Episodios

  • #86 SailTies: Turning Every Voyage Into a Story
    Apr 6 2026

    I am SO excited to introduce you all to Sailties! This is an awesome app for sailors where we can log our trips, exchange information, create a sailor resume, look for adventures to join, and so much more!


    Today I'm interviewing the co-founders Chris and Tom. They will outline all of the incredible benefits that this app includes. I am very excited about how this app is going to modernize my own record keeping and will help me avoid having so many logbooks! I also love the engagement that it creates between sailors and it is SO much better than trolling Facebook and other forums trying to find competent people to sail with. Thank you so much Chris and Tom for creating this awesome product!


    • Download SailTies now!
    • SailTies Official Website
    • SailTies App on App Store
    • SailTies on Google Play

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to SailTies and Founders' Background

    03:38 Prototyping and Feedback Process

    06:00 User Experience and App Features

    08:52 Future Developments and Enhancements

    11:29 Safety Features and Community Engagement

    14:17 Bridging the Experience Gap in Sailing

    16:49 Reception and Growth of SailTies

    19:17 Community Impact and User Feedback

    23:58 Team Dynamics and Marketing Challenges

    25:34 Partnerships and User Engagement

    28:33 Finding the Right Crew and Personality Fit


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    33 m
  • #85 From Impulse to Informed: Graham's Boat Buying Journey
    Mar 9 2026

    In this conversation, Graham shares his journey into sailing and boat ownership, detailing his experiences with purchasing his first boat, Ringo, and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of research in selecting the right boat, the renovations and upgrades he undertook, and his future considerations for boat shopping. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of sailing, as well as the practical aspects of boat maintenance and ownership.


    Keu Takeaways


    Graham started sailing in 2017 and became an instructor.

    His first boat purchase was impulsive and not well-researched.

    Ringo, a CNC 25, was chosen for its sailing performance and comfort.

    Researching boat models and their issues is crucial before buying.

    Renovations on Ringo included addressing blisters and upgrading rigging.

    Graham learned a lot about boat maintenance through hands-on experience.

    Future boat shopping will focus on comfort and readiness for cruising.

    Non-negotiables for the next boat include a dry head and separate shower.

    Budget and intended use are key factors in the boat buying process.

    Sailing experiences have shaped Graham's wishlist for his next boat.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Sailing and Boat Ownership

    05:55 Renovations and Upgrades on Ringo

    11:57 Future Boat Shopping Considerations

    19:45 Sailing Experiences and Boat Performance

    26:55 Researching and Selecting a New Boat

    34:06 Lessons Learned from Boat Ownership

    Connect with Penny!

    - ⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠

    - ⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠

    - ⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠

    - ⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠

    - ⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠

    -⁠⁠ Instagram⁠

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • #84 Essential Tips for First-Time Boat Buyers!
    Feb 16 2026

    In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, Coach Penny discusses essential considerations for buying a boat. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your boating environment, choosing the right size and type of boat, and the significance of insurance and budget. Penny also covers how to evaluate a boat's condition and the importance of test driving before making a purchase. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and encouragement to enjoy the sailing journey.


    Takeaways


    • Consider where you will be boating and the type of boating you will do.
    • The size of the boat should match your sailing needs.
    • Marinas may have long wait lists for boat slips.
    • Insurance requirements can vary significantly by marina.
    • Evaluate the condition of the boat before purchasing.
    • Test drive the boat to understand its handling.
    • Look for any major issues during the boat survey.
    • Collect insurance quotes early in the buying process.
    • Consider the amenities available at your marina.
    • Enjoy the process of finding the right boat.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Buying a Boat

    02:57 Understanding Your Boating Environment

    05:47 Choosing the Right Boat Size and Type

    08:58 Insurance and Budget Considerations

    12:01 Evaluating Boat Condition and Maintenance

    14:51 Test Driving Your Potential Boat

    28:55 Recap and Final Thoughts

    Connect with Penny!

    - ⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠

    - ⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠

    - ⁠Get in touch!⁠

    - ⁠Take a course! ⁠

    - ⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠

    -⁠ Instagram⁠

    Más Menos
    32 m
  • #83 Mastering Winches: A Sailor's Guide!
    Feb 1 2026

    In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, Penny discusses the essential sailing equipment known as winches. She provides a historical overview of winches, explaining their evolution and significance in sailing. The conversation covers different types of winches, including self-tailing and non-self-tailing options, and offers insights on how to choose the right winch for your boat.


    Penny shares her personal experiences and tips for operating winches effectively, making this episode a valuable resource for both novice and experienced sailors. takeaways

    • Winches are crucial for controlling sails on a boat.
    • The evolution of winches has significantly improved sailing efficiency.
    • Self-tailing winches allow for easier sail management.
    • Understanding winch types is essential for boat maintenance.
    • Choosing the right winch size is important for performance.
    • Historical context enriches our understanding of sailing equipment.
    • Electric winches provide convenience on larger boats.
    • Durability and material quality are key factors in winch selection.
    • Proper operation of winches enhances sailing safety.
    • Upgrading winches can improve overall sailing experience.

    Connect with Penny!

    - ⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠

    - ⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠

    - ⁠Get in touch!⁠

    - ⁠Take a course! ⁠

    - ⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠

    -⁠ Instagram

    Más Menos
    20 m
  • #82 Equipment Upgrades! NOW is the time!!
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of 'Your Pocket Sailing Instructor,' Coach Penny Caldwell dives into the exciting world of boat show season, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of sales and upgrades for your boat. She discusses the typical timing of boat shows in North America, which generally occur from January to March, and highlights the various items that can be upgraded or purchased at discounted prices during this period. Penny shares her personal experiences and recommendations for big-ticket items such as self-tailing winches, electronics, inflatable PFDs, and solar setups, all of which can significantly enhance the sailing experience.


    Penny also touches on frequently replaced items like first aid supplies, running rigging, and spare parts, encouraging listeners to check their inventory and replace any outdated or worn-out gear. She concludes with a discussion on comfort items that can make sailing more enjoyable, such as sailing gloves and innovative products like toques with built-in headlamps. Overall, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for sailors looking to upgrade their equipment and make the most of the boat show season.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Boat Show Season

    02:37 Big Ticket Items to Consider

    06:17 Electronics and Safety Gear Upgrades

    09:30 Dinghies and Solar Power Solutions

    11:48 Foul Weather Gear Essentials

    14:08 Frequently Replaced Items

    18:46 Comfort Items for a Better Sailing Experience


    Connect with Penny!

    - Support Penny on Patreon!

    - Learn more about Penny's sailing school!

    - Get in touch!

    - Take a course!

    - Penny's sailor resume

    - Instagram



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    21 m
  • #81 Am I ready for the Intermediate Bareboat Sailing course?
    Jan 5 2026

    This week I am talking about the live-aboard Intermediate Cruising course. I am running several of these courses this summer on the Coast, and I am often asked by people if they are ready to take the course. I have put together some ideas and recommendations about what you need to complete to know that you are ready to make the most of this course. Hope it helps!

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    22 m
  • #80 Multi-generational Sailing Trip!
    Dec 29 2025

    This past summer I was lucky enough to take my grandparents, mom and daughter on a sailing trip! It was VERY special to be able to share this experience with 4 generations on the boat...


    In this episode I talk about my preparation, things to think about, where we went, why we went there and some highlights of the trip along the way. Filled my bucket!!

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    33 m
  • #79 Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas!
    Dec 23 2025

    Are you behind on your gifts this year? Not quite sure what to get your sailor? I've got you covered with a list of small to big gift ideas!

    Más Menos
    17 m