Todd explains why even elite sailors struggle to ping a line accurately, how RaceSense works, why starts are becoming tighter and more aggressive, how Olympic, J/70, and TP52 fleets are adapting.. and why he was “happy to lose a protest” using his own system’s data

It’s a fascinating look at the technology reshaping competitive sailing — from club racing to the Olympic level.

She discusses resilience, managing fear, and key performance ideas like pacing, pushing to the “friction point,” and preserving the boat as a critical part of racing fast. Drawing on endurance sports, Ambre explains how handling discomfort and risk is central to success offshore.

Now moving into the Class40 circuit, she outlines her next goals and what it takes to keep progressing at the highest level.

We unpack the structure of the week, the coaching approach, the type of sailors who benefit, and the key performance insights—from start sequence execution and acceleration mechanics to decision-making and the mental game under pressure. All of it played out in IC24s in consistently challenging – and beautiful - Caribbean conditions.

If you’re looking to refine your racing process and extract marginal gains, there’s a lot in here to take away.  Hope you find something you can use on the water this Spring!

From her background in Olympic 470 racing to keelboat campaigns and coaching, Lara shares a holistic view of performance that blends decision-making, teamwork, communication and mindset. At the core is a simple idea: sailing is constant problem-solving, and the best sailors are the ones who can stay calm, identify what matters, and take the next step.

We get into how to manage pressure, why the “human” side of sailing is often overlooked, and how small gains—whether in training, communication or preparation—add up over time. Lara also talks about building alignment within a team, making the most of limited time on the water, and why focusing on process beats chasing results.

This is a conversation about clarity, consistency and learning to perform when it counts.  
(Image courtesy of Salty Brother)

Over two episodes, he reveals why process beats results, how communication can make or break a race, why calm execution matters more than raw talent, and how brutally honest feedback—especially audio—reshapes what teams think is happening on board. He also shares stories from visually-impaired world championships, America’s Cup campaigns, and the systems he now teaches to winning programs around the world.

This is a masterclass in turning ideas into behaviors, staying calm through chaos, and why the quietest approach often produces the loudest results.  Enjoy Part 1 and look out for Part 2 next week!  (Image by Hannah Lee Boll)

Host Pete Boland sits down with Madde Vachon and Travis Carlisle of Annapolis’ Severn Sailing Association to reveal what really happens inside a modern junior program. Spoiler: these kids log more hours, more starts, and more reps than many adult racers get in a year.

Together, they unpack why juniors switch into “race mode” faster than most adults, how burnout and coaching quality shape the long-term pipeline, and why the next generation is shockingly anti-technology. They also explore how young sailors raise the bar in adult fleets—tightening starts, sharpening boat handling, and sometimes humbling sailors twice their age.

If you’ve ever wondered how a 15-year-old just rolled you upwind—or how to rebuild your own fundamentals—this episode is your wake-up call.

Now based in Lorient, France — the epicentre of offshore sailing — Will explains why today’s ocean racers must be true all-rounders, how IMOCA technology and foiling are transforming racing, and what goes into building and optimising these cutting-edge boats.

The conversation digs into decision-making under pressure, risk management, teamwork, and navigation — with lessons that translate directly to club racing as well as offshore passages. Will also reflects on fear, endurance, and the realities of racing days or weeks from help.

Looking ahead, Will discusses his ultimate ambition: the Vendée Globe. He talks candidly about the challenge of funding a campaign, balancing life and family, and chasing the dream of becoming the first non-French winner of the race.

A sharp, honest look at modern ocean racing and the mindset required to compete at the highest level.

Harry shares how understanding a sailor’s motivation, building grit, and training the mind under fatigue are critical to performing well in chaotic racing situations. He discusses how elite sailors prepare differently, how club racers can realistically adopt many of the same habits, and why simple activities like walking, biking, and basic strength work can significantly improve performance, recovery, and safety on board.  Packed with practical advice, personal stories, and humour, this conversation offers clear takeaways for sailors of all levels looking to sail faster, recover better, and stay in the game longer.

In this episode of Sail Faster, Chris breaks down how feel, rig tune, and mindset intersect to create real speed. From growing up sailing broken boats in Florida, to discovering the VX One and pushing tuning boundaries, to winning championships after months away from the fleet, Chris shares how he thinks about boats, wind, starts, and performance.

We dive into managing leeway, pinching in big fleets, reading puffs on the water, extending waterline upwind, transferring skills between classes, and why imagination beats visualization when it comes to mental prep. Chris also tells the full story of an extraordinary comeback — going from 9th to 1st on the final day of the VX One North Americans.

This is an episode packed with technical insight, practical philosophy, and honest reflections from a sailor who keeps things simple — and stays fast.

• How he identifies whether problems come from the boat, the skipper, or the crew
• Why obsessing over the basics — clean bottom, fair foils, proper weight placement — changed everything
• His “maniac” philosophy of small, continuous improvements
• What it takes to build and retain a loyal, friendly, high-performing crew
• Why feel, groove, and helm balance matter more than chasing a number on a heel gauge
• The moment his boat went into “elevator mode” — and how he now aims for that on purpose

Whether you race in a one-design fleet or PHRF, Angelo’s approach is full of practical takeaways and thoughtful insights. He’s humble, funny, generous with his knowledge, and seriously dedicated to going faster — without ever losing the joy of sailing with friends

Listeners of SailFaster also get a special discount code for premium features (note this is not a paid sponsored episode or advertising)

John explains how he targets the right regattas, builds focused training blocks, and uses intensive skill work—like expert-led downwind training—to unlock real gains. He shares how to develop a crew that trims with intent in changing conditions, and why late starters can still accelerate with deliberate practice.

We also dig into U.S. sailing culture: the talent drain toward pro sailing, the challenges of the Olympic pathway, and why time-on-water sets winning programs apart. John offers an insider’s view on SailGP’s American struggles and the structural advantages other nations leverage.

A sharp, insightful episode on preparation, coaching, regatta strategy, and the craft of sailing faster—packed with lessons for anyone looking to move up the fleet.

🎧 Insight, discipline, and a dash of scientific curiosity from one of sailing’s sharpest minds.

From flying spinnakers just 31 hours into the race, to leading bow in the black of night, to pulling together a team of college-age sailors and their parents, Kelly reflects on preparation, decision-making, and the thrill of offshore racing. The conversation covers the unique energy of a younger crew, the grit required offshore, and the payoff of winning Division 1 as the fastest monohull under 60 feet.  BadPak’s team were: Tom Holthus, Artie Means, Samantha Gardner (Tulane ’27),  Hartwell Jordan, Jeffrey Peterson (Georgetown ’25), Jon Gardner, Matt Smith, Cooper Smith (Cal Maritime ’24), Kelly Holthus (Tulane ’27), Ryan Mazella

If you’re curious about what it takes to prepare for and succeed in one of the world’s great ocean races, this episode is full of insider stories and lessons for sailors of all levels.

👉 Learn more about Allegiant at allegiancesailing.com
 👉 Explore the Annapolis to Bermuda Race at bermudaoceanrace.com

Charlie shares how his obsession with sailing carried him from dinghies on Narragansett Bay to the gales of the Southern Ocean. He reflects on lessons of endurance, trust, and building world-class teams — including how to handle setbacks and bounce back stronger.

We dive into the craft of racing faster offshore: preparation, culture, accountability, and the mindset that separates good from great. Charlie also opens up on his new role at U.S. Sailing, where he’s driving change in how America develops sailors and reconnects with its Olympic potential.

Whether you’re campaigning offshore or racing on Wednesday nights, Charlie’s insights on resilience, leadership, and team culture will give you plenty to chew on!

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....

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

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.

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.

“You give power to what you focus on. If you’re thinking about what’s going wrong, you’re not thinking about how to win.”

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!

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!

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!]

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

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!  

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!

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!

In Part 1 we’ll hear Tom’s experience of the 1979 Fastnet tragedy, the evolution of sail design and its impact on racing performance, and the America II campaign.

 The upcoming Annapolis Sailboat show is October 10-14, and you can purchase tickets on line at - www.annapolisboatshows.com
To contribute to the EWE Spirit Foundation, just go to www.ewespirit.org!

To contact Luke for coaching, call him on 772-260-2437.  You’re likely to get his voicemail as he’s always out sailing…

photo credit: Will Keyworth

So, two very accomplished sailors and as I found out, super nice guys too!

Surviving a SailGP series is only one of Cam’s skills, she’s one of the US’s best young sailors and has fully embraced the foiling revolution. She’s been a world champion on Foiling A class Catamarans for the last two years, and a leading sailor on the 69F, the one design foiling monohull that looks like a mini America’s Cup design and similarly sails at astonishing speeds. She’s a recent graduate of Tulane university in New Orleans, and already has a sailing CV that runs to multiple pages. It was truly a privilege to chat to Cam, as you’ll hear, she tells some great stories from the new world of foiling, and has of course, some great insights into sailing faster.  

Dawn is one of the foremost sailors of the modern era. Famous around the world, she was the first woman ever to manage an entire America's Cup syndicate, the first American, man or woman, to sail in three America's Cups and two Whitbread Round the World races.  Just to zoom in on that for a moment - Dawn was the first women to have an active role on an America’s Cup team in 1992 as pitperson, in 1995 she captained America3, the first women’s team in the America’s Cup, and was skipper of Skipper of Heineken, the only all-women’s entry in the 1993-94 Whitbread round-the-world race.  If you haven’t seen it already, you must watch the film Maiden – it’s the epic story of the first all-women’s team in the 1989-90 Whitbread race, in which Dawn stars with Tracy Edwards, Mandi Swan, Claire Warren, and others.

Dawn is also a passionate advocate for the sport of sailing – under her leadership the Oakcliff Sailing Center in Long island has become one of the foremost providers of community access into the sport of sailing.  And this is where we met for the recording, on a snowy winter’s day in Long Island, New York.  You’ll find the audio quality changes a little as we were in an echoy room; I do hope that doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of what was a terrific discussion.  Take a listen…

But more than that, she’s a wonderfully warm and funny human being, who makes everyone feel welcome and included at whatever post-race sailing event is happening.  Oh, and Kristy’s also doctoral candidate at Marymount University studying Business Administration.

Carol is very well known internationally as a member of the 2004 US Olympic team that won two races on Athens beautiful, Saronic gulf.  She is a multi-time winner of the Snipe NAs, a winner of the Snipe Women’s Worlds with her long time team mate Kim Couranz, as well as a winner of the Snipe Nationals and the Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship, and winner of several women's match racing championships with various skippers.  

Carol is also an award-winning author, having written multiple books, blogs and article for the sailing media.  You can find out much more about Carol, her stellar sailing experience and her writings at carolnewmancronin.com

Mike’s a round-the-world racer with a long list of sailing accolades.  A boat-builder by trade, he’s assisted with building and/or project managed yachts such as Mai Cha 3, Americas Cup yachts (Aloha, Le Defi and Alinghi), Volvo 50’s (Kvaerner, Merit Cup and SEB) and many more high performance racing vessels over the years.  He’s the owner of Beasley Marine, and known in J/105 circles as the ‘bottom guru’ for his team’s skills in performance finishes for top racing boats.

Jason moved to the USA from New Zealand in 1997 to pursue a career in sailmaking with the newly founded Quantum Sail Design Group. He was appointed Quantum’s regional manager in 2008.  Some of the many projects Jason has been involved with include extensive sail inventory modifications to America’s Cup syndicates America3, Il Moro & KZ7 and maxis Sayonara and the RP85 My Song.  Jason has competed successfully on all levels of Grand Prix one design & IRC circuits over the years and is actively involved with the Farr 40 class development for Quantum Sails.  Jason has an incredibly long list of accolades and experiences including winning the 2013 Farr 40 North Americans, along with a strong performance at the 2014 Worlds in San Francisco.  In 2017 Jason narrowly missed out on a World Championship win in the J/111 class by 1 point.  Other notable achievements include most recently wins at Charleston Race Week, J/35 North Americans, San Francisco Big Boat Series ORR Division, C&C30 East Coast Championships, NYYC Race Week, and many others!

Lorie's winning ways started early and continued at Boston University where she was ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Women’s National championships during her college years, as well as winning the Fowle trophy for top team.   Her post college sailing career continued in the same style, winning the  Snipe North Americans, a one design that she became known for.  She also finished 4th in the Worlds, 1st in the US Nationals and 5th in the Pan American games.  Aside from Snipes, she also has a ton of experience in Melges 15 and 24, J/22 and J/105.   Lorie is well-known in the Annapolis area for her sailing prowess as well as her sailing clothing company, Stoutgear.   https://www.stoutgear.com/

 After university, he moved to Annapolis and pivoted to racing J-22s, J-70s, Melges 32s and Farr 40s. More recently, he has been racing IC 37s where he represented the New  York Yacht Club in 2019 and 2023 for the Rolex Invitational Regatta.

 Closer to home, Ray races his J-105 Patriot in the local Annapolis fleet winning the Annapolis Nood, Chesapeake Bay championships, and most recently finishing 3rd at the 2023 North Americans in Rye, New York. 

Doug’s always at the front of the j/105 fleet, despite being relatively new to the design.  I suppose it’s not that surprising that he sailed his way to the front given his formidable achievements in windsurfing earlier in his sailing career – including  two-time winner of US Sailing Youth Championships and the Major Hall Trophy (windsurfing),  he’s a two time US Sailing Rolex Junior Team member, he represented the US at the ‘95 and ‘96 IYRU Youth World Championships and ‘99 World University Summer Games.  What’s more, Dough was the 1995 Olympic Festival Bronze Medalist and member of the US national Sailing Team in 1998 and 1999.

Switching to keelboats, Doug picked up the 2017 Healy Trophy for Overall Cruising One Design.  He was also the 2019 J30 North American Champion and most recently won the 2022 Charles Day Trophy - Best Performance in Fleet (AYC WNR) 

Doug’s always at or close to the front of the J/105 fleet, which as you’ll hear he puts down to his deep knowledge of the J/105 design, relentless preparation and a constant quest for improvement gained both by on the water experience and through learning from others.   As you’ll hear, he’s very willing to share what’s been working for him and his team, a formula that he puts into practice with considerable success.