Tune in to the twelfth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, featuring Mia Karlsson and Nikki Henderson, two of the amazing women who lead offshore passages with 59º North. In this episode, Mia and Nikki talk about their experiences as women in performance sailing, the unique challenges in the industry, and a promising future for more diversity in the sport. Mia discusses how a female presence and a nurturing attitude improves morale on long passages and opens the door for team building and learning opportunities. Nikki delves into her impressive sailing resume which ..read more

Tune in to the eleventh episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, featuring lead sail designer, Pat Considine from UK Sailmakers Chicago. In this episode, Pat answers a series of questions about what considerations go into designing a custom asymmetrical spinnaker. Pat delves into key measurements used for spinnaker design including the luff, leech and mid girth (SMG). He also covers material considerations, structured luffs, masthead versus fractional kites, furling and banding options, and explains how the use of BSG design software allows him to design the perfect kite ..read more

Tune in to the tenth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, featuring Stefan Voss of UK Sailmakers Germany. In this episode, Stefan explores the growing popularity of shorthanded sailing in Germany and shares his tips and tales for sailors who are keen to try it out for themselves. Stefan dives into the specifics for how he provisions and prepares for shorthanded sailing, and shares his opinions on hanks, slides and dousing socks. You can pick up some new ideas for your next overnight race or passage, with Stefans insightful tips that will keep you and your crew perfor ..read more

Tune in to the ninth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, featuring Brendan Huffman as he shares his journey competing in his second Singlehanded Transpacific Race aboard his Santa Cruz 33, SIREN. In this episode, Brendan reflects on the insights gained from his nine races to Hawaii, discussing the lessons learned, and how he enhanced his performance for the second Singlehanded race, ultimately winning his division and securing 5th place overall. Preparation proves to be the cornerstone of a successful Hawaii race, and Brendan delves into his decision-making process ..read more

Tune in to Episode Seven of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers with Justin and Christina Wolfe, a pair of incredible offshore double handed racers. This year, the duo have been campaigning their J/111 RAKU in the Pacific Northwest and RED RUBY, a SunFast 3300 in Europe. They talk about double handed racing in both regions, and preparations and modifications to the boat and the way that they sail. Regarding the secret to their success, Justin says, “We sail the boat pretty similar to how you would sail it fully crewed. We don’t want to make concessions for being double handed ..read more

Tune in to Episode Six of the Lessons Learned Podcast by UK Sailmakers with Sylvain Barrielle, as he recounts some moments in his incredible lifetime of sailing. Sylvain was born in Marseille, France and began sailing dinghies in his youth, but quickly advanced to racing maxi yachts when he was in his mid-teens. Sylvain has taken part in six America's Cup campaigns, and is still very active in the racing scene in North America and Europe. Sylvain is also the owner of the UK Sailmakers San Fransisco Loft. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when more great co ..read more

Tune in to hear Nathalie Criou, an accomplished offshore racer, discuss her incredible experiences in events including the Race to Alaska,  Singlehanded TransPac, Double-handed Pac Cup and a whale encounter on an offshore delivery. Nat will also explore the unique strengths of her sailboat ENVOLEÉ, a Beneteau Figaro II. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Footage was provided by Nathalie Criou and the Nat and th ..read more

This is the fourth episode in UK Sailmakers Lessons Learned podcast series. Tune in to hear Adam Loory discuss plans and preparations made for his cruise from the Long Island Sound in the Northeastern United States to the South Pacific. Adam will be retiring in the Spring of 2023 and is looking forward to embarking on this double-handed adventure with his wife Jenni. The couple have made extensive modifications to their racing boat SOULMATES, a Custom Goetz 40, to create a more comfortable cruising experience. Adam is retiring after more than 30 years as the General Manager of UK Sailmakers In ..read more

Butch Ulmer discusses the Sam Wetherill Race, Larchmont Yacht Club’s Edlu Race, the Block Island Race and the Annapolis Newport Race. These four events are an excellent shakedown series for a team preparing for the Newport to Bermuda or Marblehead to Halifax races. Tune in to hear their similarities, differences, and a few anecdotes as well! Butch is the son of Buster Ulmer who started Ulmer Sails in 1946, a company which has transformed through the years to become UK Sailmakers International. Have an idea for the UK Sailmakers Lessons Learned podcast series? Contact us at info@uksailmakers.co ..read more

This is the second podcast in UK Sailmakers Lessons Learned series. This 21 minute video is a discussion with Andrew Weiss, owner and skipper of the Italia 11.98 Christopher Dragon, which had an incredible year with wins in the Bermuda Race, the Block Island Race, the NORT and Tuna trophies and many more. Andrew answers questions on sail upgrades, ORC rating optimizations, why he sails with a friends, specialty sails, the origin of the name Christopher Dragon and much more ..read more