Join host Buttons Padin on the 23rd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, featuring special guest Commander Gregory Storer of the United States Navy. In this extra-special episode, we step outside the world of sailmaking as Commander Storer discusses his journey from sailing small boats like Optis and Lasers in his youth to commanding the USS Springfield, an LA-class fast attack submarine stationed in Guam.

Commander Storer shares how his early sailing experiences shaped his submarine navigation tactics, recounts his time at the Naval Academy, and explores the dynamics of maneuvering a submarine. The episode offers fascinating insights into the challenges and techniques of submarine operations, including man-overboard recovery and navigating tight harbors.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Join host Buttons Padin on the 22nd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he dives into the world of team racing with Jack Fenwick, the Sailing Development Manager of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

They discuss the intricacies of organizing team racing events, the role of team racing in sailing culture, and the unique events hosted by Royal Thames Yacht Club such as the Cumberland Cup.Jack also shares insights on working with Craig Millar at UK Sailmakers South Africa for custom Sonar sails to meet their club's specific racing needs.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you sail with confidence. Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Welcome to the twenty-first episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons is joined by UK Sailmakers’ lead designer, Pat Considine, to break down the effects of headstay sag on sail performance—and to show how our headsails with ISL (Integrated Structural Luff) technology provide a modern solution.

They explore what headstay sag is, why it matters for both boat speed and pointing ability, and the traditional methods sailors use to manage it. Pat also highlights the latest onboard equipment that helps control sag. Finally, they dive into how UK Sailmakers’ ISL technology takes performance even further. ISL is now available on new X-Drive and Titanium headsails, as well as Code Zeros.

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Welcome to the twentieth episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons explores the art of sailing photography with world-renowned yachting photographer Sharon Green.

Sharon shares how she got her start behind the lens—shaped by the influence of her Hall of Fame sailor father, Don Green—and reflects on capturing some of the sport’s most iconic images. She offers practical tips for shooting on the water, in the water, and from the air, and explains the importance of equipment, timing, and perspective. From helicopter shoots to racecourse challenges, Sharon reveals what it takes to create both dynamic and technically precise sailing photos, along with advice for aspiring photographers looking to break into the field.

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Welcome to the nineteenth episode of UK Sailmakers' Lessons Learned podcast series, hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons speaks with Butch Ulmer, former president of UK Sailmakers and a member of the Sailing Hall of Fame.

Together, they break down the 2025 changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, with this episode's particular focus on obstructions and proper hailing protocol. Butch shares tactical advice including what to do (and what not to do) when you find yourself in a tough spot like Boat 1 in the “coffin corner” shown in the thumbnail.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into the sport, this episode offers valuable insights from a true rules expert and world-class sailor.

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Join us for the eighteenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series. Listen as host, Buttons Padin, talks with Bill Henson about his thrilling experiences aboard his JPK 45 SIRENE.

From purchasing the boat in Lorient, France, to participating in the Middle Sea Race, sailing through the Suez Canal, and recently racing in the Sydney Hobart, Bill shares his unique insights and modifications that enhanced the boat's performance. Explore Bill's adventures sailing 25,000 miles, contending with challenging conditions, and balancing both racing and cruising in remote locations.

Learn about his collaboration with Geoff Bishop of UK Sailmakers Fremantle for specialized sail solutions that supported his journey. Don't miss this episode packed with sailing tales and valuable lessons.

You can also read more about SIRENE's Sydney Hobart race in the News section of the UK Sailmakers Website.

Video Image Credits: Bill Henson

Thumbnail Photo © Bernie Kaaks

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Join us for the seventeenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series hosted by Brendan Huffman, featuring special guest Rodney Pimentel. In this episode, Rod discusses his recent division win at the 2024 Pacific Cup onboard his Cal 40, AZURE. Rod talks about how upgrades to the boat, crew selection, and sails by Sylvain Barrielle of UK Sailmakers San Francisco helped to power the team to victory.Rod also shares captivating stories from his adventures cruising with his family on various boats in stunning destinations like the British Virgin Islands and the Mediterranean. Follow Rodney and AZURE on Instagram at @azure_cal40.

AZURE Image Credits: Rodney PimentelThumbnail Photo © Irina Potekhina – White Raven MediaLike and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers Spotify channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.

Join us for the sixteenth episode of Lessons Learned, UK Sailmakers' podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin, featuring special guest David Dickson. In this episode, David discusses the history of the Shannon One Design—a unique wooden boat crafted for the Shannon River and still raced today near Athlone, in the heart of Ireland. David, alongside Barry Hayes from UK Sailmakers Ireland, has been part of a project to design a modern sail for this historic class, bringing renewed energy to a boat design over a century old.

Image Credits: David Dickson and Google Images Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. UK Sailmakers is proud to have the Lessons Learned Podcast Series recognised as the #1 Sailing Podcast in the UK by FeedSpot.