SheHelms Sailing Podcast

JoJo Pickering

Women-centered sailing conversations, learning and seamanship exploring confidence, culture and life at sea. shehelms.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Viivi Moisio – Solo Sailing Across the Atlantic in a 5.8 Metre Boat

    In this episode we talk to 23-year-old Finnish sailor Viivi Moisio, who is preparing to race solo across the Atlantic in the Globe 5.80 Transat. Having already sailed around the world as part of the Ocean Globe Race aboard Galiana WithSecure, Viivi is now taking on a very different challenge: crossing the Atlantic alone in Flow, her tiny 5.8-metre racing yacht. We talk about her sailing journey, the experience of racing around the world, preparing her boat for the Atlantic, and the challenges of moving from crewed offshore racing to sailing solo. Viivi is preparing to sail from Lagos to Lanzarote before the Atlantic race starts on 14 November 2026, taking competitors all the way to Antigua. An inspiring conversation about adventure, determination, learning and having the confidence to take on new challenges. Welcome aboard! About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Viivi Moisio Viivi started sailing at eight in an Optimist dinghy. Competition led her into bigger boats, classic 6mR racing and ultimately the Ocean Globe Race — eight months around the world aboard the Swan 55 Galiana WithSecure. Now she is bringing everything she learned back to the smallest boat she has ever raced. Flow is Viivi’s own Globe 5.80 campaign: built by hand, prepared in Finland and aimed west across the Atlantic. Find out more This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  2. Oct 10

    Kaye Coyne - Marine Diesel Engines

    In this episode, I’m joined by Kaye Christina Coyne, a marine engineer, to talk about marine diesel engines. For many sailors, the engine can be one of the more intimidating parts of a boat. But understanding how it works, knowing what to check and recognising when something isn’t quite right are all important parts of becoming a confident skipper. Kaye brings her engineering knowledge and practical experience to our conversation, helping to make the world of marine engines a little less mysterious. So whether you’re new to sailing or have been skippering for years, I hope you’ll find something useful in this conversation. Welcome aboard! About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Kaye Christina Coyne | Marine Engineer Kaye Christina Coyne is a freelance marine engineer with over a decade of experience in the marine industry. Having first learned engineering from her father, Kaye went on to study marine engineering in Southampton before specialising in the restoration and maintenance of classic boats on the River Thames. Her career has included working with Peter Freebody & Co, restoring traditional vessels including slipper launches, day launches and classic Riva boats. Today, Kaye works independently across both modern and traditional marine engineering, bringing together practical experience, technical knowledge and a passion for keeping boats running. Kaye is also involved with Women in Boatbuilding, an organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting and celebrating women working across the boatbuilding and marine industries. The organisation helps raise the visibility of women in traditionally male-dominated trades and encourages more women to pursue careers in the sector. In this episode of the SheHelms Sailing Podcast, Kaye joins JoJo Pickering to explore marine diesel engines, sharing practical knowledge and helping sailors develop the confidence to understand and maintain their engines. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  3. Sep 24

    Special Edition - JoJo Pickering - Why I started SheHelms Sailing

    In this special episode, the tables are turned as my good friend Fi Read interviews me about why I started SheHelms Sailing. We talk about my own experiences as a woman in sailing, the culture I’ve encountered along the way, and why I felt there was a need for a space where women sailors could connect, learn from one another and build confidence. We also talk about my plans and hopes for the future of SheHelms. It’s a personal conversation about where SheHelms came from, why it matters to me, and what I hope it can become. ⛵ Find out more about JoJo Pickering - Professional skipper, sailing instructor and mentor: https://islandswiftsailing.co.uk About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community, it’s free: https://shehelms.com/ ❤️ Support SheHelms & help keep it free: https://www.patreon.com/SheHelms ⛵ Sailing training, mentoring & professional skippering with JoJo: https://islandswiftsailing.co.uk You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sails or would like to. Follow SheHelmsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHelmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehelmsailing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehelmsailing/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  4. Sep 7

    Kirsten Neuschäfer - Life After winning Golden Globe Race

    In this episode of the SheHelms Sailing Podcast, I talk with Kirsten Neuschäfer about life after her historic Golden Globe Race victory. We talk about sailing the Northwest Passage, writing her book All Good, K., and her reflections on the Golden Globe Race. Kirsten also shares some practical celestial navigation tips, her thoughts on navigating and sailing without modern technology, and what life has been like since returning from her extraordinary voyage. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Find out more about Kirsten’s GGR Buy Kirsten’s book Follow the 2026 GGR About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Kirsten Neuschäfer Kirsten is a South African offshore sailor and adventurer. She started her career in offshore sailing in her early 20’s, first as sailing instructor, then delivery skipper and finally charter skipper for high latitude sailing expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. In this time, she clocked up some hundreds of thousands of nautical miles of offshore experience, which ultimately lead up to her signing up for the Golden Globe Race 2022, which she sailed to victory. Among other things, Kirsten has also worked as a wilderness guide, a sled dog trainer, and has cycled the length of Africa from North to South. She continues to work in high latitudes on both land- and sea expeditions, as well as occasionally as trainer in sailing and navigation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  5. Aug 6

    Mara GGR Skipper - Why Is There Only One Woman in the GGR2026?

    What does it take to stand on the start line of one of the toughest solo sailing race in the world? With just one month before the start of the Golden Globe Race, I caught up with Mara aboard Showgirl in Les Sables d’Olonne. Yet again there is only one woman in the race! This conversation goes far beyond race preparation. We talk about the reality of getting to the start line after months of setbacks and problem-solving, from major rig repairs in Jersey to the last-minute loss of a solar panel sponsor and the incredible generosity of the sailing community that stepped in to help. Mara shares the importance of her support team, why she chooses to embrace colour and femininity in a sport that often celebrates a different image, and why visibility matters if we want more women to believe that adventures like this are possible for them. We also dive into the practical realities of racing alone around the world. We discuss provisioning, the food that keeps both body and morale going, celestial navigation, self-steering systems, barnacles, heavy weather tactics, and the mindset needed to face months alone at sea. Throughout it all, Mara speaks openly about the pressure of being the race’s only female competitor while remaining determined simply to sail her own race and finish it. I hope you enjoy meeting Mara as much as I did. Mara's Website Golden Globe Race 2026 About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  6. Jul 20

    Rachael Sprot - What makes a good skipper?

    Today I’m delighted to be talking with Rachael Sprot, sailor, writer, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and Examiner, and the new editor of the Shell Channel Pilot. Rachael shares how sailing shaped her childhood, why she chose an unconventional career on the water, and how she balances life as a professional sailor, writer and new mother. Together we explore what really makes a good skipper, why leadership matters more than authority, and how the culture of sailing is changing. In this episode we talk about: * growing up in a sailing family * building a career as a professional sailor * taking on the Shell Channel Pilot * what makes an effective and inclusive skipper * why confidence grows through experience and mentoring * making sailing more welcoming and accessible * practical advice for new skippers taking command for the first time Yachting Monthly author page – probably the best place to find her latest articles, biography and regular “Question of Seamanship” pieces. Shell Channel Pilothttps://store.imray.com/products/the-shell-channel-pilot About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  7. Jun 30

    Katrien Vangheluwe - Following her sailing dream!

    Today I’m delighted to be talking with Katrien, who shares the remarkable story of how a childhood dream of sailing grew into a career as an RYA Instructor. After an early experience on the water left her lacking confidence, Katrien stepped away from boating for many years. But one sailing course changed everything. What followed was a journey of determination, self-belief and finding the people who encouraged her to keep going. In this episode we talk about: * discovering a passion for sailing later in life * overcoming fear and self-doubt * progressing from Competent Crew to Instructor * buying a first boat and learning through experience * why confidence comes from supportive people, not perfection * the value of women supporting women in sailing * finding your place within the sailing community Katrien’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a dream. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re capable of becoming a skipper, instructor or boat owner, this conversation is full of encouragement and inspiration. Before becoming a professional sailing instructor, Katrien spent 25 years raising her three children and worked as a coach and ceramic artist. Throughout her life, she has been fascinated by personal growth, creativity and the courage it takes to follow one’s own path. The sea brought these passions together. For Katrien, sailing is about much more than learning how to handle a boat. It is about building confidence, learning to trust yourself, making decisions and growing through experience. Katrien is now an RYA Cruising Instructor who offers private sailing tuition aboard her yacht Butterfly - Etap 39s - in Southern Spain. She specialises in teaching beginners through private tuition for individuals, couples, friends and all-women crews. With a maximum of three students on board, every course is tailored to the individual in a supportive, safe and enjoyable learning environment. Katrien believes that we are all responsible for steering our own course in life, and that growth begins the moment we dare to take the helm. 📸 Instagram: @sailwithkatrien 📱 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/32487624446 About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

  8. May 15

    Sadie Johnson - Buying Your First Boat!

    Welcome to the first SheHelms Sailing Podcast. Today I’m delighted to be talking with Sadie Johnson, a sailor from California who shares the honest reality of buying her first boat and learning to skipper it along the way. Sadie tells the story of how a sailing club opened the door to a life on the water, why she eventually bought a 1976 Cal 34, and the steep learning curve that followed. We talk about: * buying your first boat * overcoming the anxiety of boat ownership * manoeuvring in marinas and learning from mistakes * the value of supportive sailing communities * women in sailing and the allies helping to create change * solo sailing, Catalina Island, and future adventures * why engineering, curiosity and asking questions make better sailors It’s an honest conversation about confidence, resilience and discovering that every sailor, no matter how experienced, has something new to learn. Whether you’re dreaming of owning your first boat or already navigating the challenges of life afloat, I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation. About SheHelms Sailing I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing. SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea. ⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free ❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free ⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJo You can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to. YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

    Sadie Johnson - Buying Your First Boat!

About

Women-centered sailing conversations, learning and seamanship exploring confidence, culture and life at sea. shehelms.substack.com

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