Sailfaster: The Podcast For Racing Sailors

• 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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• Next Generation Offshore: Kelly Holthus and the Transpac

  Pete sits down with Kelly Holthus, a junior at Tulane University, All-American sailor, and veteran of five Transpac races aboard BadPak, skippered by his father Tom Holthus. Kelly shares what it’s like growing up in a California sailing family, the lessons he’s taken from college racing, and how he helped organize a youth-driven crew for the 2023 Transpac.From flying spinnakers just 31 hours into the race, to leading bow in the black of night, to pulling together a team of college-age sailors and their parents, Kelly reflects on preparation, decision-making, and the thrill of offshore racing. The conversation covers the unique energy of a younger crew, the grit required offshore, and the payoff of winning Division 1 as the fastest monohull under 60 feet.  BadPak’s team were: Tom Holthus, Artie Means, Samantha Gardner (Tulane ’27),  Hartwell Jordan, Jeffrey Peterson (Georgetown ’25), Jon Gardner, Matt Smith, Cooper Smith (Cal Maritime ’24), Kelly Holthus (Tulane ’27), Ryan MazellaIf you’re curious about what it takes to prepare for and succeed in one of the world’s great ocean races, this episode is full of insider stories and lessons for sailors of all levels.

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• Precision and Preparation: Racing Offshore with Allegiant

  Bert and Marilyn Busser, the husband-and-wife team behind the J/42 Allegiant, share what it takes to compete in some of the toughest offshore races on the East Coast—from Annapolis to Newport to Marblehead to Halifax. In this conversation, they open up about the highs and lows of racing, the endurance and mindset needed for multi-day passages, and how they prepare their boat and crew year-round for safety and performance. They also talk about the unique dynamics of racing as a couple, building a loyal crew, and their ambitions for future challenges..👉 Learn more about Allegiant at allegiancesailing.com 👉 Explore the Annapolis to Bermuda Race at bermudaoceanrace.com

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