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.

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