Episode #32: Ros & Nathan de Vries on Welcoming New Sailors to Your Crew

Welcome back to Latitude 38’s podcast, Good Jibes! In this podcast, we’re bringing you the world of sailing through the eyes of the West Coast Sailor. Each week, you’ll hear stories and tips from the West Coast sailing community on cruising, racing and just plain sailing. Cast off, laugh and learn, and become a better sailor. Hosted by John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, Ryan Foland, and the team at Latitude 38 – the sailing magazine for West Coast sailors since 1977!

This week’s host, Nicki Bennett, is joined by Ros & Nathan de Vries to chat about building your crew and giving opportunities to new sailors.

Ros is the 2022 Commodore at Island Yacht Club and frequently races with her husband, Nathan – who picked up sailing after moving from Australia to California.

Hear how to sail and race (and stay together) as a couple, find the right roles for everyone on the boat, establish great communication with your crew, welcome and connect with those new to the sailing community, and what you can learn from junior sailors.

This episode covers everything from relationship advice on the water to building a dynamic racing crew. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• What’s a story that shaped Ros & Nathan about sailing?
• Did they buy the boat in Santa Cruz?
• How did Ros go from sailing to boat ownership?
• What are Ros & Nathan’s thoughts on community?
• How has sailing & boat ownership impacted their relationship?
• What’s helped Island Yacht Club grow?
• How do you sail & stay together as a couple?
• What is Ros & Nathan’s advice for new sailors?

Learn more about Ros & Nathan at IYC.org, RosDeVries.com, and Instagram @YarrCat and @Atnan.

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

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

Show Notes

• Ros & Nathan de Vries on Welcoming New Sailors to Your Crew
  • [0:03] Boat Shows are officially back in the Bay Area. Come down to Svendsen’s in Alameda on April 9th from 9am-5pm for once a year deals from your favorite vendors. Stick around for a DJ, food truck, and a ton of raffle prizes. Get to know your favorite names in the industry and have a great day doing it. Entry and parking are free! Get all the info at svendsens.com/boatshow2022. We hope to see you there!
  • [1:12] Nicki Bennett
  • [1:14] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [1:16] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [1:18] Learn more about Ros & Nathan at IYC.org, RosDeVries.com, and Instagram @YarrCat and @Atnan
  • [1:47] What’s a story that shaped Ros & Nathan about sailing?
  • [3:04] Farallones
  • [4:09] Did they buy the boat in Santa Cruz?
  • [4:32] Facebook Groups
  • [5:02] How did Ros go from sailing to boat ownership?
  • [7:00] Latitude 38 Crew List
  • [11:28] How would you like it if we sent Latitude 38 to your home each month? Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com/Subscriptions
  • Sailing as a Couple
  • [12:02] How has sailing & boat ownership impacted Ros & Nathan’s relationship?
  • [17:27] Mentorship
  • [18:11] Pandemic
  • [20:14] How do you sail & stay together as a couple?
  • [24:48] Alameda, Berkeley
  • [26:00] Boat Shows are officially back in the Bay Area. Come down to Svendsen’s in Alameda on April 9th from 9am-5pm for once a year deals from your favorite vendors. Stick around for a DJ, food truck, and a ton of raffle prizes. Get to know your favorite names in the industry and have a great day doing it. Entry and parking are free! Get all the info at svendsens.com/boatshow2022. We hope to see you there!
  • Community
  • [27:18] What are Ros & Nathan’s thoughts on community?
  • [34:22] Estuary
  • [34:48] Podcast
  • [35:27] How has Island Yacht Club grown?
  • [40:04] How did going virtual help the yacht club?
  • [40:47] Digital
  • [41:03] Social Distancing
  • [41:48] How do you welcome new sailors to your crew?
  • [54:07] Self-Awareness
  • [55:14] What is your advice for new sailors?
  • [58:27] What would Nathan say to new sailors?
  • [1:00:07] Nonprofits
  • [1:01:56] Treasure Island
  • [1:02:42] What final thoughts does Ros have?
  • [1:04:26] Learn more about Ros & Nathan at IYC.org, RosDeVries.com, and Instagram @YarrCat and @Atnan
  • [1:05:52] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [1:05:56] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [1:05:59] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [1:06:04] Check out the March 2022 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

Thanks for listening to Ros & Nathan de Vries and Nicki Bennett on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month. 

This episode is brought to you by Svendsen’s Bay Maritime.

Boat Shows are officially back in the Bay Area. Come down to Svendsen’s in Alameda on April 9th from 9 am – 5 pm for once-a-year deals from your favorite vendors. Stick around for a DJ, food truck, and a ton of raffle prizes. Get to know your favorite names in the industry and have a great day doing it. Entry and parking are free! Get all the info at svendsens.com/boatshow2022. We hope to see you there!