Tune in to the fifteenth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, hosted by Buttons Padin and featuring special guest Dick York. Dick is a passionate advocate for Safety at Sea, continually researching the latest techniques and technologies to give back to the sport he loves. As a member of the Safety at Sea committees for US Sailing, the Storm Trysail Club, the New York Yacht Club, and the Cruising Club of America, Dick shares his journey from where his interest in Safety at Sea began to the latest advancements in man overboard recovery. Image Credits: Dick York Like an ..read more

Tune in to the fourteenth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, hosted by Brendan Huffman and featuring special guest Christian Williams. Listen as he recounts his 1979 Fastnet race experience, sailing trips to Bermuda and Hawaii, and insights into towering waves, sargassum weed, books, and jazz. Williams, a former Washington Post editor and investigative reporter during the Watergate era, has also created two TV dramas and authored five books, including a Ted Turner biography. Currently residing in Southern California, Williams is an accomplished sailor and a satisfi ..read more

Tune in to the thirteenth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, hosted by Brendan Huffman and featuring special guest Marie Rogers, a trailblazing figure in the world of offshore racing and advocate for diversity in sailing. As the skipper of the Alan Andrews-designed 56-foot sailboat, GOOD TROUBLE, in the 2023 Transpacific Race, Marie Rogers is a force to be reckoned with. She has incredible sailing and volunteer resumes spanning from her role as US Sailing Board Member, National Women’s Sailing Association Board Member, to her pioneering efforts in establishing the ..read more

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