Engineering Speed: How Angelo Guarino Climbed the Fleet
My guest today is my good friend Angelo Guarino — aeronautical engineer, US Sailing Regional Judge, J/105 sailor, and one of the most analytical, hard-working racers in Annapolis. Angelo didn’t grow up sailing. He started racing in his 30s, got hooked instantly, and has spent the years since climbing steadily up a fiercely competitive one-design fleet. In this episode we talk about:How he identifies whether problems come from the boat, the skipper, or the crewWhy obsessing over the basics — clean bottom, fair foils, proper weight placement — changed everythingHis “maniac” philosophy of small, continuous improvementsWhat it takes to build and retain a loyal, friendly, high-performing crewWhy feel, groove, and helm balance matter more than chasing a number on a heel gaugeThe moment his boat went into “elevator mode” — and how he now aims for that on purposeWhether you race in a one-design fleet or PHRF, Angelo’s approach is full of practical takeaways and thoughtful insights. He’s humble, funny, generous with his knowledge, and seriously dedicated to going faster — without ever losing the joy of sailing with friends
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SailTalks: The Virtual Chalk Talk with Odey Hariri
in this quick episode, racing sailor and engineering student Odey Hariri joins Pete to share the story behind SailTalks, the new digital whiteboard that’s transforming how sailors learn, coach, collaborate, and even present protests. Inspired by the classic magnetic model-boat boards, SailTalks brings all the same clarity — but with animations, saved lessons, collaborative editing, and the ability to run it straight from your phone. Odey explains how he built the tool, how teams and coaches are already using it, and why it can be a total game-changer for briefing crews, teaching rules, and preparing for regattas — all accessible on desktop or mobile. Odey also reveals surprising use cases, including virtual protest rooms and tactical debriefs that actually make sense to the whole crew. If you’re a visual learner, a coach, or just someone who wants to stop drawing courses on a wet deck with a finger, this episode is for you.Listeners of SailFaster also get a special discount code for premium features (note this is not a paid sponsored episode or advertising)
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The Fast Track: Training, Tactics & Regatta Choices with John Loe
In this episode, I’m joined by multi-time champion John Loe, a standout Star and J/70 racer, for a candid look at how top sailors choose events, prepare for them, and keep getting faster.John explains how he targets the right regattas, builds focused training blocks, and uses intensive skill work—like expert-led downwind training—to unlock real gains. He shares how to develop a crew that trims with intent in changing conditions, and why late starters can still accelerate with deliberate practice.We also dig into U.S. sailing culture: the talent drain toward pro sailing, the challenges of the Olympic pathway, and why time-on-water sets winning programs apart. John offers an insider’s view on SailGP’s American struggles and the structural advantages other nations leverage.A sharp, insightful episode on preparation, coaching, regatta strategy, and the craft of sailing faster—packed with lessons for anyone looking to move up the fleet.
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Precision Under Pressure: Inside the Mind of a Champion Navigator
TP52 World Champion navigator Sara Stone returns to SailFaster to unpack the art and science of high-performance racing. From navigating Quantum Racing / American Magic TP52 to leading teams through intense offshore and inshore campaigns, Sara shares how precision, calm, and communication drive results. She talks mental performance, leadership, and how to make smart decisions under pressure—on and off the water. A great listen!🎧 Insight, discipline, and a dash of scientific curiosity from one of sailing’s sharpest minds.
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Think Faster, Sail Faster. Brian Swingly on How Mental Performance Wins Races
Today we're talking to Brian Swingly, a mental performance and executive coach who specializes in helping sailors and high-performing teams enhance their focus, resilience, and decision-making skills. Brian shares insights from his own sailing journey, the importance of mindset in competitive sailing, and how effective communication can improve team dynamics. He discusses common mental barriers like negative self-talk and imposter syndrome, and offers practical strategies for mental preparation and recovery from mistakes on the race course. The conversation emphasizes the significance of setting intentions and maintaining balance in life and sailing performance.
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