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...!

Tom Burnham, fresh off his America’s Cup experience with American Magic, joins us in the Sailfaster studio. With his extensive top-tier sailing experience, including five America’s Cup campaigns, "Supercoach" Tom has been a key asset to high-performance teams like Young America, Luna Rossa, Artemis Racing, and American Magic. In addition, Tom has also served as the head coach for the USA SailGP team and a part-time coach for Australia’s SailGP team.  He's a world champion with multiple TP52 World titles with Quantum Racing, an ISAF Match Racing Worlds title, and a Student Yachting World Cup.  In our conversation, we dive into the intricacies of the America’s Cup, key turning points that define regattas, teamwork, trust, team dynamics, and the resilience needed to succeed at the highest level. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Today’s guest is Chelsea Freas, a highly sought-after expert in weather and routing forecasts for sailors of all kinds—offshore racers, regatta competitors, cruisers, and even Olympians. She’s the founder of SeaTactics, offering marine weather solutions like weather routing, regatta forecasting, navigation, consulting, and education—check out www.sea-tactics.com - it includes some excellent free courses!

Chelsea shares how she began her career in weather forecasting, the forecasting challenges she tackles and the sailors she supports. We’ll also dive into topics like wind shear, sea breezes, which racing locations are harder to forecast than others, and her favourite weather apps....  Fun fact: Chelsea is not only a competitive sailor herself but also a new mom!

We’re switching to offshore racing in the Southern Pacific/Australia for this episode!  Richard Hudson has racked up over 150 offshore races of 200 miles or more, including multiple Rolex Sydney-Hobart Races, 34 Sydney-Gold Coast Races, China Sea races, Hong Kong to Philippines, Hong Kong to Vietnam, the 600 mile New Caledonia Groupama Race and many more.  Richard is the owner of Farr 45 Pretty Woman, a proud Corinthian and a member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. He’s a winner of the Hobart race’s Corinthian division and Wild Rose division, as well as many podium finishes in IRC.  Richard was awarded Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s 2023 Ocean Veteran of the Year.  

What makes Richard stand out is his emphasis on bringing younger sailors into the sport.   Pretty Woman’s crew blends deep offshore experience with younger sailors from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, enabling many young sailors to experience offshore racing at its toughest.

A fascinating discussion with a top ocean racing veteran!

Really enjoyed my conversation with top Chicago sailors George Simkins and Mark Fruin about the famous Mackinac Race.  With multiple podiums between them, you'll hear how they prepare their J111 and J105 for the race, how they think about routing decisions, dealing with tough conditions, avoiding the black flies, why sailing racing is worth investing time in, and finally how Sailfaster caused Mark to have an anxiety attack while flying to a wedding!  Lots to learn from this insightful, fascinating and funny discussion!

So much to learn from Ryan Simmons and Brent Draney of San Francisco-based J/105 Blackhawk!  In this episode we interview Ryan and Brent fresh off their recent success at San Francisco’s Rolex Big Boat Series. We discuss crew dynamics and longevity, the crossovers between business and sailing as well as the team’s history of success including Blackhawk’s six victories in the Big Boat Series.  Brent and Ryan dive into how consistent teamwork, preparation, innovation and some serious hiking have contributed to Blackhawk’s impressive track record in competitive sailing!

Part 2 of my thoroughly enjoyable conversation with Tom McLaughlin in which he recalled what went wrong with the NYYC's 1987 America's Cup campaign, along with great anecdotes about Dennis Connor, insights on Buddy Melges' helming, and the fundamentals of winning sailing races.  Such an interesting, talented and gracious guest!