Episode #134: Nigel Silva-Dallenbach on Data-Driven Sailing

This week’s host Ryan Foland is joined by Nigel Silva-Dallenbach to chat about the intersection of sailing and tech. Nigel is a sailing enthusiast, instructor, and software developer working on a new device that will gather various data points while sailing. Nigel hopes to use this data to develop new insights to help his training for the Tempest World Championship later this year in Switzerland.

Hear about the ABYC (Alamitos Bay Yacht Club) Tempest Fleet, why the Tempest is Nigel’s favorite boat, and how he got into teaching sailing at ABYC. The show finishes with a thoughtful discussion on how we can improve youth sailing programs.

This episode covers everything from Tempests to racing. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear:

• Where did Nigel go to start sailing in California?
• What is his Tempest’s name?
• How does the Tempest World Championship work?
• The Internet of Sailing
• What software is Nigel working on for sailing data?
• How is he prepping for the Tempest World Championship?
• Can he use his software in the race?
• Could you track emotion while sailing?

Learn more about Nigel on LinkedIn, Ryan at Ryan.Online, and ABYC’s adult sailing programs at ABYC.org.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes:

• Nigel Silva-Dallenbach on Data-Driven Sailing
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:24] Ryan Foland
  • [0:52] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [1:15] Learn more about Nigel on LinkedIn, Ryan at Ryan.Online, and ABYC’s adult sailing programs at ABYC.org
  • [2:30] What’s a story that shaped Nigel as a sailor?
  • [3:35] Where did he go to start sailing in California?
  • [4:35] How many places did he check out as his potential sailing base?
  • [6:08] Tempest, Laser
  • [6:55] ABYC (Alamitos Bay Yacht Club)
  • [7:28] Tempest World Championship (Tempest Worlds)
  • [8:21] What is his Tempest’s name?
  • [9:01] How does the Tempest World Championship work?
  • [11:59] Learn more about ABYC’s adult sailing programs at ABYC.org
  • [12:19] ChatGPT
  • [14:02] How did Nigel get into sailing data?
  • [14:42] Major League Soccer (MLS)
  • [16:31] Internet of Sailing (IoS) 
  • [16:47] What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
  • [17:45] Lucille Ball
  • [20:48] What software is Nigel working on for sailing data?
  • [22:25] GPS (Global Positioning System)
  • [22:54] The 3rd Annual Spring Fling Marine Expo hosted by Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply takes place April 12-13, 2024 in Alameda. Grab your tickets at SpringFlingBoatShow.com
  • Sailing Data
  • [23:52] What other data can Nigel collect with this software?
  • [25:41] What is a Digital Twin?
  • [26:03] What is the Metaverse or Web3?
  • [28:12] Hyundai
  • [29:18] Zoom
  • [29:32] Apple Vision Pro
  • [29:55] Learn more about Nigel on LinkedIn and email him at [email protected]
  • [31:24] How is Nigel prepping for the Tempest World Championship?
  • [32:12] U.S. Tempest Class Association
  • [34:19] Can Nigel use his software in the race?
  • [36:02] How can we get the next generation more interested in sailing?
  • [41:08] The 3rd Annual Spring Fling Marine Expo hosted by Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply takes place April 12-13, 2024 in Alameda. Bring the kids along for some family fun! Grab your tickets at SpringFlingBoatShow.com
  • Sailing Innovation
  • [42:04] CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
  • [43:15] Could you track emotion while sailing?
  • [43:51] AI (Artificial Intelligence)
  • [46:05] Episode #130: “Ryan Foland on Teaching Tempest Sailing”
  • [47:30] What final thoughts does Nigel have?
  • [48:04] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [48:12] Learn more about Nigel on LinkedIn, Ryan at Ryan.Online, and ABYC’s adult sailing programs at ABYC.org
  • [48:23] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [48:33] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [48:37] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [48:51] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [49:00] Check out the March 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by Solxis