Starting Racing: How to Jump Into the Fleet Later in Life

Racing sailboats can be cold, wet, and humbling—but also exhilarating, joyful, and life-changing. In this episode of Sail Faster, we explore how to start racing later in life, even if you didn’t grow up around boats. Host Pete chats with three experienced sailors—Beth Crabtree (SpinSheet), Jayne Durden (Sailing Happy Place, Commodore of Herrington Harbour Sailing Association), and Heidi Frist (J/30 class president)—about their own journeys into the racing world, and the advice they give to beginners. From joining a crew to skippering your own boat, from building confidence to packing a cooler, this conversation is full of honest insights, laughs, and practical tips for anyone curious about getting into sailboat racing.