Here's the second part of my chat with Luke Lawrence, in which we dive into a masterclass on racecourse strategy and mindset. We began with Luke's thoughts on a systems-based approach to improvement and ended with a deep discussion on upwind strategy options, successfully rounding the upwind mark and then downwind strategy and tactics. As always, he's an excellent coach and an entertaining guest. Audio is a bit dodgy, sorry, but hopefully after a bit you won't even notice...
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42:44
Passing the Mic (and the Tiller): A Sailfaster Father’s Day Special
This episode is a little different… and, I admit, a little self-indulgent.To mark Father’s Day, I’ve handed over the mic to a special guest: my son Jamie. He turns the tables and interviews me — about sailing, podcasting, and whatever else he felt like asking on the day. We talk about what I've learned from 50 episodes, as well as looking back to teaching windsurfing on Greek beaches while at university, and how that eventually led to a sunny afternoon on San Francisco Bay with the person soon to become his mom, and other stuff.So if you’re here for the usual expert advice and elite racing tips… maybe skip this one. But if you’re curious about the person behind Sailfaster, or just in the mood for a bit of Father’s Day fun, join us. And happy Father's Day....
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29:15
Luke Lawrence: Racing Hard, Resetting Life — A Racer's Story of Recovery
In this powerful in-person conversation, professional sailor Luke Lawrence returns to Sailfaster to share his extraordinary journey — from burnout to balance, and from racing hard to racing smart. Speaking from Pete’s dining room in Washington, D.C., Luke opens up about the mindset, mechanics, and mental resilience required at the top levels of the sport.We talk about:How Luke learned to become a “fact-based robot” and shut out distractionsHis recent pro sailing season across Stars, Etchells, J/70s, and superyachtsTactical and technical tips for starts, laylines, mark roundings, and game planningHis candid battle with addiction — and how sobriety transformed his sailingThe lessons he brings to coaching and how to reset a team after mistakesThis is a deep, wide-ranging conversation about performance, preparation, personal growth, and the joy of mastering the fundamentals. Connect with Luke:Instagram: @lukelawrence13Coaching & pro inquiries: 772-260-2437
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46:46
Inside the Boatshop: Patrick Wilson on Raceboat Prep and Pursuing Perfection
Here’s part two of my chat with J70 expert Patrick Wilson, in which, we dive into the craft of raceboat preparation. Known for his sharp eye and hands-on approach, Patrick shares how a childhood fascination with boat repair led to launching Next Level Boatworks, one of the top one-design prep shops in the U.S.We talk about keel work, sanding secrets, the quirks of J/70 production, and why boat prep is really about eliminating variables. Patrick also reflects on perfectionism, the psychological edge of a well-prepped boat, and why he’s passionate about sharing knowledge—even with DIYers.Whether you’re prepping for your first regatta or your 500th, or just curious what makes a boat fast, this episode has tons of advice and behind-the-scenes insight from one of the most trusted names in the game.
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22:53
Patrick Wilson on Trimming, Teamwork, and What Really Wins Races!
Today’s guest is one of the most quietly influential sailors on the J/70 circuit—Patrick Wilson. Whether it’s Midwinters, North Americans, or the Bacardi series, if you’ve been following top-tier J/70 racing over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Patrick’s name near the top of the results sheet—often as part of some of the most respected and well-run programs in the fleet. Patrick has a reputation not just for his trimming skills and consistency under pressure, but for the calm, collaborative way he helps elevate everyone around him. He’s sailed with teams like Catapult, Black Mamba, and Stampede, working with legends like Victor Diaz de Leon, Jud Smith, and Bruno Pasquinelli. Today, in Part 1 of our chat, we’ll dig into how he prepares, what he looks for on the racecourse, and why great communication might just be the most underrated skill in the sport. In Part 2 which I’ll publish in a bit, we dive into his raceboat preparation business.
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