The Foil Podcast

The Foil
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

We are The Foil, a new wave of racing media. Founded and launched in 2026, we are a fresh, all-new, proudly independent digital media brand dedicated to the sport of sail racing. Our focus is centred around the major peaks of the international sport: SailGP, the America’s Cup and the Olympic Games, plus offshore classes and events, and the diverse wider world of sailing competitions that take place around the globe. Our mission is simple: to promote, talk about and report on the detail of an international sport that deserves a much higher profile beyond the dedicated sailing community who follow racing around the globe. We operate independently of series and event promoters and governing bodies as an impartial voice for the sport of sail racing. Subscribe to The Foil YouTube channel and follow @wearethefoil across all platforms – Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and LinkedIn.

  1. 1d ago

    Crunch time for the chasing pack as SailGP heads to Sassnitz - The Foil Podcast - Ep 34

    SailGP heads back to Sassnitz, a venue that produced some of the most chaotic racing of last season — and this time the stakes are even higher. This week on The Foil Podcast, Freddie Carr, Andy Rice and Neil Cole look ahead to the Germany Sail Grand Prix and a weekend that could prove pivotal in the Season 6 championship. They revisit last year's dramatic crashes, break down one of the biggest and fastest racecourses on the calendar, and discuss why the unusual start box and split fleets could make Sassnitz particularly unpredictable. Attention also turns to the increasingly tight battle for the Grand Final. Spain and Australia are setting the pace, Artemis continue to quietly accumulate points, the USA have made a remarkable step forward, while defending champions Emirates GBR desperately need to stop their recent run of poor results. For France and Canada, Sassnitz could already be a do-or-die weekend. Plus, we discuss whether SailGP should commit to a four-boat Grand Final, the Black Foils' chances of making an impact in Germany, and the latest from the America's Cup as Emirates Team New Zealand return to high-wind AC75 testing — with some ominously confident messages coming from the defenders. Become a member now: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreTheFoil/join Website: https://thefoil.com/ Instagram: @wearethefoil Facebook: wearethefoil Threads: @wearethefoil LinkedIn: The Foil Podcast: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2217026422 Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment. Please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. 00:00 Intro 02:10 SailGP Returns to Sassnitz 07:21 Germany SailGP Team Deep Dive 26:32 The Sassnitz Racecourse Explained 36:53 The SailGP Championship Battle 43:28 France & Canada’s Do-or-Die Weekend 47:48 Three or Four Boats in the Grand Final? 50:43 Our Sassnitz Predictions 52:29 America’s Cup: New Zealand Getting Faster? 56:02 Around the Sailing World MB01TM11L6KIMUY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. Aug 12

    The six American sailors chosen to take back the Cup - The Foil Podcast - Ep 33

    The America's Cup teams are taking shape, and this week there are some fascinating new names entering the picture. Lewis Smith, Andy Rice and Neil Cole look at the newly announced United States America's Cup crew, the strong crossover with the US SailGP Team and one particularly notable omission: Taylor Canfield. Could he still join the campaign, and how much catching up does the new American challenger have to do before Naples? There’s also a major development for GBR with Jemima Lines confirmed as the fifth sailor aboard the AC75, before attention turns to LA 2028. With Olympic sailors getting their first proper taste of the waters off Los Angeles, we look at what they’re already learning about the venue, some impressive early performances and the sailors attempting to balance Olympic campaigns with SailGP and America's Cup commitments. Plus, Andy pays tribute to legendary sailing photographer Carlo Borlenghi, and we catch up on the latest from the 470 Worlds and the Round Britain and Ireland Race. This episode is brought to you by Saily, the eSIM built by the team behind NordVPN. Available across more than 200 destinations, with plans flexible enough for a weekend away or a full season chasing the SailGP circuit – no SIM swap, no roaming bill shock, no wandering foreign airports hunting for Wi-Fi. We use Saily ourselves when travelling to events, like we’ll be doing in Sassnitz next week. Download Saily from the app store and use code FOIL15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. https://saily.com 00:00:00 Start 00:02:05 Cowes Week reflections and recovery 00:03:57 United States America's Cup crew announcement 00:15:56 Jemima Lines joins GB1 America's Cup crew 00:23:31 Remembering iconic sailing photographer Carlo Borlenghi 00:29:02 Get 15% off Saily eSim 00:30:15 LA Olympic test event insights 00:44:01 470 Worlds and Solent racing round-up Become a member now: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreTheFoil/join Website: https://thefoil.com/ Instagram: @wearethefoil Facebook: wearethefoil Threads: @wearethefoil LinkedIn: The Foil Podcast: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2217026422 Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment. Please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. #AmericasCup #SailGP #LA2028 #Olympics #Sailing #TheFoil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Aug 4

    The past, present and future of sailing - The Foil Podcast Live - Ep 32

    Episode 32 of the Foil Podcast celebrates the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, diving deep into the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of sailing. Join Neil Cole, Andy Rice and Freddie Carr as they discuss the significance of the iconic regatta with seasoned sailor Simon 'Stir Fry', who shares insights from the 'golden days' of sailing and the potential rebirth of the Admiral's Cup. Freddie highlights the exciting developments in Grand Prix sailing and the impact of events like SailGP on the sport's evolution, while Andy chats with Olympic sailor Elliot Hanson about balancing professional sailing and Olympic aspirations. Young talent, Katy Jenkins, represents the future of sailing and discusses her journey with the Athena Pathway and her first experience at Cowes Week. Lastly, Dan Fielding tells The Foil about the wonderful work of Turn to Starboard, a UK-based sailing charity that helps military veterans. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:35 200 years of Cowes Week 04:37 Simon 'Stir Fy' and sailing's past 18:20 Elliot Hanson and the present of sailing 29:42 Katy Jenkins and the future of the sport 35:02 Dan Fielding and Turn to Starboard 41:22 Outro Become a member now: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreTheFoil/join Website: https://thefoil.com/ Instagram: @wearethefoil Facebook: wearethefoil Threads: @wearethefoil LinkedIn: The Foil Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment. Please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Jul 29

    Has SailGP cracked the code? Our Portsmouth verdict - The Foil Podcast - Ep 31

    Portsmouth had everything. A packed grandstand, eleven races, changing conditions and another dramatic twist in the Season 6 championship. It was an event that showcased just how far SailGP has come, both on and off the water. This week on The Foil Podcast, Freddie Carr, Andy Rice, Lewis Smith and Neil Cole discuss why Portsmouth felt like a milestone for the championship, whether the split fleet format has finally proved itself, and why the four-boat final is becoming one of the highlights of every event. They also look at Canada’s impressive resurgence, Australia’s costly mistakes, Emirates GBR’s disappointing home regatta and Spain’s remarkable run of form that has blown the championship race wide open. With the end of the season in sight, is a clear top five beginning to emerge, and has SailGP finally found the format that brings out the very best racing? The Foil is your independent home for sailing analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage from SailGP, the America’s Cup and elite sailing. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Listen on podcast platforms: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2217026422 #SailGP #TheFoil #Portsmouth #Sailing #AmericasCup #F50 #EmiratesGBR #Spain #LosGallos Become a member now: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreTheFoil/join Website: https://thefoil.com/ Instagram: @wearethefoil Facebook: wearethefoil Threads: @wearethefoil LinkedIn: The Foil Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment. Please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. 00:00 Portsmouth Delivers 07:09 Split Fleets & Four-Boat Finals 15:36 Saturday Racing Analysis 25:26 Sunday Qualifying Drama 35:52 Canada's Resurgence 42:11 Emirates GBR's Home Event 45:58 The Portsmouth Final 54:03 The SailGP Championship & Calendar Rumours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Jul 28

    The Foil Podcast Live: SailGP Portsmouth - Ep 30

    The Foil takes over Musto’s flagship ’Lighthouse’ store in Portsmouth for the team's first-ever live and in-person podcast. Following on from a breezy and high calibre Saturday of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP event in Portsmouth we talk all things SailGP in front of a live audience. We’ll review what went down on day one of SailGP and look ahead to Sunday’s racing. We’ll make our usual wacky predictions, answer your questions and have a right good natter. The Foil's Lewis Smith stands in for the podcast's usual host, Neil Cole, and shares the mic with senior contributors Andy Rice and Freddie Carr. Website: http://thefoil.com/ Twitter: @wearethefoil Instagram: @wearethefoil Facebook: wearethefoil Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, please also hit subscribe to show your support so we'll keep doing what we're doing. https://www.thefoil.com Thumbnail image credit: Jason Ludlow / SailGP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Jul 22

    All you need to know before SailGP Portsmouth - The Foil Podcast - Ep 29

    Episode 29 previews SailGP Portsmouth – the eighth event of SailGP season six – from every angle. Andy Rice goes over his conversation with Ben Ainslie this week: the reset the champions are after following an Americas leg bookended by disaster, comms that aren't as tight as last year, Stu Bithell stepping into big shoes, and the questions hanging over the back end of the season.Freddie Carr considers the crowd to be a genuine performance factor, drawn from standing on a boat in front of a packed Portsmouth grandstand himself, and reckons Emirates GBR will enjoy the pressure rather than crack under it.Then looking at the racecourse itself – thermals off Southsea, Spitbank Fort and bollards inside the boundaries, the peculiar course shape that shuts down the slingshot start, a 300-metre first reach, an east-going tide and the bottom gate that decided last year's event final.Plus: Lewis Smith's scoop on the group reorder, split fleets looking set to become a fixture, Martine Grael back in the driving seat, and the umpires’ talk of "anticipation".If you’re in Portsmouth on Sunday morning then be sure to come and say hi. Get your tickets to The Foil’s first live podcast here: https://thefoil.com/news/our-first-ever-live-and-in-person-podcast-sailgp-portsmouth/Comments are now live on thefoil.com so be sure to create your account and join the conversation under any of our articles. And follow @wearethefoil across all platforms – Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.READ MORE: Andy Rice talks with Craig Mitchell on the art of remote umpiring https://thefoil.com/news/why-refereeing-sailgp-is-just-getting-harder/READ MORE: Lewis Smith on SailGP's split-fleet rule change https://thefoil.com/news/return-of-the-death-group-sailgp-tweaks-how-groups-are-seeded/00:00:00 Start00:06:13 Portsmouth SailGP weather and racecourse preview00:13:10 Permanent split fleet format?00:15:53 Form guide and predictions for Portsmouth00:20:23 Middle East cancellations and Ben Ainslie interview00:31:11 Martine Grael returns as driver for Brazil00:36:51 The controversial “anticipation” rule in SailGP00:43:38 America's Cup + SailGP calendar clashListen to our podcast on Spotify and other platforms: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2217026422#TheFoil #WeAreTheFoil #SailGP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Jul 15

    Under pressure in Pompey: SailGP’s Emirates GBR assessed – The Foil Podcast – Ep 28

    This week, The Foil’s podcast team train their focus on Emirates Great Britain as they head for home waters and the Portsmouth SailGP next week.Following a plug for our first live podcast – on the morning of Sunday July 26 at Musto’s flagship Lighthouse store on Portsmouth’s waterfront – Neil Cole, Andy Rice and Freddie Carr get into an analysis of reigning champions Emirates GBR and how their title defence is going at the mid-point of season six.After a fast start in Australasia, “the wheels fells of when they got to the Americas”, as Andy puts it. Yet through it all the British F50 is still equal second on points with Spain’s Los Gallos, despite failing to score at all in two rounds.Andy asks Freddie for insight into how the team management operates: is a “good vibes” Gareth Southgate approach or more a “hairdryer” Thomas Tuchel environment?Freddie then dives into the Emirates GBR backstory, cycling back to the first season of SailGP and plotting how the team has evolved. As he says, this was a pioneering squad that led the commercial growth that has made SailGP such a success story.Speaking of success, from this point what will a successful 2026 look like for the remaining champions over the course of the season’s second half? The team assess the merits of making the Grand Final or the ‘moral victory’ of topping the leaderboard.To conclude, Andy and Freddie then offer a round-up of the latest America’s Cup news, having also considered the blend between SailGP and Naples next year for both Emirates GBR and GB1, which both operate under the Athena Racing umbrella.For The Foil live podcast, sign up for your FREE tickets here: https://buytickets.at/thefoil/2299605For our round-up of the week in racing, go to: https://thefoil.com/news/the-week-in-racing-13-july-26/Subscribe to The Foil on YouTube for a new episode every week, and follow @wearethefoil across all platforms – Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other platforms: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2...Chapters0:00 Introduction1:44 Emirates GBR in 202610:09 Team management12:52 History of the franchise33:32 Heading into Portsmouth38:10 Evolution for 202740:50 What’s success in 2026?44:55 Emirates GBR and GB1 blend50:00 why Portsmouth is key52:40 America’s Cup latest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Jul 8

    Can anyone beat New Zealand to win the 38th America’s Cup? – The Foil Podcast – Ep 27

    A year out, The Foil’s podcast team ask the key question: can any of the six teams lining up against the Defender really take on and beat Emirates Team New Zealand in Naples at the 38th America’s Cup next July? We run through the teams to assess what we know so far.ETNZ has Defender privilege – but under the rules of the new partnership arrangement, AC veteran Freddie Carr and Lewis Smith ask whether they have “depowered their advantage” by accepting Naples as the venue rather than racing on their own home waters.On the point of home advantage, Freddie refers back to his own experience sailing with Luna Rossa in the AC World Series in Naples in 2012 and ’13, when he experienced his “rock star moment” in sailing firsthand. Racing at home really can make a difference.As Lewis says, Luna Rossa was “a league ahead” in the recent Cagliari Prelim, and asks whether there might also be an operational advantage working from home.Meanwhile, The French La Roche-Posay team have hit the water in the past week and can make the most of 10 extra sailing days – even if they have capsized this week. Working out of same design stable as ETNZ, Lewis and Freddie weigh up their challenge.As for the Swiss Alinghi squad, question marks remain over their hardware following the huge capsize last time out in Barcelona, and they are pinned as a late starter too.As for the official Challenger of Record, unashamed patriot Freddie labels GB1 as the “dark horse for this Cup”, acknowledging the distracting context of the legal battle between Athena Racing and Ineos over the ownership of the British AC75.The return of Australia is an exciting moment for the Cup, but the team has been up front and honest about their biggest challenge: a lack of time. Freddie describes them as “underdogs”.Finally, the USA. As Freddie puts it, they are “super under the radar” given the little amount of information that has been confirmed about the American effort. Lewis and Freddie then summarise the fleet and come up with the answers to that big leading question…Lewis also brings us new of The Foil Live, our first public event taking place on the morning of Sunday 26 July. We’re taking over Musto’s flagship Lighthouse store in Portsmouth ahead of the final day of racing at Emirates Great Britain SailGP for a live podcast – and it’s free to attend.Get your free tickets here.Read details of the French capsize this week here https://thefoil.com/news/la-roche-posay-racing-team-capsize-their-ac75-on-fourth-sailing-day/Subscribe to The Foil on YouTube for a new episode every week, and follow @wearethefoil across all platforms – Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other platforms: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/NSR2...Chapters0:00 Introduction01:34 Andy Rice on Foiling Week03:17 Can anyone beat New Zealand in AC38?11.00: ETNZ17:25 Luna Rossa21:00 La Roche-Posay30:00 Alinghi38:20 GB147:10 Team Australia50:20 Team USA56:20 audience comments1:00:50 Any other business1:04:00 The Foil Live#TheFoil#WeAreTheFoil#SailGP#AmericasCup#OlympicSailing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Can anyone beat New Zealand to win the 38th America’s Cup? – The Foil Podcast – Ep 27
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We are The Foil, a new wave of racing media. Founded and launched in 2026, we are a fresh, all-new, proudly independent digital media brand dedicated to the sport of sail racing. Our focus is centred around the major peaks of the international sport: SailGP, the America’s Cup and the Olympic Games, plus offshore classes and events, and the diverse wider world of sailing competitions that take place around the globe. Our mission is simple: to promote, talk about and report on the detail of an international sport that deserves a much higher profile beyond the dedicated sailing community who follow racing around the globe. We operate independently of series and event promoters and governing bodies as an impartial voice for the sport of sail racing. Subscribe to The Foil YouTube channel and follow @wearethefoil across all platforms – Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Information

  • Creator
    The Foil
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Foil Podcast

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