RYA 150 Podcast

HRH The Princess Royal on Sailing, Sport, and the Sea

#podcastclips #sailing #royalfamily  #princessanne  Our 150th anniversary podcast series wraps up this week with a very special conversation with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as RYA President for over 35 years. Recorded at St James’s Palace, Her Royal Highness reflects on the RYA’s evolution, from the origins of rules-based racing to today’s focus on accessibility, club support and opening the water to more people through programmes like OnBoard and Sailability. She shares personal stories too, from navigating the challenging waters of the Channel Islands and western Scotland, to the freedom and wellbeing she finds in time spent on the water. Our series finale captures what sailing and boating means to our communities: connection, confidence and the joy of being part of an island nation shaped by its coasts and waterways. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

Technology - What does the future hold for boating?

Sailing and boating have always evolved — but today, technology is transforming the sport faster than ever. From ocean-racing fleets connected mid-Pacific to high-performance foiling stadium racing, the tools and techniques shaping our time on the water are changing dramatically. In this episode, we hear from three specialists who see this transformation up close: * Max Rivers, Deputy Race Manager for the Clipper Round the World Race * Garmin Marine Technology Specialist Alex Collard * Tom Herbert-Evans from SailGP Together, they explore how cutting-edge systems are making sailing safer, smarter and more accessible. You'll hear how global race fleets stay connected in remote oceans, how SailGP uses data and digital overlays to turn sailing into a genuine spectator sport, and how everyday sailors benefit from the same innovations through intuitive wearables, navigation tools and smart safety tech. It’s a fascinating look at how professional advancements are already filtering down to cruising boats, club racers and anyone who loves spending time on the water. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

Charting a Legacy: Inside the RYA’s History

Discover the remarkable journey of the Royal Yachting Association and its 150 years of guiding British boating through innovation, transformation and cultural change.   In this episode, maritime and dinghy historian Dougal Henshall uncovers the breakthroughs and pivotal moments that shaped the sport as we know it today.  From the early days of yacht racing – when boats started at anchor and rules varied wildly between clubs – to the creation of the Yacht Racing Association and its evolution into today’s RYA, the story is one of unifying a sport.   Along the way came major shifts: the rise of dinghy sailing, post-war innovation, Olympic success, safety reforms, inclusivity and the move toward making watersports accessible for all.  Through leadership based not on legislation but guidance, education and steady stewardship, Dougal and host Dee Caffari explore how the RYA has helped generations of sailors enjoy the water safely while supporting clubs, shaping classes, influencing international governance and nurturing champions so that – 150 years on – its legacy is one of stability, progress and a commitment to making sailing a sport for everyone.  Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

The Professionals - Taking on the Toughest Oceans

#podcastclips #podcast #sailing #boating  What does it take to thrive at sea when the waves are high, the sleep is short and the stakes couldn’t be higher? In this weeks episode, two of Britain’s most accomplished offshore sailors, Pip Hare and Abby Ehler share what it truly means to be a professional sailor on the toughest oceans on the planet while shaping the future of the sport. Pip Hare-  Solo ocean racer and Vendee Globe skipper, reveals what draws her back to the sea time and time again. From earning her RYA qualifications to pushing herself and her boat to the limits. Pip talks about the realities of preparing for global ocean races and why the sailing itself can sometimes feel like the easy bit. She discusses life onboard a foiling IMOCA, the deafening sound of a boat at full speed and how she balances being both a CEO and a solo skipper. Abby Ehler - Three-time Ocean Race veteran and champion of women’s participation in sailing reflects on her remarkable career at the forefront of high-performance ocean racing. She discusses the evolution of all-female teams, the role of mentoring through The Magenta Project and what separates good sailors from world-class athletes. Abby also shares candid insights into managing funding, the mental and physical demands of ocean racing and how she balances long stints away from home with life on land. Pip and Abby paint an unflinching picture of life as a professional sailor, where endurance, teamwork and innovation collide with the raw power of the sea. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

Building Futures: Developing people, passion and possibility in sailing

#podcast #sailing #sailinglife #jobsearch  What if a summer job by the water could spark a lifelong career? What if a childhood hobby turned into a chance to travel the world? What if sailing wasn’t just a sport, but a future? In this episode, Dee Caffari is joined by three people proving that sailing and boating can shape skills, spark confidence and create extraordinary careers, both on and off the water. From instructor to ocean racer and race manager, Hannah Brewis’ journey shows what’s possible when opportunity meets encouragement. Now Race Manager for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, she talks about the power of role models, confidence and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Pip Woods, Managing Director of Rockley Watersports, has spent her career helping people discover where sailing can take them. From schools sessions and instructor training to lifelong participation, she shares how accessible routes into the industry are opening up like never before, and why fun, flexibility and confidence are key to keeping people engaged. James Ward, CEO of Marine Resources, brings the bigger picture — how the marine industry is evolving to welcome fresh talent and new skills. From boatbuilding and design to marketing, sustainability to AI, he explains why this is one of the most exciting times to join the industry, whatever your age or background. Together they explore the pathways that connect passion with profession, and how early experiences, mentors and transferable skills can open doors to exciting futures on the water and beyond. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.