Echoing high-performance team development in the business world, sailing instructor Kristen Berry focuses on the more cerebral aspects of sailing and team dynamics. We had a fascinating discussion about this different approach to coaching sailing teams. Lots to take away from the conversation, including why when the helmsperson is yelling it usually means they are out of mental bandwidth (!) and why top teams are highly communicative but whisper quiet. Kristen is a 20-year US Sailing-certified instructor and founder of Annapolis-based Gale Force Sailing. He also works with the U.S. Naval Academy’s Basic Sail Training program and is advisory board member of New York’s Hudson River Community Sailing organization and executive director of Baltimore’s Downtown Sailing Center. I love the quote from Galeforce Sailing’s website: Sailing is a sport filled with challenges, chaos, and curiosity, and you should always strive for elegance. Hope you enjoy listening to this episode!
What is Sailfaster: The Podcast For Racing Sailors?
Sailfaster is the podcast for competitive sailors who want to sail faster and win more races. Each episode, host Pete Boland sits down with Olympic medallists, America's Cup and SailGP sailors, offshore racers and coaches to unpack starting technique, boat speed, race tactics, crew management, regatta preparation and race-day mindset — the details that separate the front of the fleet from the rest. Whether you race dinghies, one-designs, keelboats or offshore, you'll walk away with something to use on the water this weekend.