Join host Buttons Padin on the 22nd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he dives into the world of team racing with Jack Fenwick, the Sailing Development Manager of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. They discuss the intricacies of organizing team racing events, the role of team racing in sailing culture, and the unique events hosted by Royal Thames Yacht Club such as the Cumberland Cup.Jack also shares insights on working with Craig Millar at UK Sailmakers South Africa for custom Sonar sails to meet their club's specific racing needs. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence.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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Welcome to the twenty-first episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons is joined by UK Sailmakers’ lead designer, Pat Considine, to break down the effects of headstay sag on sail performance—and to show how our headsails with ISL (Integrated Structural Luff) technology provide a modern solution.They explore what headstay sag is, why it matters for both boat speed and pointing ability, and the traditional methods sailors use to manage it. Pat also highlights the latest onboard equipment that helps control sag. Finally, they dive into how UK Sailmakers’ ISL technology takes performance even further. ISL is now available on new X-Drive and Titanium headsails, as well as Code Zeros.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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Welcome to the twentieth episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons explores the art of sailing photography with world-renowned yachting photographer Sharon Green.Sharon shares how she got her start behind the lens—shaped by the influence of her Hall of Fame sailor father, Don Green—and reflects on capturing some of the sport’s most iconic images. She offers practical tips for shooting on the water, in the water, and from the air, and explains the importance of equipment, timing, and perspective. From helicopter shoots to racecourse challenges, Sharon reveals what it takes to create both dynamic and technically precise sailing photos, along with advice for aspiring photographers looking to break into the field.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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of UK Sailmakers' Lessons Learned podcast series, hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons speaks with Butch Ulmer, former president of UK Sailmakers and a member of the Sailing Hall of Fame. Together, they break down the 2025 changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, with this episode's particular focus on obstructions and proper hailing protocol. Butch shares tactical advice including what to do (and what not to do) when you find yourself in a tough spot like Boat 1 in the “coffin corner” shown in the thumbnail.Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into the sport, this episode offers valuable insights from a true rules expert and world-class sailor.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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Join us for the eighteenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series. Listen as host, Buttons Padin, talks with Bill Henson about his thrilling experiences aboard his JPK 45 SIRENE.
From purchasing the boat in Lorient, France, to participating in the Middle Sea Race, sailing through the Suez Canal, and recently racing in the Sydney Hobart, Bill shares his unique insights and modifications that enhanced the boat's performance. Explore Bill's adventures sailing 25,000 miles, contending with challenging conditions, and balancing both racing and cruising in remote locations.
Learn about his collaboration with Geoff Bishop of UK Sailmakers Fremantle for specialized sail solutions that supported his journey. Don't miss this episode packed with sailing tales and valuable lessons.
You can also read more about SIRENE's Sydney Hobart race in the News section of the UK Sailmakers Website.
Video Image Credits: Bill Henson
Thumbnail Photo © Bernie Kaaks
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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
Join us for the seventeenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series hosted by Brendan Huffman, featuring special guest Rodney Pimentel. In this episode, Rod discusses his recent division win at the 2024 Pacific Cup onboard his Cal 40, AZURE. Rod talks about how upgrades to the boat, crew selection, and sails by Sylvain Barrielle of UK Sailmakers San Francisco helped to power the team to victory. Rod also shares captivating stories from his adventures cruising with his family on various boats in stunning destinations like the British Virgin Islands and the Mediterranean. Follow Rodney and AZURE on Instagram at @azure_cal40.
AZURE Image Credits: Rodney Pimentel Thumbnail Photo © Irina Potekhina – White Raven Media 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
Join us for the sixteenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin, featuring special guest David Dickson. In this episode, David discusses the history of the Shannon One Design—a unique wooden boat crafted for the Shannon River and still raced today near Athlone, in the heart of Ireland. David, alongside Barry Hayes from UK Sailmakers Ireland, has been part of a project to design a modern sail for this historic class, bringing renewed energy to a boat design over a century old.
Image Credits: David Dickson and Google Images 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
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 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
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 satisfied UK Sailmakers Los Angeles customer. His boat, THELONIUS II, an Ericson 381, has taken him on multiple solo voyages to Hawaii and back, and on many more adventures. In the 1979 Fastnet race, Williams crewed for Ted Turner aboard the winning boat, TENACIOUS, facing Force 10 conditions in one of yacht racing's largest disasters, where only 86 out of 303 boats finished and 18 sailors perished. You can watch more about Christian Williams' incredible life experiences, and sailing insights on his YouTube channel: ChristianWilliamsYachting THELONIUS II Image Credits: Christian Williams 1979 Fastnet Image Credits: ESPN / Gary Jobson 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
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 LAYC Community Sailing Program. Marie's impact on the local and national sailing community is profound. Throughout this episode, Marie shares her unparalleled insights into the challenges and triumphs of women and people of color in sailing. Marie's passion and determination shine in her dedication to fostering diversity in the sport through many endeavors, including co-founding the Offshore Sailing Outreach (ORO) non-profit organization. She also discusses working with Sylvain Barrielle from UK Sailmakers San Francisco and members of the UK Sailmakers LA loft in the sail preparations for the 2023 TransPac race. Get involved as a donor or participant in the Offshore Racing Outreach program here: https://www.sailoro.org/ Watch another great interview with Marie Rogers by Ocean Roads Films here: https://www.oceansandroadsfilms.com/ GOOD TROUBLE Image and Clip Credits: Marie Rogers, Betsy Senescu (Ultimate Sailing), Sail Sport Talk John Lewis Image Credits: Steve Schapiro/Corbis, LIFE Magazine, Jimmy Ellis Thumbnail Image Credit: Sharon Green (Ultimate Sailing) 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
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 includes skippering three trans-Atlantic ARC races, the Clipper Round the World Race and more. Both share their stories, and the plans for 59º North in 2024 and beyond. Visit the 59º North website or join their Quarterdeck community to learn about upcoming passages ans more.
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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Video Clip Credits: 59º North Image Credits: 59º North, Reuters, John Guillote, Yachting World UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.
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 for each customer's boat and sailing goals. 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Video Clip Credits:
Checkmate and Swan River: Lindsay Preece
J/111 CAG: Henrik Trygg
Code Zeros: UK Sailmakers Ireland & Adam Loory
In-Loft and Dock photos/videos: UK Sailmakers Northwest UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_sailing_podcasts/
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 performing at your best around the clock. 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, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_sailing_podcasts/
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 regarding vessel choice, sail selection, and boat modifications aimed at improving comfort, safety, and overall results. Instead of opting for a return delivery, Brendan chose to contribute to the youth sailing program at the Kauai Sailing Association by donating SIREN, marking the beginning of new adventures on the horizon. For more details about Brendan's 2023 Singlehanded Transpac, check out the article in the News Section of the UK Sailmakers website: www.uksailmakers.com/2023/08/09/division-winsiren-transpac.
The Lessons Learned Podcast is available for streaming on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_sailing_podcasts/
Tune in to Episode Eight of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers featuring Tripp Brower, Captain of SV RESILIENCE and Executive Director of the non-profit Apparent Winds. In this Episode, Tripp discusses his Lessons Learned passage making as he circumnavigates the globe, working with marine researchers and sharing stories of environmental and cultural preservation through film. Preparation is the key to a successful passage, and Tripp describes the ways in which he and the RESILIENCE crew prepare to be self-sufficient for their expeditions and have learned to expect the unexpected. You can read Tripp's article about winter sailing from Panama to Florida on the News Section of the UK Sailmakers website here: https://www.uksailmakers.com/2023/08/09/winter-sailing-panama-to-florida/ The Lessons Learned Podcast is available for streaming on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. For more information on Apparent Winds visit: https://www.apparentwinds.org Facebook, Instagram & YouTube: @Apparentwinds
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, and do things differently, if it isn’t just as fast. We’ll just put in more effort and not compromise.” 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 as well as Amazon Music. Image credits: Title card - Dennis Pearce RAKU photo - Jan Anderson RED RUBY photo - Paul Wyeth
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 content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts as well as Amazon Music.
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 the Seven Dudes movie which is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BquSL4LwL1M&t=991s
Follow along on Nathalie's 2023 racing campaign by checking out her webpage: www.nathaliecriouracing.com
Find out where to watch the Race to Alaska documentary by visiting: www.R2AKthemovie.com
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 International. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to receive all the video updates about his journey, and more great content from the channel. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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.com.
