The Sailing Show

"On this edition of The Sailing Show, I’m delighted to be joined by Anne-Cécile Turner who is an award-winning, sustainability expert and passionate sailor. Anne-Cécile is committed to contribute to a meaningful change in our lives. In 2016, she joined the Volvo Ocean Race as Sustainability Programme Leader, in order to assist the event in its journey to reduce its environmental impact, optimize its sustainability potential and use the power of the race to create positive change on Oceans Health on a global scale. She heads up The Ocean Race’s Sustainability department, which is committed to using sport as a powerful force for positive change.  In this episode Abby chats to Anne-Cécile to understand more about the situation of our environment and oceans and the importance of raising awareness and education.  How The Ocean Race is planning and taking action to effect change with their Racing For Purpose initiative and what we can all do to play our part."
- Abby Ehler

A co-production with WiSP Sports

For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at [email protected].

On this month’s episode of The Sailing Show, Abby chatting to someone who has been on the front line of the hottest racing in town at the moment: the Prada Cup, the Challenger series of racing leading into the Americas Cup to be held in March in Auckland, New Zealand. The recent incident of American Magic’s capsize and near sinking and the subsequent levels of respect, camaraderie and professionalism that have ensued, when combined, are simply not delivered by any other sport. So it’s a really exciting episode chatting with Robyn Lesh, who is an integral part of the shore team for the 36th Americas Cup Challenger Team American Magic.

Host: Abby Ehler.

Visit The Magenta Project's website - https://themagentaproject.org/.

A co-production between WeCoach & WiSP Sports

For complete shows notes and more information, links and resources as well as other conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at [email protected].

This has been an epic couple of weeks in the sailing world delivered by both the Vendee Globe and Americas Cup . Both remarkable with regards to sporting achievement and inspirational in terms of dealing with the highs and lows. The need for positive role models, has never been greater, given this, host, Abby Ehler is really pleased to be chatting to British Sailing Team member; Hannah Snellgrove. Hannah is a role model for bouncing back after set backs, be that recovering from illness, injury or being bumped off your team. Hannah is currently campaigning on the Olympic sailing circuit in the Laser Radial (the women’s single-handed Olympic class) with her sights firmly set on Paris in 2024. In this edition of The Sailing Show, Abby discusses with Hannah her experience with Coronavirus, from the perspective of a young, fit, athlete hoping that it opens people’s eyes in terms of the attitude of shrugging it off as not serious, and to learn and share knowledge as to how we cope with this virus.

For more information about The Magenta Project visit https://themagentaproject.org/.

On this month’s show Abby's guests are both accomplished match racers and they delve into the discipline of Match Racing, which featured as an Olympic Event in the 2012 Olympic Games.  Anna Östling and Annie Wennergren both hail from Sweden, with their team ‘WINGS’ they have been in and out of the number one spot on the women’s match racing circuit including winning the Match Race World Championships in 2014 and 2016. Both have recently returned from competing at the prestigious Bermuda Gold Cup. We hear how they both got into this sailing discipline, learn about Match Racing circuits and how to get into them as a rookie.
A co-production with The Magenta Project
Host: Abby Ehler
Podcast length: 45 mins
For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 50 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at [email protected].

In a year of bad news and forgettable headlines, this is one of those that needs to be celebrated. On October 13th at 07:45, local time, GMT, two female sailors set out to set the first ever ratified World Speed Sailing Council (WSSC) record circumnavigation of Ireland. Just after 3am local time Saturday October 17th, the duo of Pamela Lee and Catherine Hunt crossed the line and pending ratification from WSSRC are now the first to hold a world record of First All Female Double Handed circumnavigation of Ireland with a provisional time of 3 days, 20 hours 29 mins sailing a total of 761 nautical miles. The record prompted a great response globally in the sailing community, with best wishes being sent in from as far as a field as Australia and America.  In this episode of The Sailing Show, Abby spoke to Pam and Cat, talking through the actual challenge itself, what they take away from this event and their plans for the future.
Host: Abby Ehler
Podcast length: 27 mins
For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 50 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at [email protected].

On this episode Abby Ehler and Joan Mulloy, co-host to discuss motherhood in sailing. Joan is one of Ireland’s most inspiring young sailors, having represented her country on the global racing stage. In 2018, Joan became the first Irish woman to represent her country at the high-profile international Solitaire Le Figaro race. Her ultimate ambition is to be the first Irish person to complete the Vendée Globe, a solo round-the-world race.
Joan has some very exciting yet challenging news not only of navigating the COVID environment but also that she is pregnant and expecting her first baby in September. Joan had been thinking about how much she would love to hear from other female offshore sailors talking about their experiences of motherhood and raising a family alongside their sailing careers. So the aim of this podcast is to delve into the topic of Motherhood and a sailing related career, with the aim of chatting to guests Carolijn Brouwer and Maria Bertrand to talk about their experiences and share any advice to those, like Joan, who are about to enter into the new world of being a mum and many others who are wondering how on earth it is possible to juggle such an unconventional job with being a parent.
Carolijn Brouwer has successfully navigated the balance of sailing as a career and being a mother, Carolijn many of you will already know is an experienced dinghy and offshore sailor, having won the last edition of The Volvo Ocean Race with DongFeng Race Team. 
Maria Bertrand will be a little less known to the sailing world from the outside, however she is certainly no less important and is a master of sailing team logistics and a natural born organiser.  Maria, has two children, now aged eight and four, and has worked for five editions of the Volvo Ocean Race.
For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 50 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at [email protected].

In this inspiring episode of The Sailing Show with host Abby Ehler, world-class sailor and Olympic campaigner Sally Barkow shares the inside story of her ambitious Olympic mission and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined her career. From her early days as a competitive sailor to representing the United States on the world stage, Sally opens up about the mindset, discipline, and passion required to perform at the highest level. Listeners will hear firsthand what it takes to prepare for the Olympics, navigate the pressures of elite competition, and lead with confidence both on and off the water. Whether you're a competitive sailor, an Olympic hopeful, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and high-performance sport, this episode delivers essential insights into training, teamwork, mental strength, and embracing the challenges of a world governed by wind, weather, and willpower. Tune in to discover why Sally Barkow continues to be one of the most influential voices in professional sailing.

Abby Ehler chats to World Champion Sailor Sally Barkow, who has recently been appointed to US Sailing, as Team Coach and Performance Manager for the Olympic Squad. Sally brings to this role a wealth of sailing experience both on and off the water and covering every facet of the sport, having herself competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in the Yingling keelboat event, leading a team in the M32 World Match Racing Tour and more recently competing in the Volvo Ocean Race with Team SCA and Team Brunel, as well as serving as an active member of the US Sailing Board of Directors. Abby & Sally discuss the role of an Olympic Coach and the challenges & ‘benefits' that the Olympic Squad face with the delay in Olympic competition and the time in lockdown.

Host: Abby Ehler
Guest Co-host: Chris Stafford

The Sailing Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1750 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
Email: [email protected]. Follow @chrisstaffordpodcasts on Instagram.

In this high-energy episode of The Sailing Show, host Abby Ehler sits down with two of the brightest stars in high-performance foiling—WASZP champions Elise Beavis and Hattie Rogers. Together, they dive into the fast-growing world of WASZP sailing, sharing what makes this one-design foiling class so exciting, accessible, and transformative for sailors of all levels. Elise discusses her rise through the ranks as both a strategist and elite sailor, while Hattie reveals how foiling has shaped her competitive mindset and opened doors to opportunities across the sport. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at race preparation, WASZP training tips, boat setup essentials, and why the class is attracting some of the most talented young sailors in the world. Whether you’re a foiling fan, a competitive racer, or simply curious about the future of performance sailing, this episode offers insider knowledge, inspiring stories, and expert guidance from two athletes helping steer the next generation of the sport. Tune in as Abby, Elise, and Hattie explore the thrill, challenge, and community surrounding WASZP racing, women in sailing, and the evolution of high-performance foiling.

Abby Eheler takes a closer look at foiling sailing and chatting to two sailors who have launched themselves into foiling, specifically with the WASZP class dinghy.  First Elise Beavis who is based in Auckland, and has become a WASZP sailor and Performance Engineer with Emirates Team New Zealand. Then British based Hattie Rogers, who has come up through the ranks of youth sailing and recently tackled the transition from 29er skiff to the WASZP.  We learn a lot about WASZP as both girls share their experiences and top tips for any sailor aspiring to foil.
Host: Abby Ehler

Sponsor: Hyland's Homeopathic Earache Drops

The Sailing Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1750 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
Email: [email protected]. Follow @chrisstaffordpodcasts on Instagram.

Keywords (integrated in-paragraph style): WASZP sailing, foiling, WASZP racing, high-performance sailing, women in sailing, Elise Beavis, Hattie Rogers, foiling class, one-design sailing, competitive sailing, The Sailing Show podcast, Abby Ehler, sailing interviews, sailing podcast.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Sailing Show hosted by Abby Ehler, solo ocean racers Sam Davies and Marie-Amélie Lenaerts share the behind-the-scenes story of preparing for an attempt at the Vendée Globe, the world’s toughest non-stop, solo, around-the-world sailing race. Abby dives deep into the emotional, physical, and technical challenges these exceptional sailors face as they push the limits of human performance and offshore endurance. From navigating IMOCA performance upgrades and weather routing strategy to managing fear, fatigue, and the extreme isolation of the Southern Ocean, Sam and Marie-Amélie open up about their motivations, setbacks, and the resilience required to take on the Vendée Globe for the first time. This episode offers a rare look into the mindset of two determined sailors aiming to conquer one of sport’s greatest challenges. Perfect for fans of offshore racing, women in sailing, and anyone inspired by stories of courage and adventure, this conversation shines a spotlight on passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Abby’s first guest, Sam Davies, will, later this year, start her third attempt in the Vendee Globe having had a narrow miss of a podium finish in 2008/9 race, and dis-masted in the 2012/13 edition of the race, so could 2020 be her race? To make a donation towards Sam’s charity, Initiatives Coeur, please click the like button on the Facebook page.
Abby's second guest is Marie-Amelie Lenarts who has recently completed in her first Mini Transat, a single-handed race across the Atlantic in a  6.5m boat, becoming the first Belgium women to compete in a race across the Atlantic.

The Sailing Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1750 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
Email: [email protected]. Follow @chrisstaffordpodcasts on Instagram.

Thanks to our sponsor Hyland's Homeopathic Earache Drops.

Keywords:
Vendée Globe, Sam Davies, Marie-Amélie Lenaerts, IMOCA, offshore sailing, solo ocean racing, Abby Ehler, The Sailing Show, women in sailing, sailing podcast, around-the-world race, Southern Ocean, endurance sailing, professional sailors, adventure sports, offshore racing stories, sailing inspiration.

In this episode of The Sailing Show, host Abby Ehler sits down with Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sailor Clara Carrington, whose remarkable journey across some of the planet’s most challenging oceans showcases resilience, teamwork, and a deep passion for adventure. Clara opens up about her decision to join the Clipper Race, the transformative experience of living and racing on a 70-foot yacht, and the personal growth that comes from facing unpredictable weather systems, relentless watch schedules, and life in close quarters with an international crew. From the adrenaline of ocean racing to the quiet moments of reflection mid-passage, Clara shares the stories, lessons, and insights that have shaped her both on and off the water. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an aspiring ocean racer, or simply a fan of human-powered exploration, this inspiring conversation offers a rare look into the mindset, preparation, and determination required to take on a round-the-world sailing challenge. Tune in for an empowering and engaging episode that celebrates courage, curiosity, and the global sailing community. 

Abby's guest this month is Clipper Round the World sailor, Clara Carrington.  Clara has been a passionate social sailor through her life and having worked shore side for the Volvo Ocean Race, Clara has now embarked on her own round the world race with Clipper.  Clara is racing with team Punta del Este which is currently lying third overall in the Clipper Round The World Race.  Abby chats to Clara from her home in Uruguay having recently returned following the decision to postpone the remainder of the Clipper Race due to the global impact of COVID -19. They discuss how Clara's experience in human resources helped her with the crew's interaction and what she learned from each leg especially with adapting to new crew members and the importance of empathy in a team situation.

The Sailing Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1750 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
Email: [email protected]. Follow @chrisstaffordpodcasts on Instagram.

Keywords: Clipper Round the World, Clipper Race, ocean racing, sailing podcast, offshore sailing, Abby Ehler, Clara Carrington, The Sailing Show, women in sailing, adventure sports, yacht racing, round the world yacht race, sailing stories, sailing interview, crewed offshore racing.