The Sailing Podcast

In this gripping episode, host Theo Stocker sits down with Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy Commander, to recount one of the most harrowing maritime incidents in recent history.
While Tom's career spanned 27 years—commanding everything from fishery protection vessels to advanced Type 23 frigates—it was his time aboard the Navy's only icebreaker, HMS Endurance, that provided his ultimate test of leadership and resilience.

What’s in this episode:
The Incident: How a routine maintenance task in the Chilean inland waterways led to 1,200 tonnes of water flooding the ship in just 30 minutes.
Command Under Pressure: Tom explains the "Chain of Events" that leads to disaster and why a leader must step back from the "knees-on-the-deck" technical work to see the bigger picture.
Survival in the Magellan Strait: The terrifying reality of drifting towards the rocks of "Desolation Island" in 60-knot winds with no propulsion, no power, and failing communication systems.
Lessons for Every Sailor: Whether you're on a Royal Navy warship or a family yacht, the principles of drills, muscle memory, and "pre-programming" your responses are what save lives when the "lemons line up".

About Our Guest
Tom Sharpe is a retired Royal Navy Commander who now runs a strategic communications consultancy. He specialises in managing complex and contested situations for global organisations, applying the high-stakes leadership lessons learned at sea to the corporate world.

Sponsored by His Majesty’s Coast Guard
This episode is made possible by HM Coast Guard. Safety at sea starts with preparation. Whether it’s refreshing your navigation skills or conducting pre-season maintenance, don't leave it to chance.
Boost your skills and reduce the risk: Order your free waterproof boating safety checklist at hmcoastguard.uk/checklist.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring more incredible seafaring stories to the surface.
#SailingPodcast #HMSEndurance #RoyalNavy #MaritimeSafety #Leadership #Seamanship #HMCoastGuard
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In this episode of The Sailing Podcast, brought to you by Sunsail, host Theo Stocker was at Southampton Boat Show to dive deep into the high-stakes world of pilotage. Joining him was Justin Morton, a former Royal Marine with 30 years of experience who went from 'zero to Yacht Master Examiner' in record time.

Justin breaks down why navigation is a mental process, not just a physical interaction with machines. He explains the concept of the bubble of awareness, the vital mental map that keeps a skipper calm when the plan goes out the window.

From his days building 3D terrain models in the Marines to his modern technique of tracing iPad charts onto plastic, Justin shares practical, economy of effort tips that any sailor can use to reduce stress at the helm.

We also explore:

The 'so what' of Navigation: Why knowing your distance is useless if you don't know your timing.

Boundaries of safety: Using transits, depth contours, and clearing bearings to know exactly where the rocks aren't.

The human element: How to avoid "unstitching" relationships with your family when things get tricky in the harbour.

Justin’s most hideous moments: What happens when the GPS dies in 4-meter seas off Start Point.

Whether you're a seasoned offshore racer or a weekend cruiser looking to keep the peace on board, this conversation is an essential guide to becoming a more confident, flexible navigator.

This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. Ready to test your pilotage skills in the sun? Discover your next Mediterranean adventure and see why Sunsail is the perfect choice here.
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In this episode of The Sailing Podcast, brought to you by Sunsail, host Theo Stocker sat down with Will Reed, Director of the renowned British Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis.

Will tells Theo about how his his early days in furniture design led to a world-class training centre, Will shares the 'immersive' journey students take during their intensive 40-week courses. We dive into the technical magic of 'lofting,' the ancient strength of steam-bent oak, and why, in an era of fibreglass and carbon fibre, wooden boats are seeing a modern resurgence.

Beyond the workshop, Will discusses the academy's mission as a charity, their work in breaking down cultural barriers for women in the industry, and the bittersweet tradition of launching student-built boats into the harbour.

Whether you’ve fantasised about leaving the office for the workshop or you’re curious about the future of sustainable boat building, this conversation is a fascinating look at the grit and beauty of maritime craftsmanship.

This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. Explore the Mediterranean this summer and find your perfect bareboat or flotilla holiday at www.sunsail.com/uk.
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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.
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