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

I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.

SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, articles, monthly Zooms and our free online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing life.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share it with another sailor, and come and join us.

Join the community: shehelms.comSupport SheHelms Sailing Podcast: PatreonNewsletter: SubstackWatch: YouTubeFollow: Instagram | Facebook

Very welcome aboard.

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

I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.

SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, articles, monthly Zooms and our free online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing life.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share it with another sailor, and come and join us.

Join the community: shehelms.comSupport SheHelms Sailing Podcast: PatreonNewsletter: SubstackWatch: YouTubeFollow: Instagram | Facebook

Very welcome aboard.

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

I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.

SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, articles, monthly Zooms and our free online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing life.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share it with another sailor, and come and join us.

Join the community: shehelms.comSupport SheHelms Sailing Podcast: PatreonNewsletter: SubstackWatch: YouTubeFollow: Instagram | Facebook

Very welcome aboard.

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

I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.

SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, articles, monthly Zooms and our free online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing life.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share it with another sailor, and come and join us.

Join the community: shehelms.comSupport SheHelms Sailing Podcast: PatreonNewsletter: SubstackWatch: YouTubeFollow: Instagram | Facebook

Very welcome aboard.

Welcome to the SheHelms Sailing Podcast hosted by JoJo Pickering.

In this short introduction, I share the idea behind SheHelms Sailing, a women-centred sailing community exploring seamanship, confidence, culture and life at sea, along with plans for the upcoming summer sailing season.

About SheHelms

I’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.

SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, articles, monthly Zooms and our free online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing life.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, share it with another sailor, and come and join us.

Join the community: shehelms.comSupport SheHelms Sailing Podcast: PatreonNewsletter: SubstackWatch: YouTubeFollow: Instagram | Facebook

Very welcome aboard.