Podcast
RYA 150 Podcast
Hosted by RYA · EN
Join sailing legend Dee Caffari MBE for a very special podcast series celebrating 150 years of the RYA.
Incredible stories from one remarkable community and a century and a half of adventure on the water.
From Olympic triumphs to the 1979 Fastnet storm that changed sailing forever.
From pioneering women breaking barriers to the cutting-edge technology shaping our future.
We'll be chatting to the people who lived these moments, sharing first-hand accounts, behind-the-scenes insights and stories that have inspired generations.
The RYA 150 Podcast launches Tuesday 16 September – with new episodes every week.
Subscribe now, and celebrate 150 years of boating with us.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
HRH The Princess Royal on Sailing, Sport, and the Sea
Dec 900:17:03Tap to summarize#podcastclips #sailing #royalfamily #princessanne Our 150th anniversary podcast series wraps up this week with a very special conversation with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as RYA President for over 35 years.Recorded at St James’s Palace, Her Royal Highness reflects on the RYA’s evolution, from the origins of rules-based racing to today’s focus on accessibility, club support and opening the water to more people through programmes like OnBoard and Sailability.She shares personal stories too, from navigating the challenging waters of the Channel Islands and western Scotland, to the freedom and wellbeing she finds in time spent on the water.Our series finale captures what sailing and boating means to our communities: connection, confidence and the joy of being part of an island nation shaped by its coasts and waterways. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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Technology - What does the future hold for boating?
Dec 200:41:39Tap to summarizeSailing and boating have always evolved — but today, technology is transforming the sport faster than ever.From ocean-racing fleets connected mid-Pacific to high-performance foiling stadium racing, the tools and techniques shaping our time on the water are changing dramatically.In this episode, we hear from three specialists who see this transformation up close:Max Rivers, Deputy Race Manager for the Clipper Round the World RaceGarmin Marine Technology Specialist Alex CollardTom Herbert-Evans from SailGPTogether, they explore how cutting-edge systems are making sailing safer, smarter and more accessible.You'll hear how global race fleets stay connected in remote oceans, how SailGP uses data and digital overlays to turn sailing into a genuine spectator sport, and how everyday sailors benefit from the same innovations through intuitive wearables, navigation tools and smart safety tech.It’s a fascinating look at how professional advancements are already filtering down to cruising boats, club racers and anyone who loves spending time on the water. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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Charting a Legacy: Inside the RYA’s History
Nov 2500:33:44Tap to summarizeDiscover the remarkable journey of the Royal Yachting Association and its 150 years of guiding British boating through innovation, transformation and cultural change. In this episode, maritime and dinghy historian Dougal Henshall uncovers the breakthroughs and pivotal moments that shaped the sport as we know it today. From the early days of yacht racing – when boats started at anchor and rules varied wildly between clubs – to the creation of the Yacht Racing Association and its evolution into today’s RYA, the story is one of unifying a sport. Along the way came major shifts: the rise of dinghy sailing, post-war innovation, Olympic success, safety reforms, inclusivity and the move toward making watersports accessible for all. Through leadership based not on legislation but guidance, education and steady stewardship, Dougal and host Dee Caffari explore how the RYA has helped generations of sailors enjoy the water safely while supporting clubs, shaping classes, influencing international governance and nurturing champions so that – 150 years on – its legacy is one of stability, progress and a commitment to making sailing a sport for everyone. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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The Professionals - Taking on the Toughest Oceans
Nov 1801:02:35Tap to summarize#podcastclips #podcast #sailing #boating What does it take to thrive at sea when the waves are high, the sleep is short and the stakes couldn’t be higher?In this weeks episode, two of Britain’s most accomplished offshore sailors, Pip Hare and Abby Ehler share what it truly means to be a professional sailor on the toughest oceans on the planet while shaping the future of the sport.Pip Hare- Solo ocean racer and Vendee Globe skipper, reveals what draws her back to the sea time and time again. From earning her RYA qualifications to pushing herself and her boat to the limits. Pip talks about the realities of preparing for global ocean races and why the sailing itself can sometimes feel like the easy bit. She discusses life onboard a foiling IMOCA, the deafening sound of a boat at full speed and how she balances being both a CEO and a solo skipper.Abby Ehler - Three-time Ocean Race veteran and champion of women’s participation in sailing reflects on her remarkable career at the forefront of high-performance ocean racing. She discusses the evolution of all-female teams, the role of mentoring through The Magenta Project and what separates good sailors from world-class athletes. Abby also shares candid insights into managing funding, the mental and physical demands of ocean racing and how she balances long stints away from home with life on land.Pip and Abby paint an unflinching picture of life as a professional sailor, where endurance, teamwork and innovation collide with the raw power of the sea. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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Building Futures: Developing people, passion and possibility in sailing
Nov 1101:02:07Tap to summarize#podcast #sailing #sailinglife #jobsearch What if a summer job by the water could spark a lifelong career?What if a childhood hobby turned into a chance to travel the world?What if sailing wasn’t just a sport, but a future?In this episode, Dee Caffari is joined by three people proving that sailing and boating can shape skills, spark confidence and create extraordinary careers, both on and off the water.From instructor to ocean racer and race manager, Hannah Brewis’ journey shows what’s possible when opportunity meets encouragement. Now Race Manager for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, she talks about the power of role models, confidence and creating environments where everyone can thrive.Pip Woods, Managing Director of Rockley Watersports, has spent her career helping people discover where sailing can take them. From schools sessions and instructor training to lifelong participation, she shares how accessible routes into the industry are opening up like never before, and why fun, flexibility and confidence are key to keeping people engaged.James Ward, CEO of Marine Resources, brings the bigger picture — how the marine industry is evolving to welcome fresh talent and new skills. From boatbuilding and design to marketing, sustainability to AI, he explains why this is one of the most exciting times to join the industry, whatever your age or background.Together they explore the pathways that connect passion with profession, and how early experiences, mentors and transferable skills can open doors to exciting futures on the water and beyond. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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Britain's Best Places to Sail — From Stunning Coastlines to Scenic Rivers and Beyond.
Nov 400:50:19Tap to summarize#sailing #boating #inland #coastal #sail Where is the best place to sail in Britain? It’s a deceptively simple question — and one that sparks passionate debate among our podcast panellists who have extensive knowledge of our coastlines, lochs and inland waterways. This episode brings together sailors and boating enthusiasts whose lives and sailing styles couldn’t be more different, yet all share a deep connection to the waters of the British Isles. Joining host Dee Caffari are: Maggie Adamson – double-handed offshore racer from Shetland, equally at home battling tides in the Solent or shelter-hunting in the Northern Isles. Roger Barnes – dinghy cruising doyen, minimalist sailor and champion of small boat adventures Rachel Sprot – based in Plymouth and editor of the Shell Channel Pilot, deeply immersed in the hidden inlets, rivers and anchorages of the West Country. Rory McKinna – Scottish Para sailor whose fiercest training ground is a small, shifting loch where every tack counts Elizabeth Earle – Author, artist and liveaboard narrowboater fascinated by historic canal network, finding creativity in the quiet waterways From the tidal drama of the Bristol Channel to the history-soaked cuttings of the Midlands canal network, this episode explores some of the rich tapestry of British boating life. It’s not a search for a single ‘best’ location — it’s a celebration of why sailing close to home offers challenge, beauty, heritage and unexpected adventure in equal measure. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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From Superyachts to Super Starts
Oct 2801:01:48Tap to summarize#podcast #sailing #boating #superyacht #olympicsailing Not everyone’s career starts with a plan. For some, it begins with a leap — a decision to swap the predictable for the possible. In this RYA 150 podcast episode, Dee Caffari meets three people whose working lives were transformed by the sea. From the luxury decks of superyachts, to beach club instructing, to the high performance world of Olympic coaching, their stories reveal how sailing can open doors you might not have thought existed. Liberty Nogueira left a steady London job and the security of the nine-to-five to chase adventure at sea. With few industry contacts and only determination to go on, she worked her way into the superyacht world to became a bosun — learning fast, grafting hard, and eventually travelling the globe. Now she’s turned that experience into something bigger, guiding others into the yachting industry through her mentoring platform and online community. Gemma Hulbert took a different route, joining her first yacht at just 18. What began as a junior stewardess role became a decade-long career that took her across oceans and into leadership. Today, she runs her own recruitment company and training academy, helping new crew find their footing and raising professional standards across the industry. And then there’s Sam Ross, whose own start came closer to home — on the beach at an RYA training centre. What began as a summer job as a watersports instructor became a lifelong vocation. Now one of Britain’s leading windsurfing coaches, Sam has guided Emma Wilson to Olympic bronze and a world title, and helped mentor the next generation of RYA instructors and coaches. From Antarctic expeditions and overnight deck watches, to Olympic campaigns and life-changing friendships, this episode is an inspiring look at some of the many ways people build incredible, unconventional careers on and around the water. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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From the Pacific to the Poles with Emily Penn
Oct 2100:49:59Tap to summarize#sailing #podcast #environment #adventureWhat happens when a sailing adventure changes everything? For Emily Penn, what started as a journey across the Atlantic and Pacific turned into a lifelong mission that would lead her from the water to small island beaches and into global policy rooms. In this episode, Emily explores with Dee Caffari how a love of the ocean can evolve into an extraordinary and unexpected career. She shares how earning her RYA Yachtmaster qualification opened professional doors, why living with a remote Pacific community shifted her purpose, and how those experiences inspired eXXpedition — her pioneering all-women sailing project tackling ocean plastic while empowering others to take action. From hands-on science at sea to influencing decision-makers at the United Nations, Emily’s story is a powerful example of how time on the water builds not just seamanship, but leadership, resilience and a sense of responsibility. Whether you’re already working on the water or simply driven by a passion for the sea, this episode invites you to imagine where your own sailing journey could lead — and how your unique ‘superpower’ can make a difference. Tune in and discover how one voyage became a catalyst for global change. In our next episode… We continue to discover the breadth of careers that a love of the water can inspire. We explore what it’s really like behind the polished decks of a super yacht, and also one man’s journey from windsurf enthusiast to instructor and now coaching athletes at the pinnacle of the sport. From Super Yachts to Super Starts is available from Tuesday 28 October. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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The Storm that Changed Sailing - Fastnet '79
Oct 1400:57:21Tap to summarize#yachtracing #sailing #podcast The Fastnet Race is meant to be a test of skill and endurance – a prestigious offshore race on one of the sport’s toughest courses. To this day, it remains a bucket list challenge for many. In 1979, it became a tragedy that reshaped safety at sea. Rescue to the rescue Iconic, tough and respected worldwide – the Fastnet Race is one of offshore racing’s ultimate challenges. But in 1979, the race would go down in history for very different reasons. Without modern forecasting or real-time updates, sailors encountered a violent storm that escalated far beyond expectations. The fleet was overwhelmed, crews were stranded, and what began as a contest of seamanship became a fight for survival. Twenty-one lives were lost in the events that unfolded. From stricken competitors anxiously awaiting rescue, to the RNLI crews racing into danger, this episode captures first-hand accounts of the efforts and the bravery shown on that night. Featuring: Frances Reincke – a sailor who was rescued, sharing her personal story from inside the storm. Mark Gannon – Courtmacsherry RNLI crew member, recalling the 1979 call-out. Simon Rowell – Meteorologist, explaining the weather systems that built the tragedy and how forecasting and monitoring has evolved since. Richard Falk – RYA Director of Training & Qualifications, on how the lessons of 1979 transformed training, safety and seamanship. Lessons for a safer future How could so much go wrong so quickly? This episode explores what the Fastnet disaster revealed about preparedness, communication and seamanship in extreme conditions. The inevitable review that followed reshaped sailing forever. From sea survival training to international race protocols, design and improved forecasting, the legacy of the Fastnet disaster lives on in safety measureswe continue to rely on today and that have helped avert disaster of a similar scale since. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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Sir Ben Ainslie - the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of Sailing
Oct 700:26:29Tap to summarize#olympic #benainslie #goldmedal #london2012Sir Ben Ainslie is not only the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, but also one of Britain’s greatest sporting figures. In this episode, he reflects on the fierce competitiveness, resilience and attention to detail that carried him from teenage prodigy to four-time Olympic champion. From his breakthrough as the youngest-ever British sailing medallist at Atlanta 1996 to his record run of consecutive golds in the four Olympics that followed, Ben charts the highs, lows and pivotal moments that defined his career. He shares how near misses fuelled his determination, why small details often make the biggest difference, and what it feels like to carry the weight of national expectation on the start line. Beyond the results, we dig into the human side of a champion – the pressure, the doubts and the drive that kept him pushing forward. He also considers the evolution of sailing — from the changing Olympic arena to the cutting-edge world of the America’s Cup and the fast-paced spectacle of SailGP – and how together they represent not just the future of sailing, but a pathway to inspire the next generation. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.
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