Episode #140: Rodney Daniel on Grand Prix Yacht Racing

This week’s host, John Arndt, is joined by Rodney Daniel who shares his endless stories from the biggest and most competitive races on the water. Rodney is a professional sailor and pitman who has forgotten more than most will know about grand prix yacht racing, America’s Cup, Volvo, Maxi 72, TP52, and more.

Hear how to train for a big race as a team, the most dangerous boats he’s raced on, what a pitman does during the race, how to break into the grand prix circuit, and why sailing brings out the joy in people.

This episode covers everything from racing around the world to cruising in the Bay Area. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear:

• How did Rodney get into racing?
• What kinds of boats did he start sailing on?
• Why did he move to Oakland?
• What’s his normal role on a racing boat?
• How have racing boats changed over the years?
• What does Rodney do when he’s not sailing?
• How do you become a grand prix yacht racer?
• Short Tacks: What’s Rodney’s favorite race?

Learn more at Latitude38.com.

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

• Rodney Daniel on Grand Prix Yacht Racing
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:26] John Arndt
  • [0:47] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [2:19] What’s a story that shaped Rodney as a sailor?
  • [2:45] Sydney Hobart Race
  • [5:43] How much do you practice as a racing team?
  • [8:08] How did Rodney get into racing?
  • [10:19] What kinds of boats did he start sailing on?
  • [11:31] Why did he move to Oakland?
  • [12:50] How long has he been in the Bay Area?
  • [13:29] Grand Marina is The Bay Area’s Premier Boating Community. Learn more at GrandMarina.com
  • Grand Prix Yacht Racing
  • [14:21] What’s Rodney’s normal role on a racing boat?
  • [17:09] What are the scariest boats he’s raced on?
  • [22:21] How have racing boats changed over the years?
  • [26:52] How much planning do you need to do before a race?
  • [28:04] How much time does Rodney spend sailing?
  • [29:31] How many boats will be in the TP 52 Super Series?
  • [30:11] How do you become a grand prix yacht racer?
  • [32:58] What is Rodney still learning?
  • [35:03] What does he do when he’s not sailing?
  • [37:25] What new racing boats are coming out?
  • [38:39] What skippers has Rodney raced with?
  • [40:18] What’s the scariest moment he had on the water?
  • [43:12] Grand Marina is The Bay Area’s Premier Boating Community. Learn more at GrandMarina.com
  • Short Tacks
  • [44:01] What is Rodney’s favorite sailboat make and model?
  • [45:00] What’s his favorite boat for cruising?
  • [45:41] What’s his longest voyage?
  • [46:22] What’s his favorite race?
  • [46:51] What’s his favorite place to sail?
  • [47:55] What’s his favorite part of sailing?
  • [48:55] What’s the most important safety item other than a life jacket?
  • [49:15] When’s Rodney’s next race?
  • [49:42] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [50:12] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [50:53] What Final Thoughts does Rodney have?
  • [52:28] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [52:35] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [52:42] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [53:01] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [53:09] Check out the April 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis