In Episode 26 of UK Sailmakers’ Lessons Learned podcast, host Buttons Padin speaks with Belgian offshore sailor Quentin Debois about his Mini 6.5 campaign, his sailing background, and his recent record-breaking Atlantic crossing. Quentin only began sailing at age 31 after a friend introduced him to a Hobie 16 on the Belgian North Sea. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, leading him to formal training in France and ultimately into offshore racing in the demanding Mini 6.5 class—a 6.5-metre (21-foot) solo offshore racing boat known for its speed, instability, and extreme demands on both sailor and equipment. One of Quentin’s standout achievements is his recent east-to-west Atlantic record attempt, sailing from Cádiz, Spain, to San Salvador in The Bahamas via a Grand Canaria waypoint. He completed the crossing in 24 days, 19 hours, significantly lowering the previous under-7m record of 30 days, 22 hours. The campaign was supported by a dedicated team including a router, coach, technical preparer, and mental coach, highlighting the level of coordination required even in “solo” offshore racing. Preparation played a critical role. Quentin and his team fully rebuilt the boat before departure, and UK Sailmakers Belgium equipped his boat with a reefable jib, a Code 0, and A2 and A5 spinnakers that performed throughout the crossing. When he required repairs on an older mainsail for a subsequent record attempt, UK Sailmakers Miami supported a rapid turnaround to keep the campaign on track. Quentin’s approach is highly disciplined—he sails without an engine and constantly manages boat trim, including shifting approximately 250kg of internal ballast during manoeuvres. His focus now turns to future record attempts, including Miami to New York and New York back to the UK (Lizard Point), each timed around precise weather routing. Quentin Debois represents a new generation of offshore sailor—combining performance sailing, technical precision, and structured support teams to push the limits of what small offshore boats can achieve. For potential partners interested in supporting Quentin’s campaign, contact him directly at Quentin@OceanSailing.be and you can also follow his adventures on Instagram @quentindebois. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 What Is a Mini 6.5 01:35 Discovering Sailing Late 02:36 Training for Offshore Solo 03:49 Race vs Record Route 05:07 Breaking the Atlantic Record 06:21 Mental Coaching at Sea 08:19 Boat and Sail Preparation 10:59 Sail Repairs and Durability 13:33 Onto the Next Records 16:38 Weather Routing Strategy 17:55 Community Support 20:27 Overcoming Challenges 22:52 Conclusion Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when new content is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Join host Buttons Padin on the 25th episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he sits down with solo circumnavigator Istvan Kopar as he prepares for his fourth and most ambitious voyage around the world. Istvan shares his journey from learning to sail on Lake Balaton behind the Iron Curtain, to 13 years in the Hungarian merchant marine, to completing a solo one-stop circumnavigation in 1990-91 with no electronics. He also recounts his experience as the only American to finish the 2018-19 Golden Globe Race, and details his upcoming Anniversary Challenge: a solo, non-stop, westbound circumnavigation at age 73, departing alongside the 2026 Golden Globe Race fleet. Istvan also discusses his Valiant 42 refit and his new sail inventory from UK Sailmakers Miami. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you #SailWithConfidence. 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Sailing Behind Iron Curtain 02:34 Merchant Marine to Oceans 05:16 First Solo Circumnavigation 07:16 Three Circumnavigations Recap 08:20 Golden Globe Race Roots 11:04 Super Marathon Reality 12:30 New Westbound Mission 16:36 Anniversaries and Purpose 21:03 Choosing and Refit Valiant 42 23:58 New Sails and Rig Choices 26:23 Conclusion 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. Thumbnail Photo © Aïda Valceanu

Join host Buttons Padin as he sits down with Adam Loory for the 24th episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series. Dive into an engaging discussion on Adam’s lifelong dream of sailing around the world, plans, and preparations for his upcoming voyage to the South Pacific. Discover detailed insights about the refit and transformation of a race boat for long-term performance cruising, the complex itinerary, key navigational preparations, and essential tips for any aspiring global sailor. Don’t miss this thrilling episode packed with valuable lessons and inspiration from Adam's journey, Reaching thru Retirement. 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Adam's Sailing Background and New Adventure 02:28 Preparing the Boat for the Journey 05:34 Route and Navigation Plans 10:04 Provisioning and Onboard Life 11:09 Advice for Aspiring Sailors 15:29 Weather Considerations and Departure Plans 19:51 Conclusion 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 host Buttons Padin on the 23rd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, featuring Commander Gregory Storer of the United States Navy. In this extra-special episode, we step outside the world of sailmaking as Commander Storer discusses his journey from sailing small boats like Optis and Lasers in his youth to commanding the USS Springfield, an LA-class fast attack submarine stationed in Guam. Commander Storer shares how his early sailing experiences shaped his submarine navigation tactics, recounts his time at the Naval Academy, and explores the dynamics of maneuvering a submarine. The episode offers fascinating insights into the challenges and techniques of submarine operations, including man-overboard recovery and navigating tight harbors. 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Meet Commander Gregory Storer 01:09 Early Sailing Days 02:04 Transition to the Navy Academy 04:26 From Small Boats to Big Boats 06:41 Driving the USS Springfield 08:26 Maneuvering and Navigation Challenges 16:03 Man Overboard Recovery Techniques 20:41 Conclusion 21:27 Extra: On Location in Guam 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 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. 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Meet Jack Fenwick: Sailing Development Manager 00:25 The Role of Team Racing 03:23 The Cumberland Cup and International Competitions 08:31 Sail Maintenance and Customization 12:31 Upcoming Events and Future Plans 19:08 Innovative Team Racing Formats 20:13 Working with UK Sailmakers 21:44 Conclusion 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.

Some times it pays to break the rules. While sailing back from the Bras d’Or Lakes to Halifax, we left on Friday Aug. 22nd, the day that Hurricane Erin was going by. Sailing superstition says it’s bad luck to set off on a Friday. Also, most sailors stay in safe harbors when such a big storm is any where nearby. Yet, I didn’t break the rules idly; I watched the track of the storm and had chosen ports bailout ports. Getting home from the Bras d’Or Lakes to Halifax is normally an upwind slog because of the prevailing southwest summer breezes. The northern edges of Hurricane Erin would create a strong northeasterly that would make the trip a fast, downwind ride. This was a chance too good to pass up. I determined the risk was worth the reward. Several hours into our surfing session down the south coast of Nova Scotia, we noticed blue sky to the north over the land and angry grey clouds to the south out to sea. During the day, we jibed downwind between the shore and the meanest looking clouds. Soulmates ended up having a great, fast sail. We averaged 9 knots for the 95-mile 11-hour passage from the exit of the Bras d’Or Lakes to Beaver Island Harbor, which is nearly two thirds of the way to Halifax. The wind blew in mid-20s with some solid gusts into the 30s, but since we were on a very broad reach with a double-reefed main and small jib, heeling was minimal. Our highest speed was a surf to 20.2 knots and had uncountable number of surges over 15 knots. There were hour-long stretches where we averaged 11 knots. Being comfortable in, and prepared for, high winds allowed us take advantage of these conditions. My decision to sail bore fruit, as the day after the storm, we had to motor the remaining 60 miles to Halifax because the prevailing southwesterly had returned. Comfort and preparation are the result of years of sailing in incrementally stronger winds and learning from those experiences. All sailors would do well to expand their sailing skills as did my crewmate Keven; she started out skeptical of my plan, but was smiling at the end of the our successful sail. I broke one other superstitious rule — we sail with bananas as part of our larder.

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. 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Understanding Headstay Sag 01:51 How to Control Sag 04:36 Halyard Tension & Sail Shape 05:08 Integrated Structural Luff Sails 06:05 How to Use ISL Sails 08:15 Boat Considerations 10:00 Determining Load Transfer 12:06 Conclusion 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.

While on my cruise to the Canadian Maritimes, I have had to singlehand my boat Soulmates while waiting for friends to join me as crew changes have not been seamless. This video and article talk about how I felt tested by the wind gods in my ability to singlehand my boat.

Besides the auto pilot, the one piece of equipment that makes shorthanded sailing easier and more enjoyable is my Lazy Cradle. Controlling a mainsail when you lower it can be a challenge even with full crews, but when shorthanded, it can be a bigger problem. However, with my Lazy Cradle, that problem goes away. A Lazy Cradle is a sail cover that is attached to the top of the boom under the mainsail and the upper edges are raised in place with the boat’s lazy jacks. The lazy jacks guide the sail down into the cover. With the Lazy Cradle I can literally drop my mainsail into the cover faster than a furling main can be rolled into the mast or boom. I just release the halyard and gravity does the rest. Coming into a harbor is no problem; just drop the sail and it is out of the way without the need to flake or furl. With the sail in the cover, you can concentrate on the channel and traffic instead of sail handling. Then, when I’m at anchor, I can zip the cover over the sail and then zip the front piece that goes around the mast and the sail is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays until our next sail.

After sailing halfway around the world, I think that many people spend too much time preparing for heavy winds and not enough time for preparing for light air sailing, which is more likely found on traditional routes. Unless you sail a “super tanker,” boats can’t carry enough diesel to cover thousands of miles. Even if you can carry enough fuel for daysails and short cruises, who wants to motor downwind smelling diesel fumes that envelop the cockpit when your speed under power is similar to the windspeed. Cruising spinnakers will make your sailing much more enjoyable.

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. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:46 Sharon Green's Background and Early Influences 03:13 Getting Started in Sailing Photography 03:31 Tips for Better Sailing Photography 03:53 Challenges and Techniques in Sailing Photography 06:10 Equipment and Camera Handling 12:28 Helicopter Photography 17:33 Protecting Your Camera on the Water 24:02 Working with Other Photographers 25:33 Capturing Personal Moments and People Shots 27:51 Conclusion 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. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Meet Butch Ulmer: Sailing Hall of Famer 01:04 Understanding Obstructions in Sailing 02:43 Hailing for Room to Tack: Rules and Scenarios 06:08 Illegal Hails and Anticipation Strategies 10:11 Port-Starboard Situations and Final Thoughts 11:36 Conclusion 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.

These clips show my voyage from Nassau in the Bahamas to Key Biscayne, Fla., to Cape Canaveral, Fla., in December of 2024.

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. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:48 Choosing the JPK 45: Features and Customizations 03:28 Cruising in Western Australia 04:34 Mediterranean Adventures and the Middle Sea Race 06:06 Navigating the Red Sea and Indian Ocean 08:30 Sydney Hobart Race Experience 11:15 Sail Inventory and Customizations 16:30 Future Plans and Closing Remarks 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.

My first voyage to a foreign country was the 24-hour sail from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West End on Grand Bahama. I had been on many other boats that had gone through clearing procedures, but I had never been the responsible one walking up the dock with all the ship’s papers and the crews' passports. The route to the Bahamas was a 133-mile passage that took SOULMATES southeast across the Gulf Stream. Most cruisers make this trip by heading south along the Florida coast to West Palm Beach where they hang out until the wind goes calm so that they can motor the 60 miles across the Gulf Stream. This plan calls for a short crossing in calm seas. But SOULMATES is a boat that likes to SAIL. Contrary to the dockside chorus of “local experts,” we took off in a 15-20 knot northerly that pushed us directly down the course—and quickly. SOULMATES reveled in the waves as we rode on a broad reach under a single reef and a No. 4 Genoa. The second part of my trip was an 127-mile passage from West End to Nassau. We started out with the full-sized jib and full main and when the wind picked up after the sun went down, we tucked in a reef, which was shaken out in the late morning of the second day. Once again, we set off in the early afternoon for the 127-mile passage from West End, around Great Stirrup, and then on to Nassau. It was a full beat for the 65-mile leg from West End to Great Stirrup. All night long, it felt like we were on the highway for cruise ships heading to and from Nassau. Luckily, we could see them on AIS long before they were visible with the naked eye. With all their cabin lights blazing, they were so bright that it was hard to make out their running lights. Just before Great Stirrup, we had to make four tacks to get around the point. In my less-than-alert state, we got within one-quarter-of-a-mile of one of the behemoths — I had a hard time visualizing her course. Radar would have helped, as would more sleep. Once around Great Stirrup, the wind faired, and we could just cracked the sheets, helping us make better time to Nassau.

For most of my sailing life, while I was racing, I always said, “Winning a sailboat race was the most fun you could have – with your clothes on.” There was performance sailing. There were all your friends. There were other boats against which to race. There was beer. Now that I’m a cruising sailor, let me tell you about a perfect day on the water. This was a perfect day on many levels despite not even raising a sail. Most importantly, it was a chance for quality family time. Living in New York, I hardly ever get to see my brother. While on the boat cooking and eating, we were much more relaxed and intimate than we would be at a family event like a wedding. Also, I love being able to use the boat for cooking, entertaining, a family get together, and an alfresco dining experience. In the past, using the boat consisted of going out for a few hours to race, then getting in the car to rush to the party at the host yacht club, where we would perform “sailing Karate” and pay too much for drinks.

One of the most visible changes in my effort to convert my 40-foot racer/cruiser into a better cruising boat was the creation of tall cockpit coamings. Taller coamings keep the cockpit dry and they provide back support when sitting in the cockpit. While cruising, the cockpit is your living room so it should be comfortable for reading, entertaining, eating and just watching the world go by. My boat was built with very low coamings, because low ones are easy to get around when racing. This was a major undertaking since the coamings have to carry the loads of the main sheet and primary winches. Watch this video to see the transformation.

The first leg of Adam Loory's retirement cruise was a non-stop 860-mile passage from New York to Cape Canaveral, Florida. During the passage, we crossed the Gulf Stream twice.

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. Chapters: 0:00 Lessons Learned Intro 1:19 2024 Pacific Cup Start 2:51 Cal 40 Fleet Separation 4:10 2.5 Days Out 4:44 Spinnaker Configuration 5:38 Crew of Four 6:54 Manoeuvres 8:18 Spinnaker Nets 9:48 Sail Inventory from UK Sailmakers San Francisco 11:55 Why Cal 40? 13:55 Gradual Refit 15:39 Oil Canning Explained 17:02 The Puddle Jump 20:17 Squalls 22:58 Cruising Stories 28:08 Closing 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. Chapters: 0:00 Lessons Learned Intro 00:50 History of the Shannon One Design 2:52 Sailing Shannon One Designs 4:27 Tweaking the Sail Design 5:49 Sail Controls 6:08 Lake Sailing 6:31 Collaborating on the Prototype with Barry Hayes 8:41 Popular Irish Boat Classes 9:58 Finalising the Sail Design for Production 10:29 Characteristics of Wood Spars 12:49 Service from UK Sailmakers Ireland 14:07 The Future of the Fleet 15:05 Racing the Shanon One Design 16:21 Closing 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.