Doug’s a highly-accomplished sailor from the Annapolis area; I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Doug is obsessed with how to make his J105 "Mayhem", sail faster. As you’re going to hear.
Doug’s always at the front of the j/105 fleet, despite being relatively new to the design. I suppose it’s not that surprising that he sailed his way to the front given his formidable achievements in windsurfing earlier in his sailing career – including two-time winner of US Sailing Youth Championships and the Major Hall Trophy (windsurfing), he’s a two time US Sailing Rolex Junior Team member, he represented the US at the ‘95 and ‘96 IYRU Youth World Championships and ‘99 World University Summer Games. What’s more, Dough was the 1995 Olympic Festival Bronze Medalist and member of the US national Sailing Team in 1998 and 1999.
Switching to keelboats, Doug picked up the 2017 Healy Trophy for Overall Cruising One Design. He was also the 2019 J30 North American Champion and most recently won the 2022 Charles Day Trophy - Best Performance in Fleet (AYC WNR)
Doug’s always at or close to the front of the J/105 fleet, which as you’ll hear he puts down to his deep knowledge of the J/105 design, relentless preparation and a constant quest for improvement gained both by on the water experience and through learning from others. As you’ll hear, he’s very willing to share what’s been working for him and his team, a formula that he puts into practice with considerable success.
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.