⛵ Episode 25 of the American Sailor Podcast is live! 🎙️
In this episode, the pod squad sits down with John Ped and Kaila Pfrang of Team Tips Up as they prepare to take on the legendary Race to Alaska!
Spanning over 700 miles from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska, this extreme endurance race comes with zero pre-planned support and a strict no-engine rule! John and Kaila share how they...⛵ Episode 25 of the American Sailor Podcast is live! 🎙️
In this episode, the pod squad sits down with John Ped and Kaila Pfrang of Team Tips Up as they prepare to take on the legendary Race to Alaska!
Spanning over 700 miles from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska, this extreme endurance race comes with zero pre-planned support and a strict no-engine rule! John and Kaila share how they custom-engineered pedal drives for their 24-foot trimaran, their strategy for navigating severe tide cycles, and what it takes to power through 7 hours on a single tack.
Plus, the squad covers the podcast’s 1-year anniversary and catches up on quick highlights from around the sailing world:
• 🇫🇷 Solitaire du Figaro: Erica Lush’s epic run pushing to be the first American woman to complete two editions.
• ⛵ Offshore Racing: Updates on the Annapolis to Bermuda race and the upcoming Newport Bermuda.
• 🏆 Santa Maria Cup: Team BAM taking 1st place on the Women's Match Racing Tour!
• 🥇 High School Nationals: Big congrats to Severn School for sweeping both team and fleet race nationals!
#AmericanSailor #RaceToAlaska #TipsUpSailing #USSailing #SailingLife #OffshoreSailing #Podcast Show more

Episode 25: Race to Alaska with Tips Up Sailing

In this week's episode of American Sailor, the pod squad is joined by John Ped and Kaila Pfrang of Tips Up Sailing to discuss one of the most unique and challenging endurance races in the world: the Race to Alaska. John and Kaila share their experiences, preparation, and insights into the legendary race, which spans over 750 miles from Washington to Alaska with no engines allowed. Tune in to...

⚓️ New Episode Alert: Prepping for the Summer Onslaught with Sailing Icon Kim Hapgood! ⚓️
We sat down on the American Sailor Podcast with Kim Hapgood, the legendary Program Director at Sail Newport, to talk about everything from 30 years of sailing education to major community milestones!
Here is what you missed on this week's episode:
• ⛵ The New J/7 Fleet: Sail Newport just commissioned a...⚓️ New Episode Alert: Prepping for the Summer Onslaught with Sailing Icon Kim Hapgood! ⚓️
We sat down on the American Sailor Podcast with Kim Hapgood, the legendary Program Director at Sail Newport, to talk about everything from 30 years of sailing education to major community milestones!
Here is what you missed on this week's episode:
• ⛵ The New J/7 Fleet: Sail Newport just commissioned a brand-new fleet of J/7s to replace their outgoing J/22s. With a roomier cockpit, boom-end sheeting, and extra stability, these boats are a game-changer for everyone from day renters to local 10-year-olds!
• 🏆 America's Cup "Full Circle" Moment: In a huge historic move, public-access community center Sail Newport has been named the Club of Record for the new American Racing Challenger America's Cup team!
• 🎒 The Pell Program: Celebrating its 8th year, this incredible partnership gets every single local public elementary fourth grader out on the water and into the classroom at Fort Adams State Park. Talk about growing the base of the sport!
• 🎓 Instructor Training & Career Advice: Kim (who has trained an estimated 750–1,000 instructors!) shares her wisdom on Level 1 courses, the benefits of the online/hybrid transition, and how a summer stint as a sailing instructor builds a professional resume that rivals any corporate internship.
What keeps Kim coming back after three decades? "Every day is different... and the rewards of watching staff or students have success in their own way is really big."
👉 Want a podcast sticker? Drop the team an email at AmericanSailor@ussailing.org!
What are your big plans for hitting the water this summer? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#USSailing #AmericanSailorPodcast #SailNewport #SailingEducation #CommunitySailing #SailingLife #AmericasCup #J7Boats #YouthSailing #SailingInstructor #RhodeIslandSailing Show more

Ep. 23 Interview: Sail Newport's Program...

This week the team sits down with Sail Newport's Program Director Kim Hapgood. Kim has been rocking it at Sail Newport for 30 years this year. John, Whitney and Kim catch up on all the happenings at Sail Newport including the recent J/7 fleet dedication and commissioning, the America's Cup and all things summer sailing.

⚓️ From the Classroom to the High Seas! 🌊
Huge congratulations to 16-year-old Alfredo Gentilini from Sant'Ilario d'Enza (and student at Maria Luigia in Parma) for completing an incredible 10-day journey aboard the historic Palinuro, one of the Italian Navy’s most prestigious training ships! 🇮🇹✨
Selected back in January during rigorous trials in Milan, Alfredo put his sailing knowledge—passed down to...⚓️ From the Classroom to the High Seas! 🌊
Huge congratulations to 16-year-old Alfredo Gentilini from Sant'Ilario d'Enza (and student at Maria Luigia in Parma) for completing an incredible 10-day journey aboard the historic Palinuro, one of the Italian Navy’s most prestigious training ships! 🇮🇹✨
Selected back in January during rigorous trials in Milan, Alfredo put his sailing knowledge—passed down to him by his grandfather—to the test. From proving his balance at sea to answering tough nautical questions, his hard work and great school grades earned him a spot among a select group of youth from all over Italy.
From July 6th to 16th, Alfredo experienced the true life of a sailor, sailing from Cagliari to Crotone. The journey was anything but a vacation:
• Hard Work: Helping the crew with daily chores, from cleaning the gavette (mess halls) to scrubbing pots and maintaining the ship.
• Real Responsibility: Taking the helm to steer the massive ship and pulling lookout duty to scan the horizon for incoming vessels.
• Braving the Elements: Facing Force 6 winds while crossing the Strait of Messina! Despite the rough seas, Alfredo and his crewmates showed true grit and resilience.
What an unforgettable adventure and an amazing example of dedication. Fair winds and following seas, Alfredo! 🌬️🚢
#ProudCommunity #MarinaMilitare #NavePalinuro #SantIlarioDenza #YoungTalent #SailingLife Show more

⛵️ New Episode Drop: Deep Dive into Regatta Management! ⛵️
We are kicking off the upcoming sailing season with a brand-new episode of the American Sailor Podcast!
Hosts John Pierce and Whitney Kent sit down with special guest host Lynn Lynch, the Sailing Director at the New York Yacht Club and a highly certified International Race Officer (IRO). With the summer season just around the corner,...⛵️ New Episode Drop: Deep Dive into Regatta Management! ⛵️
We are kicking off the upcoming sailing season with a brand-new episode of the American Sailor Podcast!
Hosts John Pierce and Whitney Kent sit down with special guest host Lynn Lynch, the Sailing Director at the New York Yacht Club and a highly certified International Race Officer (IRO). With the summer season just around the corner, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to run world-class events.
🎧 Inside This Episode:
• The Logistics of 1,600+ Sailors: Lynn breaks down the massive undertaking of running the Annual Regatta, from managing 160 boats to navigating complex scoring formats.
• The Game-Changer—Markbots: How robotic marks are completely shifting the strategy and pace of modern team racing.
• High-Tech vs. Pure Sailing: A fascinating discussion on how automated line calling and advanced rating rules are impacting competitors and race committees alike.
• Road to LA 28: A sneak peek at the incredible depth of talent in the US race official community leading up to the next Olympic games.
• The "Dark Art" of Race Committee: Ever wonder what happens right after a race officer cancels racing for the day? Lynn shares a hilarious cautionary tale from Newport.
We also give a massive shoutout to the recent American champions at the Wasp games in Pensacola, and look ahead to the 47 US athletes benchmarking their skills at the upcoming Palma Regatta!
"I feel as competitive running the races as I do sailing in them." — Lynn Lynch
Whether you're an elite racer, a weekend frostbiter, or a volunteer on your local race committee, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
👇 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform! 👇
#USSailing #AmericanSailorPodcast #RaceManagement #SailingLife #RegattaLife #LA28 Show more

Ep 19 Interview: NYYC Sailing Director Lynn Lynch

This week we are joined by New York Yacht Club Sailing Director Lynn Lynch! Listen as we dive into her career and how she got to NYYC, what it takes to put on a world-class regatta, and her take on how technology has evolved in the sport for Race Committees and sailors alike!

Check out the latest episode of the American Sailor Podcast, where the Pod Squad sits down with college sailing standout and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year nominee, Justin Callahan! ⛵️🎙️
Currently on spring break in Charleston, Justin dives into his incredible 2025 season—which included four national championships across team racing, match racing, and college sailing—and shares what’s next as he...Check out the latest episode of the American Sailor Podcast, where the Pod Squad sits down with college sailing standout and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year nominee, Justin Callahan! ⛵️🎙️
Currently on spring break in Charleston, Justin dives into his incredible 2025 season—which included four national championships across team racing, match racing, and college sailing—and shares what’s next as he kicks off his 470 Olympic campaign.
Key Highlights:
• The "Trifecta" of Team Racing: Justin discusses winning the Wilson, the Hinman, and College Nationals all in one year.
• Cross-Training Success: How skills from match racing and fleet racing translate to the college starting line.
• The Growth of the Sport: Why the new selection committee process is making college nationals more competitive and "good TV" for fans.
• A Lifelong Community: Reflecting on the 15-year friendships built from Optis through the collegiate level.
What’s Next for Justin?
After graduation, Justin is heading straight to Japan for the 470 World Championships this August as he sets his sights on international podiums.
Listen to the full episode for "inside baseball" on the college circuit and tips on how to keep consuming sailing knowledge like a pro! 🎧
#US-Sailing #CollegeSailing #AmericanSailorPodcast #SailingLife #OlympicHopeful Show more

Ep. 18: Crushing it in College Sailing with...

In this week's episode, guest host, Justin Callahan talks about what it means to be a 2025 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Finalist, where's he's at for spring break and all things college sailing!

🏆 CHAMPION CROWNED: Bob Hodges Takes the Title! 🏆

Join us in celebrating Bob Hodges, our 2026 U.S. Multihull Champion! 🥇⛵️

Competing at the prestigious U.S. Multihull Championship for the Hobie Alter Trophy—hosted by the beautiful Columbia Sailing Club on Lake Murray, SC—Bob put on a masterclass in consistency and skill.

The Highlights:

Class: Weta Trimaran

The Record: 11 races over 4 days

The...🏆 CHAMPION CROWNED: Bob Hodges Takes the Title! 🏆

Join us in celebrating Bob Hodges, our 2026 U.S. Multihull Champion! 🥇⛵️

Competing at the prestigious U.S. Multihull Championship for the Hobie Alter Trophy—hosted by the beautiful Columbia Sailing Club on Lake Murray, SC—Bob put on a masterclass in consistency and skill.

The Highlights:

Class: Weta Trimaran

The Record: 11 races over 4 days

The Performance: Only two finishes outside the top three!

The Result: Victory secured with a full race to spare.

Establishing a decisive margin over a highly competitive fleet, Bob’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. Give him a "Congratulations" in the comments below! 👇

#Sailing #USMultihullChampionship #WetaTrimaran #ColumbiaSailingClub #HobieAlterTrophy #Champion #LakeMurray #SailingLife Show more

🌊 Sailing News Round-up! ⛵️
The latest episode of the American Sailor Podcast is out, and we’re covering everything from podium finishes to frozen lakes! Here’s what you missed:
🏆 Victory in Sydney! A massive shoutout to the US SailGP Team for their incredible win in Australia. This marks the first top-podium finish for the new team led by Taylor Canfield and Mike Buckley.
🌟 Awards Season: We...🌊 Sailing News Round-up! ⛵️
The latest episode of the American Sailor Podcast is out, and we’re covering everything from podium finishes to frozen lakes! Here’s what you missed:
🏆 Victory in Sydney! A massive shoutout to the US SailGP Team for their incredible win in Australia. This marks the first top-podium finish for the new team led by Taylor Canfield and Mike Buckley.
🌟 Awards Season: We celebrated the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year, Paul Cayard and Laura Grondin. We also break down the transparent voting process behind these prestigious honors.
🎤 Symposium Highlights:
• Regional Symposiums: US Sailing is hitting the road to connect with local organizations on program leadership and fundraising.
• National Coaching Symposium: We headed to Florida for on-water drills and expert sessions with legends like Dave Perry, Ed Baird, and Matt Belcher.
❄️ Winter Winds: From an "epic" ice boating season in the Northeast and Midwest to the start of the college sailing season (including the Cactus Cup in Arizona!), sailors are finding ways to get on the water—even if it's frozen.
✅ PSA: It’s instructor certification season! Now is the time to sign up for small boat, keelboat, and Safety at Sea courses.
Listen to the full episode for all the details! 🎧
#USSailing #AmericanSailor #SailGP #SailingLife #RolexAwards #IceBoating Show more

Ep. 17 Notice Board: Guest Host Charlie Enright

In this week's episode, US Sailing CEO Charlie Enright rejoins the podcast, highlighting the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards, US Sailing Symposiums, SailGP, and more!

🇺🇸 Meet the 2026 US Sailing Youth National Team! ⛵️
We are thrilled to celebrate the next generation of American sailing talent! US Sailing has officially announced the 2026 US Sailing Youth National Team (USYNT), featuring 61 elite athletes from across the nation.

🌟 Pathway to Greatness
Now in its second year, the USYNT is a vital bridge in the Olympic development pathway, connecting youth...🇺🇸 Meet the 2026 US Sailing Youth National Team! ⛵️
We are thrilled to celebrate the next generation of American sailing talent! US Sailing has officially announced the 2026 US Sailing Youth National Team (USYNT), featuring 61 elite athletes from across the nation.

🌟 Pathway to Greatness
Now in its second year, the USYNT is a vital bridge in the Olympic development pathway, connecting youth talent to the US Sailing Team. These athletes (age 19 and under) have qualified in high-performance classes including:

29er, i420, Nacra 15, ILCA 6, iQFOiL & Formula Kite

💪 Training for Success
The team will receive world-class support, including dedicated training camps and expert coaching at major international championships. Key upcoming dates:

June: National Team Training Camp at Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI).

September: Training in San Francisco, CA.

November: Training in Miami, FL.

December 11–19: Up to 16 athletes will represent the USA at the Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal!

"Our goal is to bring the top youth sailors in the US together as one team, to train in collaborative settings and compete for the USA." — Phil Muller, US Sailing Youth Performance Manager.

Join us in cheering on these incredible young athletes as they set sail toward their dreams! 🌊💨

#USSailing #USYNT #YouthSailing #RoadToOlympic #TeamUSA #SailingLife Show more

🌊 Making Waves for Our Oceans! ⛵️
We recently sat down with Emily Conklin, Program Manager at Sailors for the Sea powered by Oceana, to talk about how the sailing community is leading the charge in ocean conservation.
Based in Newport, RI, this "small but mighty" team of three works globally to educate and activate boaters to protect our blue playground. Here are the highlights from our chat:
• Clean...🌊 Making Waves for Our Oceans! ⛵️
We recently sat down with Emily Conklin, Program Manager at Sailors for the Sea powered by Oceana, to talk about how the sailing community is leading the charge in ocean conservation.
Based in Newport, RI, this "small but mighty" team of three works globally to educate and activate boaters to protect our blue playground. Here are the highlights from our chat:
• Clean Regattas Program: Last year alone, they supported over 600 events worldwide—from youth dinghy races to offshore events like Kiel Week.
• The Platinum Standard: Events can earn certification (from Participant to Platinum) by adopting 20 best practices across themes like eliminating single-use items and climate awareness.
• Youth Leading the Way: Younger sailors are often the most enthusiastic advocates, naturally embracing habits like using refillable water bottles and participating in marine debris cleanups.
• Big Wins: Beyond the docks, their community’s voice has helped push for major changes, including phasing out plastic shipping pillows at Amazon and passing "skip the stuff" laws for takeout.
Want to get involved? ✅ Sign up to be a Green Boater at sailorsforthesea.org to get your free Green Boating Guide. ✅ Register your next event as a Clean Regatta to start making a tangible impact.
Let’s protect the waters we love! 🌏💙
#SailorsForTheSea #Oceana #CleanRegattas #GreenBoating #OceanHealth #SailingLife Show more

Ep. 16 Interview: Sitting Down with Sailors for...

On the latest episode of American Sailor, star interviewers Janel Martin and Whitney Kent sit down with Emily Conklin, program manager of Sailors for the Sea, to discuss all things ocean health, Clean Regattas, and what we can to to protect our playground 🌊 Green Boater sign up link: www.sailorsforthesea.org/GreenBoater Clean Regatta Accounts can be made and more information can be found at:...

Happy 2026, sailors! ⛵️ The American Sailor Podcast is back for its first episode of the year, and we are kicking things off with some major announcements and a deep dive into the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year finalists!
Here is what’s on deck:
🏆 Rolex Finalists: The Best of 2025
The shortlists are in, and the competition is stacked! We’re discussing the incredible seasons of:...Happy 2026, sailors! ⛵️ The American Sailor Podcast is back for its first episode of the year, and we are kicking things off with some major announcements and a deep dive into the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year finalists!
Here is what’s on deck:
🏆 Rolex Finalists: The Best of 2025
The shortlists are in, and the competition is stacked! We’re discussing the incredible seasons of:
• Yachtsman Finalists: Justin Callahan (Team/Match Racing & Snipe), Taylor Canfield (J/70 & M32 Worlds), and Paul Cayard (Star World Champion 37 years after his first win!).
• Yachtswoman Finalists: Allie Bell (Transpac winner), Laura Grondin (J/70 World Champion), and Pearl Lattanzi (Waszp Women’s World Champion).
⚓️ US Sailing News & Updates
• Olympic Leadership: Big welcome to Molly Vandemore, our new Director of Olympic Sailing! Molly and CEO Charlie Enright are leading a restructure to charge toward LA 2028 and beyond.
• National Coaching Symposium: We’re back in person! Join us in Merritt Island, FL, Feb 17-19. Keynotes include Triple Olympic Medalist Mat Belcher and coaching legend Dave Perry. Register by Feb 1st to avoid late fees!.
• Regional Symposiums: Coming to Seattle, Bristol, and more! (Note: The Hilton Head event is currently postponed due to weather) .
• Host a Course: Want a Level 1-3 instructor course at your club? Submit your request form at least six weeks in advance to get on the calendar.
🎧 Tune In
Catch the full breakdown of the "Why of the Y" (Yachtsman/Yachtswoman) and hear Phil Mueller rub in the 76-degree Florida weather.
📺 Watch on YouTube to see Whitney’s "art gallery" backdrop or 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts!
#USSAILING #AmericanSailorPodcast #RolexYachtman #SailingLife #OlympicSailing #CoachingSymposium Show more

Ep. 15 Notice Board: All things Rolex Yachtsman...

Gather ‘round: it’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year season!! Hosts John Pearce, Lexi Pline, and Whitney Kent (with special guest Phil Muller!) talk all things Y of Y on the pod this week, from the nomination process to an overview of each of the finalists. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️