The Sailing Podcast

Picture this: It's a dark, wet evening in Salcombe. A massive 40-foot cruising yacht pulls up to the pontoon, and the skipper is screaming at his terrified teenage kids because they cleated a line wrong. The holiday is ruined, the crew is miserable, and the skipper is utterly disappointed in himself. How do we avoid becoming that grumpy, overwhelmed dad?Welcome to The Sailing Podcast, sponsored by Sunsail. This week host, Theo Stocker and his guest. Justin Morton talk about what it actually takes to be a great skipper. The pair dive deep into 'unequal sailing partnerships,' the psychological difference between real danger and perceived fear, and why cutting a long-planned cruise short might be the ultimate sign of a successful voyage. If you've ever worried about stretching your family's tolerance on the water, this episode is an absolute must-listen.Timestamps00:45 – The Snakes and Ladders of Sailing02:45 – A Sailor’s Confession06:00 – Justin's first command: Surviving spinnaker carnage on a Hunter Horizon11:45 – The Grumpy Skipper Trap16:30 – Event Management at Sea19:35 – The cautionary tale of an 8-meter catamaran and forced cross-channel runs24:35 – When Fear Meets Reality34:10 – Knowing when to cut your holiday short41:00 – Why the small, rubbish boats have more fun43:00 – How to build boat-handling skills 47:25 – The Lost Art of Heaving-To53:50 – Why couples should do shore-based courses together but practical courses apart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine dodging unpredictable ice floes in Antarctica, putting film crews in position for that perfect David Attenborough shot, and then—after a decade of professional high-stakes sailing—deciding the real adventure is actually a 42-foot cruiser, a three-year-old daughter, and a Wi-Fi signal in the Hebrides.In this episode, Theo Stocker is joined by Charlie and Ed Hewitt of Ardent Training. They found a quiet corner at the Southampton Boat Show aboard a new Bavaria C46 to talk about their transition from professional whale-research skippers to "digital nomads."They dive into how they’ve built a global online sailing school from the cabin of an 80s yacht, the reality of "working from bed" using a VR headset to escape the rain in Scotland, and why they traded the stress of Antarctic expeditions for the freedom of following the wind—wherever it happens to be blowing that day.Brought to You ByThis episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. If you’re ready for more wind in the sails and less routine on land, Sunsail’s summer offers are currently live with up to 20% off. Whether it’s a bareboat charter in Croatia or a guided flotilla in Greece, visit the link in the description to find your next escape. Find out more:  https://www.sunsail.com/uk/offers/summer-sailing-special?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ssuk_sailingpodcastEpisode Timestamps00:01:15 – High stakes in the ice: Dodging bergs and filming for Blue Planet.00:08:30 – Meet Charlie and Ed: From Sea Cadets and the Navy to professional whale research.00:22:45 – Buying "The Puppy": Why a cheap 1980s Van de Stadt was the key to their business freedom.00:33:10 – The Digital Nomad life: Using Starlink to pitch to the government from St Kilda.00:39:50 – The Virtual Office: How a VR headset solved the "working on a small boat" problem.00:48:20 – Family on board: Raising a three-year-old and planning the next trip North. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode, host Theo Stocker sits down with Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy Commander, to recount one of the most harrowing maritime incidents in recent history.While Tom's career spanned 27 years—commanding everything from fishery protection vessels to advanced Type 23 frigates—it was his time aboard the Navy's only icebreaker, HMS Endurance, that provided his ultimate test of leadership and resilience.What’s in this episode:The Incident: How a routine maintenance task in the Chilean inland waterways led to 1,200 tonnes of water flooding the ship in just 30 minutes.Command Under Pressure: Tom explains the "Chain of Events" that leads to disaster and why a leader must step back from the "knees-on-the-deck" technical work to see the bigger picture.Survival in the Magellan Strait: The terrifying reality of drifting towards the rocks of "Desolation Island" in 60-knot winds with no propulsion, no power, and failing communication systems.Lessons for Every Sailor: Whether you're on a Royal Navy warship or a family yacht, the principles of drills, muscle memory, and "pre-programming" your responses are what save lives when the "lemons line up".About Our GuestTom Sharpe is a retired Royal Navy Commander who now runs a strategic communications consultancy. He specialises in managing complex and contested situations for global organisations, applying the high-stakes leadership lessons learned at sea to the corporate world.Sponsored by His Majesty’s Coast GuardThis episode is made possible by HM Coast Guard. Safety at sea starts with preparation. Whether it’s refreshing your navigation skills or conducting pre-season maintenance, don't leave it to chance.Boost your skills and reduce the risk: Order your free waterproof boating safety checklist at hmcoastguard.uk/checklist.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring more incredible seafaring stories to the surface.#SailingPodcast #HMSEndurance #RoyalNavy #MaritimeSafety #Leadership #Seamanship #HMCoastGuard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Sailing Podcast, brought to you by Sunsail, host Theo Stocker sat down with Will Reed, Director of the renowned British Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. Will tells Theo about how his his early days in furniture design led to a world-class training centre, Will shares the 'immersive' journey students take during their intensive 40-week courses. We dive into the technical magic of 'lofting,' the ancient strength of steam-bent oak, and why, in an era of fibreglass and carbon fibre, wooden boats are seeing a modern resurgence.Beyond the workshop, Will discusses the academy's mission as a charity, their work in breaking down cultural barriers for women in the industry, and the bittersweet tradition of launching student-built boats into the harbour. Whether you’ve fantasised about leaving the office for the workshop or you’re curious about the future of sustainable boat building, this conversation is a fascinating look at the grit and beauty of maritime craftsmanship.This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. Explore the Mediterranean this summer and find your perfect bareboat or flotilla holiday at www.sunsail.com/uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Sailing Podcast – brought to you by Sunsail – host Theo Stocker escapes the winter chill of the Düsseldorf Boat Show to step aboard the sleek, aluminium Pure 42. Joining him is a true heavyweight of marine journalism: Toby Hodges, the Boat Test Editor for Yachting World and a veteran judge for the European Yacht of the Year awards.With a career that spans several hundred boat tests (perhaps even a thousand), Toby offers an unparalleled 'bird’s-eye view' of the current state of yacht design. From the massive volume of the new Beneteau First 60 to the stripped-back, slippery elegance of the J/7, the pair break down the trends defining the 2026 season.Inside This Episode:Düsseldorf Highlights: A deep dive into the 17 halls of the world’s largest indoor boat show and the resurgence of major brands like Bavaria and Hanse.The Rise of Solar: How innovative, tailored solar panels are turning coachroofs and hardtops into powerhouse energy generators without sacrificing aesthetics.Safety First: A look at why the new Clipper Round the World yacht designs are following the trend of moving mainsheets out of the cockpit and under hardtop protection.Small Boat Soul: Why the Saffier 28 and the J/7 are proving that you don't need a hundred feet of carbon fibre to have a world-class experience on the helm.Special Offer from our Sponsor: SunsailThis episode is made possible by Sunsail. If you're dreaming of your next adventure on the water, Sunsail is offering a free day of sailing for every week you book in 2026. Book seven days and pay for six, or book a fortnight and get a free weekend included!Claim your offer at: https://bit.ly/4aS5Nmm (Offer valid worldwide excluding Italy. Book by January 30th, 2026.)The Sailing Podcast is the latest series from the teams behind Yachting Monthly, Yachting World, and Practical Boat Owner. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of maritime stories and sailing inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 7th ever episode of The Sailing Podcast, host Theo Stocker steps on board Mansura, the Hallberg-Rassy of veteran sailor, author, and pilotage expert Miranda Delmar Morgan. Miranda shares the incredible history behind her boat's name, tracing it back to a 1912 hybrid propulsion vessel owned by her family—a boat she believes may have been the "private yacht" that secretly spiritied Albert Einstein away from the Nazis to the shores of Dover in 1933.The conversation then shifts to Miranda's epic four-month summer voyage, covering over 4,000 miles from the South Coast of England to the stunning Lofoten Islands in the Norwegian Arctic. Miranda discusses the logistical challenges of managing 16 different crew members, the technical demands of navigating the "rock-strewn" inner leads of the Norwegian coast, and the surreal experience of sailing under the midnight sun in 20°C heat.Special Offer from our Sponsor: SunsailThis episode is made possible by Sunsail. If you're dreaming of your next adventure on the water, Sunsail is offering a free day of sailing for every week you book in 2026. Book seven days and pay for six, or book a fortnight and get a free weekend included!Claim your offer at: https://www.sunsail.com/uk/offers/free-day-offerFree Day Offer (Offer valid worldwide excluding Italy. Book by January 30th, 2026.)The Sailing Podcast is the new series from the teams behind Yachting Monthly, Yachting World, and Practical Boat Owner. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of maritime stories and sailing inspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fascinating episode of The Sailing Podcast, Theo Stocker visits the historic Buckler's Hard with Mary Montagu Scott, director of Beaulieu Enterprises and trustee of the new Buckler's Hard Shipyard Trust.Mary shares her deep connection to the Beaulieu River, tracing the yard's history from its medieval origins to its peak in the 18th century, when it built 55 ships for the Royal Navy. She delves into the incredible story of the HMS Agamemnon, Nelson's favourite warship, which was launched here in 1781. Mary recounts the ambitious archaeological project to survey the Agamemnon's wreck off the coast of Uruguay and the ongoing excavation of the original slipways at Buckler's Hard.Discover the plans to lay a full-size replica keel of the Agamemnon to preserve 18th-century shipbuilding skills, and hear Mary explain why, despite a life sailing tall ships and diving on wrecks, her favourite place to sail remains the tranquil creeks of the Beaulieu River on her small scow.The Sailing Podcast is a New Podcast Series from the folks behind Yachting Monthly, Yachting World, and Practical Boat Owner magazines. Subscribe today to make sure you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sailing Podcast host (and Yachting Monthly Editor) Theo Stocker dives into the highs and lows of the recently resurrected Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race with three enthusiastic entrants: veteran participant Jane (JT), single-handed sailor Rob McGregor, and experienced co-skipper Kathy Clayton.They all unpack the three-leg course, which starts in Falmouth and features famed stopovers in Kinsale, Ireland, and Tréguier, Northern France, before sprinting home. Discover why this event, run by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, is renowned as much for its friendly atmosphere and legendary shore-side socials—like the Guinness-fuelled club nights and the Tréguier hog roast—as it is for the sailing.We cover the competitive action, including how the fleet blends serious racing yachts with cruising boats through handicap classes, and hear the nail-biting stories from the water: from managing the Land's End TSS and dealing with fog-bank start lines, to the challenges of single-handed micronapping and the demoralising effects of flat calm on the 300-mile leg.Finally, the sailors give practical advice on how to get your own boat ready for major offshore events, detailing the Category 3 safety requirements (plus life raft), the necessary 125-mile qualifying voyage, and the crucial importance of a strong skipper/co-skipper partnership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first ever episode of the Sailing Podcast, Yachting Monthly's Theo Stocker steps aboard Willy Ker’s famous Contessa 32 Assent to discuss the fascinating history of the boat with Kit and Jessie Rogers. They also talk a life of boatbuilding, and getting locked up for blowing the whistle on an illegal sea cucumber farm! The Sailing Podcast is a Brand New Podcast Series from the folks behind Yachting Monthly, Yachting World and Practical Boat Owner magazines. Subscribe today to make sure you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.