These are the best sailing podcasts to listen to and are still active today. I spent countless hours going through and listening to multiple episodes of each show.
I evaluated these shows into four main categories as well as giving you my take on what they are all about.
How Podcasts were evaluated:
Was the podcast educational?
Was the podcast entertaining?
What level of experience was it designed for?
Did it have good audio quality?
All of the shows are podcasts about sailing from talks about the fastest sailing boats to boating news and how to run short-handed crews. There is something for everyone, and these shows are a great way to learn more or take your first steps into learning about sailing.
Nautical Nonsense
I don't even know how to classify this podcast or give you a quick synopsis. Technically, Nautical Nonsense is a show that uncovers the history of sailing. When I was doing research on podcasts that I love this show caught my attention and captivated me. Sydney Zaruba is an incredible storyteller with deep knowledge of sailing history and its mystery.
Educational: You will not find this information on any other products.
Entertaining: I couldn't hit subscribe fast enough. This is a must-listen to.
Level of Experience: This is for everyone, even people who don't sail.
Audio Quality: 11/10 This is a truly professional show with impressive detail.
Harrison's Notes: This is a fantastic podcast to tune into if you're looking for some high-quality entertainment. It's great if you're a first time sailing podcast listener, and has some of the best stories about history.
The Liveaboard Sailing Podcast
Annika interviews liveaboard sailors in this podcast to gain a thorough understanding of their sailing lifestyle. The discussions cover topics such as the financial aspects of living on a sailboat, ways to fund a sailing trip around the world, working full-time while on a sailboat, and common mistakes made by sailors. Annika also speaks with industry experts to provide information on selecting the best boat, purchasing a liveaboard sailboat, and the process of boat surveys. The goal of the show is to provide real-life advice, practical tips, and entertaining stories to help others begin their own liveaboard sailing adventures.
Educational: Highly. The people Annika interviews are amazing and highly experienced.
Entertaining: Great stories from knowledgeable people
Level of Experience: Advanced. Its full of high level knowledge but is great for anyone to listen to.
Audio Quality: Great some shows you can tell don't have the best audio but are very good.
Harrison's Notes: This is a great podcast if you've got some experience sailing and want to see a little more into the joy of sailing with the stories behind it. If you're a boat owner and looking to hear what you could be missing on the open sea this is an amazing show to listen to.
The Ocean Sailing Podcast
The Ocean Sailing Podcast is a resource for anyone who enjoys sailing, whether they are seasoned sailors or just starting out. Each episode features exciting stories, helpful tips and insights, and profiles of the diverse group of people who sail the world's oceans for pleasure, competition, or adventure. Whether you are planning your first voyage or reminiscing about past ones, this podcast has something for you.
Educational: Shares expert knowledge
Entertaining: Very! Great stories from David the host and his guests.
Level of Experience: They cover a lot of good knowledge for intermediate sailors but if you're just getting started its packed with information to help you prevent potential issues.
Audio Quality: Fantastic Many of the shows are over zoom but the audio quality is great!
Harrison's Notes: There are tons of deep dives in each podcast episode and stories from people who live full time on their boats. This is a great show to both be entertained and learn from.
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Learn To Sail
The Learn to Sail podcast is your chance to get started in the exciting and rewarding sport of sailing. With easy-to-follow audio instructions, this series takes you step by step through the basic principles of how boats work and how to control them. You'll learn how to make a boat move, change direction, and adjust its speed, as well as how to stop and steer. Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, this podcast is the perfect way to get started in sailing and explore the open water.
Its geared towards beginners and gives over the core basics. There are only 10 episodes and they are all very short (less than 10 minutes) but you can binge the whole thing and understand the basics.
Educational: It's a beginners dream
Entertaining: It's only entertaining if you're looking to learn the basics. This is not a show to pass time.
Level of Experience: Beginner. This is the perfect show if you're looking to break into sailing.
Audio Quality: It's great. Its just Tim and a microphone.
Harrison's Notes: This is a short podcast series that breaks down the basics of sailing. Its packed with information that you can take home and work with. This is not for a professional sailor but if you're looking to brush up there are only ten episodes in the podcast series less than ten minutes each. This is the only show that is not recorded anymore but is important to listen to.
The Quarterdeck:
The Seamanship and Leadership in Sailing podcast, produced by 59º North Sailing, is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and technicalities of sailing. In each episode, professional skippers Andy Schell, Nikki Henderson, and August Sandberg take listeners on a deep dive into various aspects of sailing, including leadership, preparation, sail trim, navigation, and much more. Through technical discussions and lessons learned from their own experiences, these seasoned sailors share their expertise and insights on all things sailing. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking to improve your skills or a newcomer to the sport, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the exciting world of sailing and seamanship.
Educational: Very there are also experts that share captivating stories that are very helpful.
Entertaining: Great podcast to pass the time and learn about sailing.
Level of Experience: Beginner to Intermediate
Audio Quality: Amazing. I couldn't find an episode that had bad audio.
Harrison's Notes: The podcast is packed with info from doing dock lines to important information about boat ownership and technical information like boat electrical systems. They have in-depth experience and you can tell they all live a boating lifestyle.
Sailing Stories
Join Andy Schell and 59 North, Ltd for 'Sailing Stories', a podcast featuring thrilling tales from the high seas. Each season of the show is based on a book the team loves and is presented in a serialized format, with a new episode released weekly. Listeners can look forward to professionally narrated stories that transport them to distant shores and exciting adventures on the water. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or just love a good tale of adventure, 'Sailing Stories' has something for you.
Educational: Yes, but mainly entertaining
Entertaining: Very. The stories that are told on this podcast are next-level. It's a great podcast to pass the time and pick up some knowledge.
Level of Experience: Beginner to Professional Sailors. It's more entertaining, but there is plenty of knowledge.
Audio Quality: Some of the best. It's professional quality.
Harrison's Notes: This is more of an audiobook in a podcast form. From stories of the pacific islands to the raging sea, this is something worth tuning into. Episodes are no longer recorded but there are enough episodes to keep you entertained for a long time.
Your Pocket Sailing Instructor
Welcome, sailor! Penny is a seasoned sailing coach with over 25 years of experience with Sail Canada. Throughout her career, she has had the pleasure of introducing thousands of people to the joy and excitement of sailing. As a coach and mentor, her goal is to help you discover your love of sailing and achieve your full potential on the water. In her podcast, she offers a range of resources for sailors of all levels, including gear reviews, sailing tips, and practical advice on how to develop good habits and techniques. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced sailor looking to take your skills to the next level, she's here to help you live your best sailing life.
Educational: It's all educational but also a great podcast to listen to just for fun.
Entertaining: For an educational show its very entertaining
Level of Experience: Beginner to Intermediate
Audio Quality: Professional Level Audio
Harrison's Notes: This is a beginner focussed podcast packed with information by a veteran in the industry. It doesn't matter if you're a boat owner or working on a cruise ships this has information that can help you on the seas.
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Offshore Sailing and Cruising with Paul Trammell
Interviews with offshore sailors and industry professionals can provide a wealth of exciting stories and useful information for those who are interested in embarking on their own adventures at sea. By learning from the experiences of others, we can gain valuable insights into what to expect on the open water and how to properly prepare for the challenges we may face. These interviews can be especially helpful for those who are new to offshore sailing, as they can provide valuable tips and advice for making the most of our time on the water. Whether we are seeking to learn about the latest sailing techniques, gather recommendations for the best gear and equipment, or simply be entertained by thrilling tales of life at sea, interviews with offshore sailors and industry professionals can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to make the most of their time on the water.
Educational: Very. Lots of great insight from experts you would never get otherwise
Entertaining: This is one of the most interesting podcasts if you're interested in offshore sailing and the insane stories that come with it.
Level of Experience: Advanced to expert. If you're sailing the worlds oceans then this is a podcast you need to listen to.
Audio Quality: Great audio. It's recorded over zoom.
Harrison's Notes: Paul interviews maritime professionals to highlight what sailing has to offer. From stories all over the world, from New Zealand to the Indian Ocean and beyond. Paul does an amazing job of creating a show that is great to listen to and be captivated by. These are exclusive interviews that I couldn't find anywhere else on the internet.
On The Wind Sailing
On The Wind Sailing is the ultimate podcast for sailing enthusiasts, featuring in-depth interviews with professional sailors Andy Schell, August Sandberg, and Emma Garschagen. Over the course of more than 350 episodes and seven years, the trio has spoken with a wide range of sailors from all corners of the globe, delving into what motivates, scares, and inspires them as they navigate the open waters. From legendary figures like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to beloved industry icons like John Kretschmer and Pam Wall, On The Wind Sailing has interviewed a diverse array of guests, including boat builders, yacht designers, and even YouTube stars. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting out on your journey, On The Wind Sailing is the perfect podcast for anyone looking to learn from the experiences and insights of others in the sailing community.
Educational: Yes, tons of stories to learn from all types of guests.
Entertaining: Very entertaining. Tons of info to pick up and stories to captivate you.
Level of Experience: Beginner to expert. There are episodes geared toward people who love sailing.
Audio Quality: Amazing. This is a professionally done podcast.
Harrison's Notes: These are stories and information to help you become a better sailor. It's a love of all things sailing and growing the sailing community.
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The Sailing Rode
"The Sailing Rode" is a podcast focused on sailboat cruising and travel, featuring discussions about the lessons learned and experiences gained by the hosts as they progress from being local trailer sailors to seasoned offshore sailors. In each episode, the hosts share stories from their sailing travels and provide recommendations for marine and general products that have proven useful on their boat. Whether you're an experienced sailor or just starting out, "The Sailing Rode" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the ins and outs of sailboat cruising and travel. With a focus on sharing practical advice and real-life experiences, the podcast offers a unique perspective on what it takes to become a confident and capable sailor.
Educational: Yes lots of life experience from guests as well as the hosts.
Entertaining: Great stories and great guests. Its a nice play back and forth with long episodes to listen to and pass the time.
Level of Experience: Beginner to expert. They share the joys of sailing and ocean sailing stories.
Audio Quality: Great some Zoom calls and many shows with the hosts together.
Harrison's Notes: This is a podcast for anyone sailing from a lake to an open ocean. Steve & Brady bring tons of knowledge with their guests, who have some unique experiences. Unfortunately, the last episode they recorded was September 25th, 2018, but it's a fantastic show to listen to.
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How Not To Sail
Bradford Rogers knows firsthand that mistakes and mishaps are all part of the cruising experience. While sailing the Gulf Coast of Florida and interacting with the unique individuals he meets along the way, Bradford has learned a few things about what NOT to do on the water. But he also recognizes that making mistakes is simply a natural part of the process, and in his show he embraces the opportunity to demonstrate and teach others about the lessons he has learned. Join Bradford as he sets sail, ready to share his tales of screw-ups and the occasional life lesson with his viewers.
Educational: Yes you can learn how not to sail. There are tons of great stories to make you laugh and learn.
Entertaining: This show is beyond comical and full of info. It's captivating and entertaining.
Level of Experience: All Levels
Audio Quality: Next-level audio. It's a great show to listen to.
Harrison's Notes: This is a satirical show that has me laughing through the episode. Bradford is a fantastic storyteller, and he brings you on his journey of what not to do when sailing. He is an expert with audio and makes the shows very entertaining.
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Good Jibes with Latitude 38
Good Jibes", a podcast that offers a glimpse into the world of sailing from the perspective of experienced West Coast sailors. Each week, join hosts John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, and Ryan Foland as they share stories, tips, and advice on various sailing-related topics, including community, cruising, and racing. As a team at Latitude 38 - a sailing magazine that has been serving West Coast sailors since 1977 - they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
In addition to providing valuable information and entertainment for sailors, "Good Jibes" is also brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and the U.S. Coast Guard. These organizations work to promote safe and responsible boating practices, and "Good Jibes" aims to support and further their efforts by providing a platform for discussion and education on this important topic. So join us and become a better sailor as you cast off, laugh, and learn with "Good Jibes"
Educational: Loaded with education and safety while also in partnership with the Safe Boating Campaign and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Entertaining: Very entertaining and informative. Great podcast to listen to in your free time.
Level of Experience: Beginner to expert level.
Audio Quality: Fantastic quality and great to listen to all the time.
Harrison's Notes: This a great show packed with information and safety tips to make your sailing safer and more enjoyable. Its a well produced show that is great to listen to and is a solid choice for anyone looking to be entertained while they learn.
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Single-handed Sailing Podcast
This podcast is brought to you by Matt Rutherford and his experience living on his sailboat. He shares tons of information about his experiences in the sailing community and his trips around the world.
Educational: Very education and is first hand experience from someone traveling the world on a sailboat.
Entertaining: There are tons of stories to listen to, and is great to tune into.
Level of Experience: Matt covers a ton of information about sailing but its great for everyone from beginners to experts.
Audio Quality: Its amazing its usually just Matt speaking into a mic.
Harrison's Notes: Great show. Its cool that you can follow along to see what Matt is doing and where he is traveling. He is extremely consistent and has produced over 190 episodes. He is a master at sailing and has deep knowledge of sailing.
Bar Karate - The Sailing Podcast
e is a weekly podcast that covers a variety of topics related to sailing. The show is hosted by a team of individuals who are passionate about sailing and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport. Each episode features a discussion of the latest news and developments in the world of sailing, as well as inside gossip and other interesting tidbits. The show is designed to be both informative and entertaining, so listeners can expect to have a lot of fun while learning about sailing. Despite its name, Bar Karate is not necessarily focused on the martial art, but rather aims to provide a lively and engaging discussion about all things sailing.
Educational: It's not an educational show, but you will learn something or have fun doing it.
Entertaining: Very entertaining. These guys are funny, and I immediately subscribed.
Level of Experience: Beginners to experts, there is something for everyone in their shows.
Audio Quality: Great audio. Very high quality and great to listen to.
Harrison's Notes: These guys are hilarious, and they are over 190 episodes in. It's a great idea to check this show out and add it to your list of shows to listen to.
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The Morning Muster Sailing Podcast
In each episode of the sailing podcast, hosts Teresa and Ben Carey invite a variety of guests to join them in a discussion of the most interesting and thought-provoking topics related to sailing. These guests may include cruisers, maritime professionals, and experienced sailors, who share their own personal experiences and insights on the lessons they have learned while out on the ocean. The show aims to delve deep into the substance of these topics, providing listeners with a thorough and in-depth understanding of the various aspects of sailing. Through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, the podcast seeks to provide a rich and informative exploration of the world of sailing.
Educational: Very educational, with expert interviews to help add more value
Entertaining: I love this show. They are great hosts and have great topics to listen to.
Level of Experience: Beginners to experts.
Audio Quality: Amazing audio and professionally produced.
Harrison's Notes: This is a great show for boat owners and beyond. The podcast episodes are about an hour each, so time can fly when you're listening. The show seems more like fireside chats and makes you feel like you're a part of the group. There are tons of great lessons involved in each show, and I would highly recommend subscribing to them.
