Here's the second part of my chat with Luke Lawrence, in which we dive into a masterclass on racecourse strategy and mindset.  We began with Luke's thoughts on a systems-based approach to improvement and ended with a deep discussion on upwind strategy options, successfully rounding the upwind mark and then downwind strategy and tactics.  As always, he's an excellent coach and an entertaining guest.  Audio is a bit dodgy, sorry, but hopefully after a bit you won't even notice...

This episode is a little different… and, I admit, a little self-indulgent.

To mark Father’s Day, I’ve handed over the mic to a special guest: my son Jamie. He turns the tables and interviews me — about sailing, podcasting, and whatever else he felt like asking on the day.  We talk about what I've learned from 50 episodes, as well as looking back to teaching windsurfing on Greek beaches while at university, and how that eventually led to a sunny afternoon on San Francisco Bay with the person soon to become his mom, and other stuff.

So if you’re here for the usual expert advice and elite racing tips… maybe skip this one. But if you’re curious about the person behind Sailfaster, or just in the mood for a bit of Father’s Day fun, join us.  And happy Father's Day....

In this powerful in-person conversation, professional sailor Luke Lawrence returns to Sailfaster to share his extraordinary journey — from burnout to balance, and from racing hard to racing smart. Speaking from Pete’s dining room in Washington, D.C., Luke opens up about the mindset, mechanics, and mental resilience required at the top levels of the sport.

We talk about:
How Luke learned to become a “fact-based robot” and shut out distractions
His recent pro sailing season across Stars, Etchells, J/70s, and superyachts
Tactical and technical tips for starts, laylines, mark roundings, and game planning
His candid battle with addiction — and how sobriety transformed his sailing
The lessons he brings to coaching and how to reset a team after mistakes

This is a deep, wide-ranging conversation about performance, preparation, personal growth, and the joy of mastering the fundamentals. 

Connect with Luke:

Instagram: @lukelawrence13

Coaching & pro inquiries: 772-260-2437

Here’s part two of my chat with J70 expert Patrick Wilson, in which, we dive into the craft of raceboat preparation. Known for his sharp eye and hands-on approach, Patrick shares how a childhood fascination with boat repair led to launching Next Level Boatworks, one of the top one-design prep shops in the U.S.

We talk about keel work, sanding secrets, the quirks of J/70 production, and why boat prep is really about eliminating variables. Patrick also reflects on perfectionism, the psychological edge of a well-prepped boat, and why he’s passionate about sharing knowledge—even with DIYers.

Whether you’re prepping for your first regatta or your 500th, or just curious what makes a boat fast, this episode has tons of advice and behind-the-scenes insight from one of the most trusted names in the game.

Today’s guest is one of the most quietly influential sailors on the J/70 circuit—Patrick Wilson.  Whether it’s Midwinters, North Americans, or the Bacardi series, if you’ve been following top-tier J/70 racing over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Patrick’s name near the top of the results sheet—often as part of some of the most respected and well-run programs in the fleet.

Patrick has a reputation not just for his trimming skills and consistency under pressure, but for the calm, collaborative way he helps elevate everyone around him. He’s sailed with teams like Catapult, Black Mamba, and Stampede, working with legends like Victor Diaz de Leon, Jud Smith, and Bruno Pasquinelli. Today, in Part 1 of our chat, we’ll dig into how he prepares, what he looks for on the racecourse, and why great communication might just be the most underrated skill in the sport.   

In Part 2 which I’ll publish in a bit, we dive into his raceboat preparation business.

We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Steve Hunt, whose first episode was one of our most downloaded ever—no surprise, given his clear, practical take on the art of racing.  In this episode, we dig into the details: sail trim, heel angles, faster tacks, and sharper starts. It’s packed with insights from one of the best in the game.  Don’t forget the special Bonus for Sailfaster listeners: Get 30% off Steve’s premium coaching content at stevehuntsailing.com using the code Sailfaster30.

Racing sailboats can be cold, wet, and humbling—but also exhilarating, joyful, and life-changing. In this episode of Sail Faster, we explore how to start racing later in life, even if you didn’t grow up around boats. Host Pete chats with three experienced sailors—Beth Crabtree (SpinSheet), Jayne Durden (Sailing Happy Place, Commodore of Herrington Harbour Sailing Association), and Heidi Frist (J/30 class president)—about their own journeys into the racing world, and the advice they give to beginners. From joining a crew to skippering your own boat, from building confidence to packing a cooler, this conversation is full of honest insights, laughs, and practical tips for anyone curious about getting into sailboat racing.

In this episode, world-class sailor and coach Steve Hunt shares hard-earned lessons from his career — from his early days sailing in Virginia to competing as tactician on TP52 Wizard. Steve opens up about the intense learning curve of big boat racing, the importance of preparation, and how even small adjustments in sail trim and decision-making can have huge impacts on performance. He dives deep into starting techniques, teamwork, mental preparation, and why trusting your instincts is just as important as trusting the instruments. Whether you’re racing dinghies or grand prix boats, Steve’s advice will help you think faster, sail smarter, and chase your best results yet.

Special Edition presented in partnership with the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show:  In this special sponsored episode of Sailfaster, we’re setting course for City Dock, Annapolis, to give you an inside look at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, happening April 25–27.  First, we sit down with Mary Ewenson, president of Annapolis Boat Shows, to get the scoop on everything to expect at this year’s show—from exciting new boat debuts to can’t-miss seminars, hands-on classes, family-friendly fun, and more.  Then, we spotlight two standout boats you’ll find at the show: the BirdyFish, an innovative foiling dinghy making waves, and the beloved Flying Scot, a true classic with lasting appeal. Settle in for this exclusive preview of one of spring’s biggest sailing events!

In part two of my conversation with Ken Read — President of North Sails, multi-time world champion, and one of the most respected figures in sailing — we dive into some great America’s Cup stories (including more Dennis Conner gold), his advice on raceboat preparation and priorities, and his bold vision for transforming regattas into something more fun, efficient, and family-friendly. We pick up the conversation with Ken sharing thoughts on his all-time favourite boats to drive.