I’m delighted to welcome the brilliant Sara Stone, a professional sailor with an impressive career spanning offshore and inshore racing including TP52 Super Series and the America's Cup! From her early development at Oakcliff Sailing under the mentorship of the legendary Dawn Riley to her bold career transition from international public health, Sara’s journey is both inspiring and remarkable.

We delve into her standout triumph in the 2022 Newport-Bermuda Doublehanded Return Race, her integral role in the Women’s America’s Cup with American Magic, and her thoughtful approach to preparation and teamwork. Sara shares her philosophy of embracing every opportunity with intention and her passion for advancing women in elite sailing—all while thriving in the high-pressure world of competitive racing.

An insightful and inspiring conversation with one of sailing’s most thoughtful and accomplished athletes. Don’t miss it!

This week I sat down with Guillaume Seynhaeve—seasoned racer and accomplished helmsman—for an engaging conversation on the art of driving a keelboat. From mastering boat speed to simplifying race strategy, Guillaume eloquently shares invaluable insights gained from decades of sailing experience, including everything from semi-circumnavigations to competitive world championships.

It's an episode I was really looking forward to, and it didn't disappoint!  We dive into starting line tactics, the importance of rig tuning, the concept of “feel” when helming, and why simplicity is often the key to success on the water. Guillaume’s passion and clarity make this episode a must-listen for sailors of all levels.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or gain a fresh perspective on racing strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful philosophy. Join us for a fascinating masterclass on driving fast and smart!

Note that my new studio needs to be optimised for sound...apologies if it's a bit boomy in places.

[Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—fair winds!]

This week, Scott Nixon came back to Sailfaster to chat about his winning run on TP52 "Fox" at the 2024 ORC World Championships.  Scott shares what it took to prepare for this event over four years, from nailing down teamwork and boat handling to bouncing back after losing wind instruments mid-race. We got into the nitty-gritty of sailing at the top level—how technology and instincts work together, why the TP52 class rules are always evolving, why you should focus on weaknesses, and why constant learning (and relearning!) is the secret to staying competitive.  Scott’s got some fantastic tips to up your game: the value of recording your progress, using local races as training grounds, and focusing on the fundamentals like heel angles and smooth boat handling.

I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice; hope it inspires you to sail faster and smarter!

In this episode we dive into the inspiring journey of Maura Winston, London Calling’s tactician.  Maura grew up sailing in the picturesque waters of Rhode Island and began racing at an early age, moving later into Bermuda Cup match racing and J/24 and J/105 keelboat racing.  With her infectious enthusiasm for the sport, Maura shares how teamwork is at the heart of sailing success, as well as the importance of networking and finding the right team, proving that building connections is a vital skill for burgeoning keelboat racers!  We also chat about London Calling’s performance journey over the last two years, with Maura emphasizing how intentional practice and coaching elevates performance, with driving skills being an obvious game-changer for boat speed.

Maura also offers refreshing advice: focus on the basics instead of getting bogged down by excessive data.  And how practice starts are the perfect way to boost confidence and get a solid read on that day’s racecourse.  Maura’s insights are practical and motivational, making I what I hope is a great listen!  

This episode features an engaging conversation with two-time Danish match racing champion Marie Klok Crump. She shares how a pivotal high school experience ignited her passion for match racing, propelling her to international rankings in just two years.  We explore the precision and intensity of match racing, the art of mastering chaos, and the crucial role of teamwork and communication in high-stakes competition. Marie offers sharp insights into pre-start tactics, mark roundings, and balancing speed with strategic control.   From staying calm under pressure to adapting in dynamic environments, this episode is packed with lessons for both sailors and anyone navigating fast-paced, high-stress situations!

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...!