#podcastclips #sailing #royalfamily #princessanne

Our 150th anniversary podcast series wraps up this week with a very special conversation with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as RYA President for over 35 years.

Recorded at St James’s Palace, Her Royal Highness reflects on the RYA’s evolution, from the origins of rules-based racing to today’s focus on accessibility, club support and opening the water to more people through programmes like OnBoard and Sailability.

She shares personal stories too, from navigating the challenging waters of the Channel Islands and western Scotland, to the freedom and wellbeing she finds in time spent on the water.

Our series finale captures what sailing and boating means to our communities: connection, confidence and the joy of being part of an island nation shaped by its coasts and waterways.

Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

Sailing and boating have always evolved — but today, technology is transforming the sport faster than ever.

From ocean-racing fleets connected mid-Pacific to high-performance foiling stadium racing, the tools and techniques shaping our time on the water are changing dramatically.

In this episode, we hear from three specialists who see this transformation up close:

• Max Rivers, Deputy Race Manager for the Clipper Round the World Race
• Garmin Marine Technology Specialist Alex Collard
• Tom Herbert-Evans from SailGP

Together, they explore how cutting-edge systems are making sailing safer, smarter and more accessible.

You'll hear how global race fleets stay connected in remote oceans, how SailGP uses data and digital overlays to turn sailing into a genuine spectator sport, and how everyday sailors benefit from the same innovations through intuitive wearables, navigation tools and smart safety tech.

It’s a fascinating look at how professional advancements are already filtering down to cruising boats, club racers and anyone who loves spending time on the water.

Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.

Discover the remarkable journey of the Royal Yachting Association and its 150 years of guiding British boating through innovation, transformation and cultural change.

In this episode, maritime and dinghy historian Dougal Henshall uncovers the breakthroughs and pivotal moments that shaped the sport as we know it today.

From the early days of yacht racing – when boats started at anchor and rules varied wildly between clubs – to the creation of the Yacht Racing Association and its evolution into today’s RYA, the story is one of unifying a sport.

Along the way came major shifts: the rise of dinghy sailing, post-war innovation, Olympic success, safety reforms, inclusivity and the move toward making watersports accessible for all.

Through leadership based not on legislation but guidance, education and steady stewardship, Dougal and host Dee Caffari explore how the RYA has helped generations of sailors enjoy the water safely while supporting clubs, shaping classes, influencing international governance and nurturing champions so that – 150 years on – its legacy is one of stability, progress and a commitment to making sailing a sport for everyone.

Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.