Best Seamanship Podcasts (2025)

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Take a Break from the Screen, Not from Seamanship 10:52

Play Pause

4d ago10:52

10:52

Digital navigation tools have transformed boating—they’re brilliant for planning routes, monitoring progress, and staying safe. But with so much technology at your fingertips, a day on the water can quickly turn into just another screen session, and some of the real benefits of being afloat can slip away. In this episode, we explore how simple, han…

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131 | The Mainsail That Would Not Die 2:23:33

13d ago2:23:33

2:23:33

This episode tells the full story of the sail that’s been with me through it all — my old Open 60 mainsail, which, although it has impossibly high mileage (100,000nm!), has proven indefatigable, indestructable and faithful right through to the end. But, it’s about more than gear. It’s about the kind of grit and grace it takes to keep going when the…

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130 | 5 Years of The Mariner Podcast - Now I Need a Little Support From You 22:45

15d ago22:45

22:45

Thank you to everyone who’s already signed up to receive a piece of Osprey’s mainsail—the same sail that’s carrying me toward the UK right now. Your $100 pledges at the 'solo' tier on Patreon, are going straight to my beautiful tnew 197 sqm /2150 sqft mainsail that was just finished, that we will be using for the Centenary Fastnet. https://www.patr…

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129 | The Mariner Returns 40:30

15d ago40:30

40:30

Join me today on deck, onboard Osprey, my 85ft Maxi, as I complete my 33rd Transat, headed to England, to join the Centenary Fastnet Race and everything that lies beyond. You are not going to want to miss this one. The Mariner is BACK! Follow the story with DAILY videos over on the Mariner YouTube Channel Tenacity in Pursuit What if a piece of torn…

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Hello, Pilgrim 32:26

21d ago32:26

32:26

Longtime sailors Ed Muir and his wife, Cory, were looking to navigate to the next phase of their maritime life onboard a power cruiser and set their sights on a Pilgrim 40. The couple talk about the multiyear process to find their forever boat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Man Overboard 18:24

1M ago18:24

18:24

Crew overboard situations don’t just happen in bad weather—they often occur in daylight, calm seas, and under power. These incidents may end safely, but they’re a clear reminder it can happen to anyone. Research from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) shows that in cold water, crews may have less than 11 minutes to recover a person bef…

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Exploring The 71 Percent 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

Longtime boaters Nathan and Lindsay had high-octane careers in motorsports before deciding to slow down. The couple have moved on from coastal cruising to a life as liveaboards on their Nordhavn 41, documenting their explorations on YouTube @the71Percent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Mark Sinclair // Captain Coconut Around the World 1:05:45

1M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Mark Sinclair returns to the podcast, live from FALKEN's cockpit in Nuku Hiva! Andy caught up with Mark after FALKEN & COCONUT have been shadowing each other across the Pacific - they even shared a raft-up through the Panama Canal! Mark is midway through his fourth circumnavigation attempt since the first GGR in 2018, this time following the Mini G…

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Victoria Low // Magenta Project CEO 55:49

2M ago55:49

55:49

Victoria Low is the newly appointed CEO of The Magenta Project. I first met Vicky back in 2021, after being told she was the person to talk to if you’re planning any serious international sailing campaign — and it’s easy to see why. With over three decades in sailing public relations and communications, including five Volvo Ocean Race campaigns, sh…

1
Dan Turner // Around the World with the Mini Globe 1:12:30

2M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Dan Turner is a 40-something Australian with extremely high ambitions for himself. When he was just a teenager, he wrote a list of bucket-list items that he wanted to accomplish during his life — things like ultra-running and becoming a martial arts champion. In a quite short time, Dan completed every last one of them — except sailing around the wo…

1
Clothing for offshore boating 11:50

2M ago11:50

11:50

As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather—just the wrong clothing. This episode explores how to dress for comfort, protection, and changing conditions. From layering techniques and waterproof gear to sun protection and visibility, you'll pick up practical tips to stay warm, dry, sun-smart, and ready for adventure.…

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A Good Doctor's Advice On At-Sea Medical Management 31:39

2M ago31:39

31:39

We are joined by Power & Motoryacht Editor-in-Chief Daniel Harding Jr. to talk maritime medical emergency management with Dr. Robert Leviton, who tells us what you need in your onboard first-aid kit, how to handle the most common onboard injuries, when to call and pan-pan and when to make a mayday call, and much more. Learn more about your ad choic…

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Women & the Wind // Adventuring aboard Mara Noka 1:40:05

2M ago1:40:05

1:40:05

Women and the Wind are three exceptional and multi-faceted women who embody courage, creativity, and pose a rare example of primal femininity at sea. Kiana, Laerke and Alizé, cross the Atlantic using all traditional sailing methods aboard "Mara Noka" a 50-year-old plywood catamaran with nylon sheathing and tar coating. The girls grinded away on a y…

1
Ben Shaw // Out the Gate & Across the Pacific 1:17:09

2M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

Ben Shaw returns to the podcast, this time in-person and onboard DOVKA, his family's Hallberg Rassy. Ben is the host of the Out the Gate sailing podcast and a former crew of 59º North. Ben and his wife Lauren sailed with us on ICEBEAR in 2019 to prepare for their own cruising adventures, and we met up quite spontaneously in Hiva Oa, after both cros…

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Will & Sarah Curry // Hydrovane Operations & Life Balance 1:25:38

3M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

Will and Sarah Curry are the perfect example of a young family who has managed to create and sustain a life between land and sea, managing and operating "Hydrovane" from their catamaran with 2 littles, and from their home in Vancouver. First and foremost we discuss the ins and outs of the fantastic and hardy product itself — but on a more personal …

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Richard Clarke // Canadian Sailing Legend 1:15:21

3M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Richard Clarke was raised on Toronto Island and first sailed at 4 years old. An impressive performance with Canadian Youth sailing led him to compete in the Finn Class in four consecutive Olympic Games with Team Canada. This opened the door to a wildly successful professional sailing career. Richard was part of a winning Volvo Round the World crew,…

1
Croatia Charter Holidays 13:58

3M ago13:58

13:58

Croatia is one of the world's most sought-after destinations for bareboat charters, offering crystal-clear waters, over 1,100 islands, and well-equipped marinas. In this podcast episode, we explore popular routes, key destinations, and essential tips to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable charter experience. From navigating the stunning Dalmatian …

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Bob & Jody Bitchin' // From Bikers to Sailors 1:33:20

3M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

Bob and his wife Jody spent most of their life as live-aboards and at sea. Their marital dynamic and life long friendship is infectious. Bob dives into his younger years as a Hells Angel, his entrepreneurial mindset, and how sailing literally saved his life. Bob has owned and operated more businesses than he can barely count, and has written and se…

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Jessie Zevalkink // Cruising, Land-lubbing, Parenting & Podcasting 1:21:24

3M ago1:21:24

1:21:24

Longtime friend of the pod Jessie Zevalkink returns to the show ahead of her debut as host of ON THE WIND! We first met Jessie back in 2017 at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, interviewing her after she'd completed the Great Loop with her friend Katie. As it happens in the sailing community, we kept running into her, and starting next week she'll be co…

1
Ben Doerr Returns // Sail Bainbridge 1:18:37

4M ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Ben Doerr, longtime friend of the pod and founder/skipper at Sail Bainbridge in Seattle, returns to the show to spin some yarns with Andy. This episode is really a catch-up between Ben & Andy, who haven't spoken in a while, and is a wide-ranging episode on everything from sailing & skiing in Alaska to being away from home when you've got a young fa…

1
Getting started with night navigation 12:32

4M ago12:32

12:32

This episode has a three-step plan to help you progress from starting night navigation to confidently preparing for new and less familiar destinations in darkness.

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Modest Boat, Grand Tour 34:15

4M ago34:15

34:15

Andre Lay and Cavendish are back on the brine! Lay returns to his SeaPiper 37 in southern Mexico to resume his slow-burn journey, with the goal of circumnavigating North America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Passagemaker Magazine

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Louay Habib // The Master of Sailing Media 45:06

5M ago45:06

45:06

Louay Habib is a true sailing insider. Everyone who participates regularly in any of the major offshore races around the world will know Louay. In fact, if you yourself follow sailing – say races like the Fastnet, the Ocean Race - you probably know Louay too – well his writing at least. Currently he is the communications manager at the Royal Ocean …

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Katy Campbell // Founder of Sea to Sky Sailing School 1:03:13

5M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Katy Campbell is a world-class sailor, groundbreaking entrepreneur, and one of my lifelong friends. A decade ago, Katy launched her sailing school ‘Sea to Sky Sailing’. Sea to Sky is now the only RYA-recognized training center on North America’s west coast, and Vancouver’s only school offering both cruising and racing programs, including a regular …

1
Top Tips for upgrading navigation and communication equipment 18:13

5M ago18:13

18:13

Are you planning to upgrade your boat's communication and navigation gear? Our latest podcast shares key tips to help you make informed choices, maximise the value of your investment, and ensure you end up with equipment that works for your boating and budget.

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By All Means 38:26

5M ago38:26

38:26

These four intrepid women spent over two months on a North Pacific 28, cruising on the Inside Passage of British Columbia, inspired by the century-old adventures of a trailblazer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Passagemaker Magazine

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Matt Rutherford // A Near-Sinking En Route to Bermuda 1:17:10

5M ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Matt Rutherford returns yet again to the podcast, this time from his outpost in the Philippines. It's always fun to catch up and shoot the shit with Matt, but this time I really wanted to hear about his near-sinking on a Caribbean delivery last fall. Matt talks through the entire ordeal, from riding out a gale with all the pumps running, to nearly …

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128 | Accident Investigation | MOB & Injury | Round the Island Race 2024 38:27

5M ago38:27

38:27

In this episode we look at an MOB incident in the 2024 Round the Island Race in which a crew of five were inundated by a following sea off St. Catherine's Point, UK resulting in one tethered MOB, one MOB clear of the vessel with only a short distance to a lee shore... Oh and the skipper broke his leg in the knock down. Both MOB's were recovered wit…

1
Jesse Terry // Sailing & Racing a Classic Wooden Boat 1:04:26

5M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Jesse Terry is a normal guy — dad and husband, keeps a 9-5 job, lives in the city, etc etc, all that "normal" stuff. But he's decidedly not normal as a boat owner — keeping a classic wooden ketch in top condition with some friends and racing & cruising her up and down New England's coast and out to Bermuda. I talked to him about the contrast betwee…

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127 | Accident Investigation | Roaring Meg of Cowes | Crash Gybes & Serious Injuries 1:03:11

5M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Today, we're diving into the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau's (MAIB) report on the 2006 Roaring Meg of Cowes incident, where two crew were seriously injured in two crash gybes that happened within minutes of each other. I'll be sharing insights as a professional sailor, examining what went wrong and the crucial lessons we can learn. If you wo…

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126 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Headsail Trim 1:06:16

5M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

Join us in this episode as we delve into the nuanced art of headsail trimming, guided by the wisdom of Captain W.H. Illingworth's 'Offshore' (1948). We explore often overlooked aspects of headsail trim, including car positioning, halyard tension, forestay sag and more. Discover how these techniques can optimize your performance and elevate your sai…

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Paul Osborne // Sailing Around the World for Down Syndrome 1:12:32

5M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

Paul Osborne is the dad behind Osborne Adventure. Paul's family, including his wife and three kids, are planning a unique circumnavigation over the next few years to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. Paul has spent a lifetime traveling, mountain biking, white water kayaking, climbing, camping, and hiking, and in real life is a photographer and des…

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125 | Preventers - Widely Misunderstood & Absolutely Essential. 1:23:14

6M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

Spinnaker poles have three bits of rigging holding them in place we all know that, but it often comes as a shock when sailors realize they have been missing the third (and arguably the most important) piece of rigging on their main boom. Preventers save lives- it's just that simple. Please take time to listen to this podcast and update your knowled…

1
Don McIntyre Returns // OGR Founder & Philosophies on Sailing & Adventure 1:06:29

6M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Don McIntyre, founder of the GGR, OGR and now MGR, returns to the podcast! Andy sat down for a meandering conversation where they talk about meeting in Lagos, Portugal at the start of the Mini Globe Race, his philosophies on life, sailing and adventure, Don's definition of success, how he handles the 'haters' surrounding his ambitious events, how h…

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If Not Now, Then When? 14:29

6M ago14:29

14:29

"If Not Now, Then When?" explores how to turn future boating dreams—like extended holidays, upgrading your boat, or venturing into the deep blue—into actionable plans today. Learn steps to prepare yourself and your crew so you're ready to seize the moment when the opportunity arises.

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Peter Gibbons-Neff // Completing the Mini-Transat 1:28:59

6M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Peter Gibbons-Neff returns to the podcast to talk about the successes and failures of his Mini-Transat racing campaign. "PGN" and I sat down face-to-face in Annapolis where he told me about losing a rudder shortly after the start in the Canaries, the hardest part about solo sailing a 21-ft. boat, how the mini-class doesn't allow even basic electron…

1
David Cross // The Loan Sailor 1:08:49

6M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

David Cross is an author in the midst of writing a book — a large portion of which involves a solo, offshore passage to Brazil. Wanting to get the fundamentals right, David asked if he could turn the tables and interview me about this fictional voyage in order to make it as realistic as possible. Of course I was happy to oblige, and this conversati…

1
Talking Gratitude 55:13

6M ago55:13

55:13

Longtime boaters Alec and Laurie Thyrre first bought a trawler when son Jack was born and became enthralled with the safety, pace and ability to reach far-flung destinations. Taking an early retirement, they family spent several years cruising throughout Europe after crossing the Atlantic on their Nordhavn 64. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

1
Andrew Hesketh // Corporate to Cruiser 1:20:46

6M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Andy Hesketh, aka Andy H. is the founder of the Odyssey Sailing Festival and host of the Ocean Cruiser's Podcast. Andy lives aboard his Jeanneau Sun Odyssey called VOYAGER and has been sailing full-time for several years. He wasn't always a sailor though, leaving a corporate life behind to pursue wider horizons. I talked to him last fall when he wa…

1
Andy & Mia // 2024 Year-in-Review 1:04:37

7M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Happy New Year podcast listeners! Mia & I are back with our somewhat-annual year-in-review show, where we sit down and chat through the highs and lows at 59º North. This one was recorded onboard FALKEN just before the first trip of 2025 was set to depart Portugal. Mia & I discussed everything from new projects coming in 2025 to the successes (and f…

1
Must-Have Tools for Fixing Common Issues at Sea 13:44

7M ago13:44

13:44

In this episode of Boating Insights, we discuss the must-have tools and spares that every navigator should consider having onboard to tackle simple electrical or mechanical issues at sea. From diagnosing electrical problems with a multimeter to having a robust multipurpose line for emergency towing, this episode covers the essentials to help keep y…

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Atlantic Crossing: West to East - what it takes to cross an ocean 53:33

7M ago53:33

53:33

This is a fascinating episode with lots of great insights and experience shared! Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is a demanding undertaking! In this episode we discuss the preps and plans for a West to East crossing with two sailors, who recently made the passage. We discuss what they were thinking about before departure, the projects they did, t…

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124 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Heavy Weather 1:42:10

8M ago1:42:10

1:42:10

This episode we learn key elements the skipper of a vessel in heavy weather should keep in mind, to keep his vessel sound & her crew safe. Capt. Illingworth was a submarine commander in WWII as well as a racing skipper, and therefore had a better measure than most as to the thoughts uppermost in a skipper's mind in heavy conditions. I hope my commu…

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123 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Beating to Windward 1:28:53

8M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word. Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore …

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122 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Ocean Racing Strategy 1:08:47

8M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word. Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore …

1
A Day On The Fleming 85 44:34

8M ago44:34

44:34

Guest host Dan Harding, editor-in-chief of sister publication Power & Motoryacht, joins the new owners of the Fleming flagship—an 85-foot, enclosed bridge model—to talk boats, cruising, why they chose Fleming Yachts, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Passagemaker Magazine

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Buying A Boat 15:07

8M ago15:07

15:07

In this episode, we dive into the essential steps for buying a boat, focusing on structuring your research process to ensure you catch the critical details that matter most to you. We'll cover key areas to focus on during your research, including handover procedures and post-purchase familiarisation. Plus, you'll learn how to keep things simple and…

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121 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Waves & Wave Riding 1:34:47

8M ago1:34:47

1:34:47

I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word. Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore …

1
Lin Pardey & David Haigh // Cruising Memories 1:11:53

8M ago1:11:53

1:11:53

Lin Pardey is a living legend, having paved the way for countless cruising sailors for her epic voyages in an engineless boat with her husband Larry in the 60s and 70s, beautiful boats they built by hand, by themselves. Now at 80 years old, she's still doing it. I sat down with her and her new partner David Haigh, himself an accomplished solo sailo…

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120 | The ABC of Sailing | L is for Leaks 1:40:02

8M ago1:40:02

1:40:02

L is for many things at sea, but as always, I wanted to find something that would make us stop & think maybe and see things afloat from a new angle. This episode gives us the opportunity to discuss things as divergent as structural delamination and emotional overload, excessive crankcase oil pressure and fighting complacency as we get more experien…