In this episode of Sailfaster, we delve into the fast-paced and surprisingly sophisticated world of radio-controlled yacht racing. Our guests, Len Bose and Dan Shier, give us a guided tour of the sport and the dedicated community keeping this unique branch of the sport alive and well. We discuss how these miniature craft deliver all the tactical intrigue of their full-sized cousins, the precision and skill needed to get to the front of the fleet, and why none other than sailing legend Ken Read has become an enthusiastic supporter. Whether you’re looking for a fresh way to hone your racecraft or simply enjoy hearing from passionate sailors pushing boundaries, this episode offers a glimpse into a captivating corner of competitive sailing.

In this episode of SailFaster, Pete Boland talks with Vakaros Events Director Doug Wake about how RaceSense is transforming race starts with GPS precision and automatic OCS calls—no pinging needed. Top sailors Steve Hunt and Morgan Trubovich share how the system boosts confidence, reduces risk, and helps teams train smarter by removing guesswork. Already used in elite fleets like the TP52s, Star Worlds, and Charleston Race Week, RaceSense is helping both pros and amateurs make better decisions on the line.

We’re back from an extended break with a fresh run of Sailfaster episodes—and we’re kicking things off with something a little different. This special compilation brings together insights from five of the sharpest minds in the sport: Luke Lawrence, Tom Burnham, Kristen Robinson, Scott Nixon, and Steph Roble.  Together, they break down one of the most decisive moments on the racecourse: the windward mark rounding. From final approach strategy to mark-rounding choreography, from the often-overlooked offset leg to the all-important exit, each guest shares practical, hard-won wisdom from years at the top.  Whether you’re clawing for inches or chasing boatlengths, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you convert upwind gains into a commanding downwind launch.

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.