Episode #138: Robbie Haines on Leading a Winning Racing Program

This week’s host, John Arndt, is joined by Robbie Haines to chat his lifetime of success at sea. Robbie is an Olympic champion who has won seven world championships on four different classes of boats.

Hear why confidence is so important in sailing and life, how to become a professional sailor, stories from the Olympics, how to prepare a boat for a race, and the best family vacation he’s ever had.

 This episode covers everything from the Olympics to catamarans. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear:

• How did Robbie get to the Olympics?
• When did he start managing boats?
• How were the 1984 Olympics?
• Who’s navigating in the next race?
• How old was the crew at the time of Morning Light?
• Is Robbie done racing?
• What’s next for Pyewacket?
• Short Tacks: Where’s Robbie’s favorite place to sail?

Learn more on Instagram @Pyewacket70 and at https://nshof.org/inductees/haines-jr-robert/.

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

• Robbie Haines on Leading a Winning Racing Program
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:26] John Arndt
  • [0:28] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:54] Learn more on Instagram @Pyewacket70 and at https://nshof.org/inductees/haines-jr-robert/
  • [2:11] What’s a story that shaped Robbie as a sailor?
  • [2:43] Soling
  • [3:48] How many boats were in the Soling fleet then?
  • [4:32] How did Robbie get to the Olympics?
  • [6:55] When did he start sailing on different boats?
  • [10:08] How were the 1984 Olympics?
  • [12:03] Penguin 
  • [12:15] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • Winning Racing Programs
  • [13:04] How did Robbie become a professional sailor?
  • [14:47] When did he start managing boats?
  • [15:58] Roy E. Disney
  • [16:26] Was that the first Pyewacket? 
  • [18:21] Was that Robbie’s first Transpac (Transpacific Yacht Race)?
  • [20:22] How big is the Volvo 70?
  • [22:32] Happy Belated, Robbie!
  • [26:44] Stan Honey
  • [28:14] Morning Light
  • [28:52] How old was the crew at the time of the movie?
  • [30:02] How many Bermuda Races has Robbie done?
  • [30:49] Who’s navigating in the next race?
  • [31:45] What’s next for Pyewacket?
  • [34:02] Admiral’s Cup
  • [37:22] Is Robbie done racing?
  • [38:35] Send your sailing photos to [email protected]. Check out our monthly Sailagram feed at Latitude38.com/Sailagram
  • Short Tacks
  • [39:18] What is Robbie’s favorite sailboat make and model?
  • [40:40] What’s his favorite boat for cruising?
  • [42:42] What’s his longest voyage?
  • [45:02] What’s his favorite place to sail?
  • [45:39] What advice does he have for future sailors?
  • [50:33] What’s the most important safety item other than a life jacket?
  • [52:52] No Excuse to Lose by Dennis Conner
  • [54:19] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [54:40] What final thoughts does Robbie have?
  • [55:48] Learn more on Instagram @Pyewacket70 and at https://nshof.org/inductees/haines-jr-robert/
  • [55:58] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [56:04] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [56:10] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [56:15] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [56:29] Check out the April 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis