Lessons Learned Sailing the Hard Way

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