Lessons Learned

UK Sailmakers
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Introducing UK Sailmakers new podcast series, Lessons Learned, created to help sailors around the world up their games. For over a decade, our website’s How To section has provided instructional videos, photos, and documents on a broad array of sailing topics. With “Lessons Learned,” we’re taking our instructional chops to a higher level.

  1. Lessons Learned Sailing the Mini 6.5

    5D AGO

    Lessons Learned Sailing the Mini 6.5

    In Episode 26 of UK Sailmakers’ Lessons Learned podcast, host Buttons Padin speaks with Belgian offshore sailor Quentin Debois about his Mini 6.5 campaign, his sailing background, and his recent record-breaking Atlantic crossing. Quentin only began sailing at age 31 after a friend introduced him to a Hobie 16 on the Belgian North Sea. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, leading him to formal training in France and ultimately into offshore racing in the demanding Mini 6.5 class—a 6.5-metre (21-foot) solo offshore racing boat known for its speed, instability, and extreme demands on both sailor and equipment. One of Quentin’s standout achievements is his recent east-to-west Atlantic record attempt, sailing from Cádiz, Spain, to San Salvador in The Bahamas via a Grand Canaria waypoint. He completed the crossing in 24 days, 19 hours, significantly lowering the previous under-7m record of 30 days, 22 hours. The campaign was supported by a dedicated team including a router, coach, technical preparer, and mental coach, highlighting the level of coordination required even in “solo” offshore racing. Preparation played a critical role. Quentin and his team fully rebuilt the boat before departure, and UK Sailmakers Belgium supplied four key sails that performed throughout the crossing. When he required repairs on an older mainsail for a subsequent record attempt, UK Sailmakers Miami supported a rapid turnaround to keep the campaign on track. Quentin’s approach is highly disciplined—he sails without an engine and constantly manages boat trim, including shifting approximately 250kg of internal ballast during manoeuvres. His focus now turns to future record attempts, including Miami to New York and New York back to the UK (Lizard Point), each timed around precise weather routing. Quentin Debois represents a new generation of offshore sailor—combining performance sailing, technical precision, and structured support teams to push the limits of what small offshore boats can achieve. For potential partners interested in supporting Quentin’s campaign, contact him directly at Quentin@OceanSailing.be and you can also follow his adventures on Instagram @quentindebois. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    25 min
  2. Lessons Learned Sailing the Hard Way

    MAR 18

    Lessons Learned Sailing the Hard Way

    Join host Buttons Padin on the 25th episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he sits down with solo circumnavigator Istvan Kopar as he prepares for his fourth and most ambitious voyage around the world. Istvan shares his journey from learning to sail on Lake Balaton behind the Iron Curtain, to 13 years in the Hungarian merchant marine, to completing a solo one-stop circumnavigation in 1990-91 with no electronics. He also recounts his experience as the only American to finish the 2018-19 Golden Globe Race, and details his upcoming Anniversary Challenge: a solo, non-stop, westbound circumnavigation at age 73, departing alongside the 2026 Golden Globe Race fleet. Istvan also discusses his Valiant 42 refit and his new sail inventory from UK Sailmakers Miami. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you #SailWithConfidence. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Thumbnail Photo © Aïda Valceanu.

    28 min
  3. Lessons Learned Preparing for the South Pacific

    JAN 30

    Lessons Learned Preparing for the South Pacific

    Join host Buttons Padin as he sits down with Adam Loory for the 24th episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series. Dive into an engaging discussion on Adam’s lifelong dream of sailing around the world, plans, and preparations for his upcoming voyage to the South Pacific. Discover detailed insights about the refit and transformation of a race boat for long-term performance cruising, the complex itinerary, key navigational preparations, and essential tips for any aspiring global sailor. Don’t miss this thrilling episode packed with valuable lessons and inspiration from Adam's journey, Reaching thru Retirement. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    21 min
  4. Lessons Learned From Sailboats to Submarines

    2025-12-12

    Lessons Learned From Sailboats to Submarines

    Join host Buttons Padin on the 23rd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, featuring special guest Commander Gregory Storer of the United States Navy. In this extra-special episode, we step outside the world of sailmaking as Commander Storer discusses his journey from sailing small boats like Optis and Lasers in his youth to commanding the USS Springfield, an LA-class fast attack submarine stationed in Guam. Commander Storer shares how his early sailing experiences shaped his submarine navigation tactics, recounts his time at the Naval Academy, and explores the dynamics of maneuvering a submarine. The episode offers fascinating insights into the challenges and techniques of submarine operations, including man-overboard recovery and navigating tight harbors. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    28 min
  5. Lessons Learned on Team Racing

    2025-10-10

    Lessons Learned on Team Racing

    Join host Buttons Padin on the 22nd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he dives into the world of team racing with Jack Fenwick, the Sailing Development Manager of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. They discuss the intricacies of organizing team racing events, the role of team racing in sailing culture, and the unique events hosted by Royal Thames Yacht Club such as the Cumberland Cup.Jack also shares insights on working with Craig Millar at UK Sailmakers South Africa for custom Sonar sails to meet their club's specific racing needs. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    23 min
  6. Lessons Learned on ISL Sails

    2025-09-03

    Lessons Learned on ISL Sails

    Welcome to the twenty-first episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons is joined by UK Sailmakers’ lead designer, Pat Considine, to break down the effects of headstay sag on sail performance—and to show how our headsails with ISL (Integrated Structural Luff) technology provide a modern solution. They explore what headstay sag is, why it matters for both boat speed and pointing ability, and the traditional methods sailors use to manage it. Pat also highlights the latest onboard equipment that helps control sag. Finally, they dive into how UK Sailmakers’ ISL technology takes performance even further. ISL is now available on new X-Drive and Titanium headsails, as well as Code Zeros. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    13 min
  7. Lessons Learned on Sailing Photography

    2025-06-27

    Lessons Learned on Sailing Photography

    Welcome to the twentieth episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons explores the art of sailing photography with world-renowned yachting photographer Sharon Green. Sharon shares how she got her start behind the lens—shaped by the influence of her Hall of Fame sailor father, Don Green—and reflects on capturing some of the sport’s most iconic images. She offers practical tips for shooting on the water, in the water, and from the air, and explains the importance of equipment, timing, and perspective. From helicopter shoots to racecourse challenges, Sharon reveals what it takes to create both dynamic and technically precise sailing photos, along with advice for aspiring photographers looking to break into the field. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    29 min
  8. Lessons Learned on Hailing Rules

    2025-05-26

    Lessons Learned on Hailing Rules

    Welcome to the nineteenth episode of UK Sailmakers' Lessons Learned podcast series, hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons speaks with Butch Ulmer, former president of UK Sailmakers and a member of the Sailing Hall of Fame. Together, they break down the 2025 changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, with this episode's particular focus on obstructions and proper hailing protocol. Butch shares tactical advice including what to do (and what not to do) when you find yourself in a tough spot like Boat 1 in the “coffin corner” shown in the thumbnail. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into the sport, this episode offers valuable insights from a true rules expert and world-class sailor. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Introducing UK Sailmakers new podcast series, Lessons Learned, created to help sailors around the world up their games. For over a decade, our website’s How To section has provided instructional videos, photos, and documents on a broad array of sailing topics. With “Lessons Learned,” we’re taking our instructional chops to a higher level.

Information

  • Creator
    UK Sailmakers
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UK Sailmakers
  • Show Website
    Lessons Learned

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