Light winds but great racing at SailGP Valencia

Light winds but great racing at SailGP Valencia

Author: Justin Chisholm September 10, 2026 Duration: 39:40

Covered in this episode:

* How great it was to return to Valencia / memories of America’s Cup events of old / thronged with UK visitors there to see SailGP

* The local taxi drivers’ opinions on the size of the crowds

* The problems of covering sailing in light winds and the constraints of a broadcast window

* Magnus pitching (again) for a trial of windward starts

* The perfect positioning of the media centre in Valencia – right at the back of the start box

* Light winds didn’t mean poor racing / the benefits of split fleets / the sailors remain ultra competitive

* How impressive the F50’s big rigs are to be able toi race in seven knots of breeze

* Motorised booster jets yet to be tested

* Justin’s experience with Russell Coutts in the press conference

* British Olympic medallist John Gimson gets some wheel time for the Swedish team

* The Spanish sparkled on Saturday and crashed out on Sunday

* How the Italians surprised everyone – including themselves?

* A stellar performance in Sunday’s single fleet race from the Americans

* Backed up by a smash and grab win in the final

* The British were better but not good enough

* The Australians had to settle for second, but will have gone home happy

* Time to make a decision on the Middle East events

* Geneva is up next – will there be any wind?



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Yacht Racing Life Podcast is where performance-obsessed sailors and informed fans come to dive deep into the fast-moving world of competitive sailing. Hosted by British sailing journalist Justin Chisholm, this podcast goes beyond the press releases to uncover the stories, strategies and personalities driving the sport today. Across a mix of in-depth interviews and timely news-led conversations, you will hear from top professional racers, emerging talents, coaches, designers and insiders shaping everything from Olympic campaigns to grand prix offshore programmes. Expect insightful race debriefs, tactical and technical discussion, and honest reflections on life at the sharp end of the sport. Whether you race dinghies at club level or follow the major international circuits, Yacht Racing Life Podcast offers fresh perspective on how elite sailors think, train and compete. Subscribe and listen episodes to stay close to the action, wherever you are in the world.
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