Loft 57: The North Sails Podcast
Loft 57: The North Sails Podcast
North Sails
Welcome onboard. Loft 57 is a conversational podcast that opens the doors to North Sails, the world’s leading sailmaker. With host Ken Read, this series goes behind the scenes with product creators and the passionate sailors who trust North Sails to power their adventures. We’ve been on this journey since 1957 and continue to make history by looking ahead.
Navigating Success with Winners and Innovators
In this thrilling final episode of the North Sails Vendée Globe special series, host Charlie Enright dives deep into the world of solo sailing with exclusive interviews. Hear from the Vendée Globe champion, Charlie Dalin, as he reflects on his groundbreaking victory and the challenges he overcame. North Sails President Ken Read shares his expert insights on the race's impact on the sailing world, while renowned boat architect Guillaume Verdier discusses the innovations driving modern sailing....
May 8, 2025
1 hr 20 min
Sailing Into History: Vendée Globe's Female Skippers Share Their Stories
Our host, Charlie Enright, speaks with three female skippers competing in this edition of the Vendée Globe - frontrunner Justine Mettraux, and multi-race veterans Sam Davies and Pip Hare. These women are the best of the best and an inspiration for all young offshore sailors. Over the years, the Vendée Globe skipper roster has included some of the best female offshore sailors in the game. And to be fair, to get to the start line of this level -solo, around the world, and without assista...
Jan 20, 2025
32 min
Perseverance and Passion of Vendée Globe Competitors
At the time of recording, the Vendée Globe fleet was offshore for just a few days shy of two months, and our guests for this episode were in the home stretch. And by home stretch, we mean 4,000 nautical miles a trek across the Atlantic Ocean. This episode features conversations with three Vendée Globe competitors- Conrad Colman, Nico Lunven, and Sam Goodchild. These sailors have a wealth of offshore experience, and each brings a unique perspective to the race. Get to know our guests be...
Jan 7, 2025
34 min
Early Challenges and Triumphs in the Vendée Globe's Opening Fortnight
The Vendée Globe, one of the world's most legendary solo round-the-world sailing races, is underway. In Episode 3 of our special series, Charlie Enright speaks with key personalities who provide an insider's perspective on the early stages of the event. Race director Hubert Lemonnier provides a glimpse into the 24/7 operation behind the scenes, with teams constantly monitoring the fleet's position and safety. He explains the challenges of balancing transparency for the fans with the ne...
Nov 29, 2024
57 min
The Journey to the Vendée Globe Start Line
The Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race is a monumental event in France, capturing the nation’s heart and drawing massive crowds, both shoreside and online. As the start of this year’s race approaches, the North Sails team is busy providing crucial last-minute support to the skippers, ensuring everything is in perfect order. Join North Sails and Loft 57 ‘s guest-host Charlie Enright as we delve into the preparation required to get to the start line of this prestigious offshore ocean race. ...
Nov 7, 2024
48 min
The Everest of the Seas – Welcome to the Vendée Globe
Imagine being alone, confined to a boat no larger than 40 square meters, amid extreme weather conditions that test your endurance and psyche. You're at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean—the most remote spot from land on the planet. Each moment is a surge of emotion: fear, loneliness, and passion for the sport. It's crazy. And it's called the Vendée Globe. Join Offshore Sailor and Ocean Race Champion Charlie Enright, who guest-hosts our Loft 57 Podcast for five special-edition episo...
Nov 4, 2024
51 min
Shaping the Future with the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup
The 37th America's Cup makes its mark in history by introducing the Women's America's Cup and elevating the Youth America's Cup. These two events sailed in the one design AC40, showcased optimism for a new era in Cup history, and paved the way for more women and up-and-coming talent to compete in the main event. In this episode, North Sails President Ken Read speaks with two team members of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli: Giulia Conti, helmswoman for the winning boat in the first-ever Puig Women's ...
Oct 19, 2024
54 min
From the Commentators Box – The Voices of the America’s Cup
The America’s Cup broadcast and color commentary have allowed millions of sailors and sports enthusiasts worldwide to tune into yachting's most prestigious regatta. One could argue that Gary Jobson's and Peter Montgomery’s voices are as recognizable as the Sailors, and the two have garnered their own fan following. While you may not recognize his voice, Jed Drake is an Emmy-winning producer and power player who helped ESPN revolutionize how to bring all the action onto our screens. &nbs...
Oct 8, 2024
1 hr 2 min
America’s Cup Strategy On Board & Shoreside, Plus a Conversation with Tom Whidden
Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Nathan Outteridge and Orient Express Racing Team CEO Bruno Dubois join the conversation in this episode of Loft 57. Nathan shares first-hand experience sailing the AC75 – from technical advancements in these foiling monsters to the challenges of getting this machine around the racetrack. Bruno, who has more than a few high-profile wins, including an Ocean Race with Dongfeng, discusses the difficulties of mounting a competitive America's Cup challenge on a li...
Oct 1, 2024
1 hr 7 min
Reflections from America’s Cup Legends Grant Simmer and Simon Daubney
America's Cup Hall of Famers Grant Simmer and Simon Daubney stop by Loft 57 to reflect on the America's Cup and their experience within yachting's most prestigious regatta. Between them, these two have won the Cup nine times. Their insight is second to none, and their unique point of view provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the America's Cup. Host Ken Read recorded Season 2 of Loft 57 on-site at the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Spain. This season goes behind the scenes wi...
Sep 26, 2024
55 min
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