Yacht Racing Life Podcast

Split fleets make for compelling action at SailGP Halifax 22.06.2026 34m

Justin Chisholm is joined once again by fellow British sailing journalist Magnus Wheatley as the duo talk through the action from the two-day Canadian SailGP Grand Prix in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which saw the league’s full thirteen-boat contingent race in split fleets for the first time in a full regatta.The weather gods looking down on the harbour in Halifax might not have made things easy for SailGP race director Iain Murray and his team, but this weekend’s seventh event of Season 6 produced some great split-fleet racing – and culminated in an exciting four-way event final that saw Diego Botín’s Spanish Los Gallos take their first event win of this season ahead of Artemis (SWE), Explora Journeys Swiss, and the overall season leaders the BONDS Flying Roos.As well as diving into a few of the team performances that caught our eye, Magnus and Justin also talk through the key moments of the event, and try to work out what the re-shuffled standings at the top of the leaderboard mean for the rest of the season and the run-in to the Season 6 Grand Final this November.

Alan Roberts' quest for a Vendée Globe backer 09.06.2026 46m

British sailor Alan Roberts has been based in France now for several years as part of his quest to find a financial backer to help him make his dream of participating in the Vendée Globe solo around-the-world race. A talented dinghy sailor with a raft of British national titles to his name – as well as two victories in the prestigious 'champion of champions' Endeavour Trophy – Roberts has also carved out an impressive reputation in the highly competitive French offshore scene in and around its epicentre, Lorient. He made his mark on the Solitaire du Figaro circuit with multiple podium finishes, and has also won the Vivi Trophy for the best international competitor. Since then he has been a regular face on top crewed campaigns on the IMOCA circuit – including last year's second edition of The Ocean Race Europe – and in the world of the monster-sized Ultim multihulls. Image © Anne Beauge / Biotherm / The Ocean Race

SailGP's weird weekend in the Big Apple 03.06.2026 50m

New York did not deliver the weekend that SailGP was hoping for. No practice racing on Friday due to the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship blocking the craning-in area, only three boats racing on Saturday due to high winds preventing the rest of the fleet being launched, and another major crash on the final fleet race on Sunday that put the on-form American team out of the event final.Justin and Magnus pore over the events of the weekend – including a much improved performance from Giles Scott's Canadian NorthStar crew, disappointment for Diego Botín's Spanish Los Gallos who were sidelined on Sunday due to technical issues – and break down the action from what turned out to be a great event final where Tom Slingsby's BONDS Flying Roos out smarted Dylan Fletcher's Emirates Team GBR to take their third consecutive regatta win.Image © Ricardo Pinto / SailGP

Bermuda delivers for SailGP 13.05.2026 43m

Bermuda Delivers for SailGPHost: Justin ChisholmGuest: Magnus WheatleyEpisode SummaryJustin and Magnus review SailGP's Bermuda event, widely considered a much-needed reset for the series. With flat water and consistent breeze, Bermuda delivered strong racing — and a dominant performance from the Australian team.Key TopicsAustralia's Dominance Tom Slingsby and the Australian team extended their series lead with a commanding performance. Magnus credits the arrival of Ian Jensen as a transformative signing, freeing Slingsby to focus on tactics and race management. Australia's race six start on Sunday was singled out as a particular masterclass.Spain's Challenge Spain were the closest rivals to Australia, showing genuine pace and impressive racecraft. Diego Botín and tactician Florian Trittel were praised for excellent layline calls and boat speed. Discussion of whether Spain might choose to keep their current boat rather than take a new one.Germany Makes the Final A surprise finalist after a strong qualifying series. The team absorbed the loss of Stu Bithell to GBR and integrated Kevin Pepponet from France effectively. Justin and Magnus credit skipper Erik Heil for building a consistent midfield threat.Great Britain — Better but not 100% GBR recovered from their last-place finish at the previous event to finish fourth, but both hosts note the team doesn't look or sound like their usual selves. Hannah Mills' voice was notably absent from the onboard audio. Still second overall in the championship.New Zealand's Return The Kiwis are out for the rest of the season standings after their boat was destroyed in a crash (the "repaired" framing in SailGP press releases gets short shrift). Pete Burling is targeting Halifax for a return. Discussion of the development time they've lost and whether a new boat can be brought up to speed quickly.France's Misfortune Glen Ashby, brought in as a super-sub, suffered a serious leg injury (broken tibia and fibula) crossing the boat on Saturday, putting France out of the event. Both hosts express sympathy — and note that France's two third places on Sunday show where the team's real level is.Brazil — Crisis deepening? Dead last in the championship. Magnus raises hard questions about Martine Grael's leadership and whether the program is working. Speculation about Paul Goodison's future with the team.Switzerland Bouncing Back Justin recently interviewed skipper Sebastian Schneider for the YRL website ("The Only Way Is Up"). After a tough start to the season they had a solid Bermuda event, with their sights set on finishing in the top half of the fleet.USA — A Team Transformed Stormed Saturday but faded on Sunday. Still fourth overall, and both hosts agree the team's commercial operation is the model for SailGP franchises. Magnus reports spotting a major USA SailGP fan activation in Newport, Rhode Island the previous weekend.SailGP Format Concerns Magnus raises ongoing questions about the repetitive race format — the opening reach, the top-mark carnage — and draws a comparison with Formula One's introduction of sprint races as a response to stagnation. Bermuda delivered good racing, but structural questions remain.New York Preview The course location has been moved from last year's Governor's Island area. Both hosts expect flukey, unpredictable conditions that could scramble the standings — good news for midfield teams, potentially disruptive for the form book.Mentioned in This Episode Tom Slingsby, Ian Jensen, Jason Waterhouse, Ryan Reynolds, Diego Botín, Florian Trittel, Dylan Fletcher, Hannah Mills, Stuart Bithell, Pete Burling, Blair Tuke, Glen Ashby, Nathan Outteridge, Ian Percy, Martine Grael, Paul Goodison, Sebastian Schneider, Mike Buckley, Andrew Campbell, Harry Melges, Kevin Pepponet, Kai Lenny, Jimmy SpithillLinksJustin's interview with Sebastian Schneider / Switzerland: [YachtRacingLife.com]Magnus's Bermuda blog post: [Rule69blog.com]

SailGP Rio de Janiero 13.04.2026 55m

Justin Chisholm is joined by fellow British sailing pundit Magnus Wheatley to mull over SailGP's first ever event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Tom Slingsby's Australian BONDS Flying Roos made a spectacular return to winning form.During the episode the pair discuss:– the Australians' impressively consistent scoreline that saw them finish in the top three in all but one race over the weekend, including four straight wins on the Sunday– Black Foils skipper Peter Burling's stellar performance in the commentary booth back in London where he proved surprisingly engaging, articulate, and insightful – some slick sailing by the Swedish Season 6 newcomers Artemis Racing who made it to their first event final, but had to settle for third– how the newly-purchased Spanish Los Gallos syndicate continued to impress over the two days to finish second overall– another credible result for Taylor Canfield's American outfit who finished the Rio event in fourth and maintain their third place in the overall Season 6 rankings– flashes of promise from both Phil Robertson's Red Bull Italy crew and Nicolai Sehested's Danish ROCKWOOL Racing– more disappointing results for Giles Scott's Canadian NorthStar crew and from Sébastien Schneiter's Switzerland

Chris Draper at Emirates Team New Zealand 01.04.2026 43m

Justin Chisholm sits down with British yachtsman Chris Draper to discuss his move to join the America’s Cup defender Emirates Team New Zealand and life inside one of the most successful teams in modern sailing.Draper, an Olympic 49er bronze medallist and veteran of multiple Cup campaigns, explains why he chose to step away from the America’s Cup after Bermuda and how a renewed passion for the event drew him back in. He talks candidly about relocating his family to Auckland, the decision-making process behind joining the Kiwi team, and why the opportunity proved impossible to turn down.The conversation offers a rare insight into the inner workings of Team New Zealand, from the depth of knowledge within the organisation to the culture of efficiency and collective purpose that underpins its success. Draper also reflects on his evolving role within the team, combining sailing, performance input and mentoring the next generation of talent.On the water, Draper shares his perspective on the latest generation of AC75 foiling monohulls, the scale of technological development since the AC72 era, and the realities of sailing these complex, high-speed boats. He also discusses the removal of cyclors, the introduction of new crew roles, and what these changes mean for the dynamics of an America’s Cup team.Looking ahead, Draper gives his view on where the next Cup will be won and lost, suggesting that tighter performance margins will place greater emphasis on execution, teamwork and racecraft.This is a interesting, behind-the-scenes look at life inside the defender, and a timely insight into how the Kiwi's latest America’s Cup campaign is evolving.

Sébastien Sainson – design director at Gitana Team 26.03.2026 30m

Justin Chisholm’s guest is Sebastien Sainson – design director of the French Gitana Team, that recently launched the latest generation Maxi Edmund de Rothschild Ultim trimaran – Gitana 18.After a guided tour of this truly spectacular boat on the dock outside the Gitana team base in Lorient Justin sat down with Sebastien to find out more about the innovation that has gone into this remarkable ocean-going multihull.

James Pleasance – executive director of the World Match Racing Tour 12.03.2026 1h 5m

On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast I'm joined by James Pleasance – executive director of the World Match Racing Tour to discuss the history, evolution, and future of one of sailing's most iconic competitions. During our chat we examine: how the tour has managed to constantly adapt over its more than 20-year history; how it has somehow stayed relevant – despite the America's Cup move into high-performance foiling racing; its key role in developing new sailing talent, and plans to expand into new territories, like Saudi Arabia. Image © Ian Roman / WMRT

SailGP Sydney analysis 02.03.2026 42m

On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast Justin Chisholm is joined once again by fellow British yachting journalist Magnus Wheatley to chew over the goings on at the third event of SailGP Season 6, which took place in Sydney, Australia over the past weekend.The racing may not have been as adrenaline-fuelled as the previous two events, but despite the uncharacteristic drifting conditions that prevailed out on Sydney Harbour, Magnus and I still had plenty to talk about, including:the two starkly contrasting performances from the event winners, Taylor Canfield's US SailGP Team – who strung together their best ever – and Tom Slingsby's hometown heroes, the BONDS Flying Roos – who sparkled at times but ultimately missed out on a place in the final by some margin.the impressive performances of the other two event finallists – Dylan Fletcher's Emirates Team GBR and Diego Botín's Spanish Los Gallos plus, we debated the thorny question of whether SailGP might be losing its appeal to sailing fans and the wider sporting audience – and asked whether a racing format change could help to spice things up?Image © Felix Diemer for SailGP

ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP skipper Nicolai Sehested 20.02.2026 46m

On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast I'm joined by Danish SailGP skipper Nicolai Sehested from the ROCKWOOL Racing Team for a catch-up on the Danish team's journey since joining SailGP back in 2020 at the start of the international circuit's second season. The pair discuss how SailGP has evolved over that period and touch on the performance upgrades the sailors have experienced aboard their F50 foiling catamarans since those early days. Sehested explains the workings of the close relationship between the sailing team and its long-time naming sponsor, the world-leading stone wool building insulation products manufacturer – ROCKWOOL, and how the company leverages its involvement in SailGP so effectively. Sehested also explains in more detail how the team's recent acquisition by Doug DeVos' American Magic organisation came about and the positive impact it will have on the team going forward. The pair also discuss the shocking crash that took place at the previous regatta in Auckland, New Zealand between the Kiwi and French teams that injured two crew members and has put both boats out of action for the foreseeable future. Sehested shares his opinion on whether the New Zealand team's season is effectively over and the duo discuss what might need to happen to keep the sailors safe during racing in windy conditions.The episode concludes with Sehested taking a look ahead to the upcoming SailGP event in Sydney, Australia where the teams will have to factor in the vagaries of the wind around the notorious Shark Island.

SailGP Auckland Analysis 16.02.2026 46m

Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley discuss the recent SailGP regatta in Auckland, New Zealand, which was marred by a serious collision between the Kiwi and French teams. They delve into the implications of the crash, safety concerns in the league, and the need for changes in race formats. The hosts analyze team performances, including the Americans, French, Australians, Italians, and the Spanish, and discuss the impact of technical issues on racing outcomes. They also explore financial aspects of SailGP, including team valuations and potential future developments in the league, and speculate on whether the spilt-fleet format is now here to stay.Image © Simon Bruty for SailGP

Dee Caffari on The Famous Project CIC all-women circumnavigation 05.02.2026 53m

Guest presenter Matt Sheahan from the PlanetSail website catches up with British ocean racing yachtswoman Dee Caffari just over a week since she and the all-women crew aboard The Famous Project CIC 103-foot long trimaran completed a tortuous nonstop lap of the planet.The Famous Project crew made it around in just under 58 days and although that’s well outside the new 40 day record just set by Thomas Coville’s men aboard the French Sodebo Ultim – who now hold the coveted Jules Verne Trophy – Dee and her crewmates have become the the first all female team to race nonstop around the world.Matt sat down with Dee as soon as she arrived back in the UK to find out more about what – incredibly – is her seventh time racing around the world.

Will Oxley on Raven RORC Transatlantic Race line honours performance 27.01.2026 44m

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, host Justin Chisholm speaks with navigator Will Oxley about his recent experience racing the foil-assisted superyacht Raven in a transatlantic race. They discuss the design and features of the boat, the challenges faced during the race, the crew's considerable around-the-world experience, and the significance of their achievements. Oxley shares insights into the performance metrics of the boat, the strategy employed during the race, and the future of foiling technology in yachting. The conversation also touches on recent record attempts in the sailing world and Oxley's upcoming projects.

SailGP Perth analysis 18.01.2026 47m

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, British sailing journalists Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley dive into the thrilling opening event of SailGP Season 6 which took place in Perth, Australia over the weekend. During their chat the pair break down the racing action from the event’s two days of wild and windy conditions and highlight the standout performances from overall winners Emirates Great Britain and fellow finalists Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos and France’s DS Automobiles, as well as analysing the high speed crash between the Swiss and Kiwi teams that cost boat teams valuable early season points. They also discuss the impressive debut of Nathan Outteridge’s Swedish Artemis crew, the much improved performance of Taylor Canfield and the US SailGP Team, and plenty more besides.

NorthStar SailGP team CEO Phil Kennard 18.12.2025 56m

Successful dinghy sailor Phil Kennard shares his journey from Olympic campaigning to his roles in Formula One and the PGA Tour, before returning to the world of sailing with SailGP as CEO of the Canadian team NorthStar.

SailGP Season 5 Grand Final in Abu Dhabi: A Deep Dive 01.12.2025 51m

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast, hosts Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley discuss the final SailGP event of the season held in Abu Dhabi. They analyze the challenges faced by the sailors during the racing, particularly the light wind conditions, and highlight the technological advancements that have allowed for racing in such conditions. The conversation shifts to team performances, strategies, and the impact of key figures like Phil Robertson on team dynamics. They reflect on the Grand Final, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and the future of SailGP in relation to the America's Cup. The episode concludes with thoughts on emerging talents and potential changes in team line-ups for the next season.TakeawaysSailGP's final event showcased the challenges of racing in light winds.Technological advancements have improved racing capabilities significantly.Team cohesion is crucial for success in competitive sailing.Phil Robertson's leadership has revitalized the Italian team.The Grand Final highlighted strategic decisions that influenced outcomes.Emerging talents are essential for the future of sailing competitions.The importance of financial backing in hosting events in various locations.Cultural factors affect spectator turnout at sailing events.The dynamic between SailGP and America's Cup will shape future competitions.Next season promises exciting developments and potential team changes.Image © Felix Diemer for SailGP

Iain Percy – CEO Artemis SailGP Team 16.10.2025 45m

Justin Chisholm's guest this time is British triple-Olympic medallist Ian Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies and the newly announced Swedish Artemis SailGP team – which will be skippered by Nathan Outteridge in Season 6 of the global high-performance circuit.During their chat the pair discuss Iain's role at Artemis Technologies, the reasons for Artemis joining SailGP, his thoughts on the relative merits of the America’s Cup and SailGP – and Iain gives fans a clue into just what they can expect from the new kids on the block when the new season gets underway next year.Image © Felix Diemer for SailGP

2025 OK World Championship winner Andrew Mills 14.10.2025 48m

Justin Chisholm's guest is British dinghy sailor Andrew Mills, a past Olympic campaigner in the Finn class who recently won the International OK World Championship after topping a fleet of 212 boats during a week-long series on Lake Garda, Italy.Anyone looking for tips on how to put together a major championship campaign of their own, will find plenty of interest in what is discussed during the interview.

USA SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley 09.10.2025 37m

I sit down with USA SailGP team boss Mike Buckley for a frank and open chat about his experience of leading a team in SailGP, including: the importance of resilience and thick skin; the team’s challenges on the water; the impact of bringing in new sailors; the fundamental difference between America’s Cup and SailGP teams; and his plans for the team’s medium and long-term future.

SailGP Cádiz Analysis 06.10.2025 34m

In this episode of the Yacht Racing Life podcast Justin Chisholm is joined by the Rule69Blog’s Magnus Wheatley to unpack a light-air weekend of racing at the SailGP event in Cádiz, Spain. Justin was on site for practice and day one before watching Sunday’s action on replay. The verdict: a picturesque venue and big crowds, yet a regatta that often turned into starting practice in marginal breeze and awkward sea state.Venue and vibeCádiz impressed. The old city serves up surfy beach culture on one side and a natural stadium on the other, with fans lining a huge sea wall. The media centre sat in the castle at the end of the wall, which gave a drone-like view straight down to the leeward gates. The local crowd were all in for Spain SailGP Team, although the weekend did not go their way.Tech talk: a new 27.5 m wingSpain missed the fleet practice after being tasked to help validate the new 27.5 metre wing that SailGP hopes to have available in time for the Abu Dhabi Season 5 Grand Final in Abu Dhabi – a traditionally light air venue. Magnus remains sceptical of the sales pitch around performance benefits of the new light airs foil and rudder packages and suggests that the introduction of the new wing config is driven by safety concerns after a string of rig failures. The racing: Britain nail the big momentsEmirates Team GBR delivered a measured, champion’s performance. Starts were cleaner on Saturday than Sunday, yet the hallmark was damage limitation when it went wrong. Twelfths and elevenths became sixths and sevenths, which kept the points tally moving. In the final, Dylan Fletcher and Hannah Mills, with Iain Jensen and Luke Parkinson, executed a smart two-marks-ahead plan in the fleet racing and then stole the final from the Kiwis with an perfectly executed attack at the final turning mark.Season picture after CádizGreat Britain 85 ptsNew Zealand 82 ptsAustralia 80 ptsSpain on 76 points remain fourth and still in with a shout of making the Grand Final. France in fifth look too far back to threaten.Format and fairnessJustin worries about the winner-takes-all finale. With three elite teams you risk one soft start deciding a season. Magnus counters that jeopardy is sport, simple to explain, and essential for broadcast. Both agree it does not always crown the most complete team across the year, yet within SailGP’s entertainment remit it works.A separate gripe was the short first downwind. If you stuck the first jibe and were top three at Mark 1 you were gone. Passing lanes were scarce, especially with twelve boats and light air. Magnus would like Russell Coutts to trial split-fleet racing in these conditions. Who impressed, who struggledDenmark were superb on Saturday. Smooth, tidy manoeuvres, gliding through manoeuvres. A late fall off the foils on Sunday ended their hopes, yet they bank a big confidence block after their performance on the opening day.Germany made their second consecutive final – a reward for making attacking decisions.United States were improved, with a third, fourth and fifth on the sheet, and finished eighth overall.Canada remain ‘ying and yang’ – as skipper Giles Scott previously described them. Moments of front-running class, then the wheels wobble.France were sixes and sevens on Saturday, sharp on Sunday. Consistency is the missing piece.Italy look lost. Setup, coaching and roles need a hard review.Switzerland made poor percentage calls at key gates and paid heavily.Australia won a race then faded. If Abu Dhabi is light they are the most vulnerable of the top three to a Spanish surge.New Zealand were one tack from the win, so will feel bruised yet reassured about pace.Looking ahead to Abu DhabiHistory suggests light air, although sailing loves to surprise. If it is marginal, expect Spain to attack with nothing to lose and the Australians to feel the heat. The Brits look the complete package across conditions, while the Kiwis remain highly potent in the breeze.Final thoughtCádiz was a reminder that even in a manufactured league the sailors’ craft still decides the biggest moments. The British final-mark sequence was world class. Now all eyes turn to Abu Dhabi, where for the top three teams a season’s worth of hard work will be settled in a single race for a very large cheque.Image © Samo Vidic for SailGP