Flags, Fun, and Fast Decisions: Inside Sailing Race Management

How Sails Are Made & Raced: Pro Sailmaker Drew Mitchell Explains It All

In this episode, we sit down with pro sailor and sailmaker Drew Mitchell at the historic North Sails loft in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Drew shares how sails are made, maintained, and raced — from classic Blue Nose boats to high-tech 3Di sails. We also explore career paths in the sailing industry, racing tips, and how technology is reshaping the sport. Whether you're a cruiser, racer, or just curious, there's something here for every sailor.  North Sails - Sail Loft Lunenburg, Nova Scotia 📞 +1 902 634 3343 ✉️ drew.mitchell@northsails.com 🌐 northsails.com Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106637/open_sms] YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor [https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS [https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS] Email: nbs.sailing@gmail.com

New Racing Rules Explained: How to Stay Ahead (and Avoid Protests!)

In this episode, Evan Oulahen and Colleen Dewis break down essential sailing rules and recent updates that impact competitive racing. Evan, a regional judge certified by Sail Canada, walks us through fundamental right-of-way rules, overlap situations, and critical racecourse scenarios every sailor should understand. Colleen then dives into the latest rule changes, explaining how they adapt to modern sailing dynamics, including faster boats, evolving race strategies, and new interpretations of contact, mark rounding, and obstructions. With insights from international judges and real-world regatta experiences, this discussion highlights what every racer needs to know to stay competitive and compliant on the water. YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] 💡 Key topics covered: ✅ Overlap, keep-clear rules & right-of-way basics ✅ Tacking, mark rounding, and the importance of "proper course" ✅ Updates to Racing Rule 14: Why contact rules now include committee boats ✅ Changes to mark room & obstruction definitions ✅ The importance of quick protest flag response in race disputes 📚 Resources Mentioned: 🔹 World Sailing - Official Website (https://www.sailing.org/racingrules/) 🔹 Racing Rules of Sailing - (https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/) 🔹 Books by Dave Perry on racing rules interpretation 🔹Joe Jospe (International Judge) 🔹Mike Turner (International Judge) 🔹Andrew Alberti (International Judge) 📚Animation sources: 🔹http://david-sailing.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/barging.html 🔹https://sailzing.com/ ⚓ Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into competitive sailing, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the rules and help you avoid costly mistakes on the water. 📩 Join the conversation! Have questions or experiences with race rules? Drop a comment below! Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106637/open_sms] YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor [https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS [https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS] Email: nbs.sailing@gmail.com

Pro Tips to Extend Your Sail's Lifespan: Expert Advice on Avoiding Common Wear and Tear

Want to extend the life of your sails and save money? In this episode, Luke Porter from Doyle Sails shares expert tips on sail maintenance, including how sunlight and wind impact sail durability, proper storage techniques, and common weak points to inspect. Whether you're a racer or a cruiser, these insights will help you get the most out of your sails! 🔹 How UV rays and flapping wear down sails 🔹 Best practices for storage and handling 🔹 When to repair vs. replace your sails 🔹 What to look for during a sail check ⛵ Watch now to keep your sails in top shape! Doyle Sails loft Halifax : https://www.doylesails.com/loft-halifax/ Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106637/open_sms] YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor [https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS [https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS] Email: nbs.sailing@gmail.com

Boat Maintenance Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Ignore!

Ever wondered how much wear and tear your sailboat really goes through? In this episode, Alex Teeft takes us through a thorough breakdown of essential boat maintenance, from inspecting keels and through-hulls to rigging, stanchions, and lifelines. Learn why your boat’s aging components might need more attention than you think—and how to prevent costly failures before they happen. Whether you’re a racer or a cruiser, this episode is packed with insights to keep your boat safe, fast, and seaworthy. Don’t wait until something breaks—listen in and get ahead of your maintenance game! Alex Teeft : ateeft@gmail.com Bedford Basing Yacht Club (BBYC): https://www.bbyc.ca Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106637/open_sms] YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor [https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS [https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS] Email: nbs.sailing@gmail.com

Flags, Fun, and Fast Decisions: Inside Sailing Race Management

Paula Minnikin, Regional Race Officer,  breaks down the roles of race officials, explains the importance of knowing flags, and highlights how evolving technology—like automated flags and mark set bots—is reshaping sailing events. This episode offers a mix of practical advice, and essential lessons for anyone involved in competitive sailing. Don’t miss it! 🌊⛵ Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106637/open_sms] YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewbieSailor] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor [https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS [https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS] Email: nbs.sailing@gmail.com