In this episode of The Sailing Podcast, brought to you by Sunsail, host Theo Stocker and Yachting World Editor Helen Fretter head to the Royal Southern Yacht Club to sit down with a true legend of the sea: Dee Caffari, MBE.

Fresh off her seventh circumnavigation, Dee shares the raw, unfiltered story of The Famous Project—a record-breaking mission that saw the first all-female team complete a non-stop lap of the planet on a giant multi-hull. From hitting 40 knots in the Southern Ocean to battling 10-meter waves in the Bay of Biscay with a shredded mainsail and a sheared autopilot, Dee describes what she calls "the scars of battle."

Beyond the adrenaline of the Jules Verne Trophy, we dive into Dee’s unconventional start in sailing, her transition from sports science teacher to world-record breaker, and her passionate drive to create opportunities for the next generation of female sailors. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a weekend cruiser, this conversation is a masterclass in tenacity, leadership, and the addictive nature of ocean racing.

This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail.

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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: Sunsail

This 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 latest episode of The Sailing Podcast, host Theo Stocker steps aboard the famous Contessa 32, Ascent, to sit down with Jesse Rogers of the renowned Jeremy Rogers boatyard. While Jesse helps run the family business – famous for building Contessas and high-tech carbon fibre projects – her background in environmental journalism brings a unique and critical lens to the materials that define the yachting industry.

The heart of this conversation dives deep into the world of teak. Long considered the gold standard for boat building due to its natural oils, durability, and non-slip properties, teak has a dark side that the industry can no longer ignore. Jesse and Theo explore the 'Blood Teak' crisis, the impact of the Myanmar military coup on timber supply chains, and the complex reality of 'greenwashing' in the global wood trade.

From the history of 'Green Contessas' to the hunt for the perfect sustainable alternative, ranging from thermally modified maple and cork to cutting-edge synthetic decks made from rice husks and timber waste, this episode is a must-listen for any sailor concerned with the provenance of their vessel's decking.

Jesse shares her journey from a sailing novice to a leading voice in maritime sustainability, arguing that while the world order may be shifting, our responsibility to use precious resources as though they are gold has never been more vital.

Special Offer from our Sponsor: Sunsail

This 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 from Sunsail – Free 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.