SheHelms Sailing Podcast

In this special episode, the tables are turned as my good friend Fi Read interviews me about why I started SheHelms Sailing.We talk about my own experiences as a woman in sailing, the culture I’ve encountered along the way, and why I felt there was a need for a space where women sailors could connect, learn from one another and build confidence. We also talk about my plans and hopes for the future of SheHelms.It’s a personal conversation about where SheHelms came from, why it matters to me, and what I hope it can become.⛵ Find out more about JoJo Pickering - Professional skipper, sailing instructor and mentor: https://islandswiftsailing.co.ukAbout SheHelms SailingI’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea.⚓ Join the SheHelms Community, it’s free: https://shehelms.com/❤️ Support SheHelms & help keep it free: https://www.patreon.com/SheHelms⛵ Sailing training, mentoring & professional skippering with JoJo: https://islandswiftsailing.co.ukYou can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sails or would like to.Follow SheHelmsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHelmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehelmsailing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehelmsailing/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

In this episode of the SheHelms Sailing Podcast, I talk with Kirsten Neuschäfer about life after her historic Golden Globe Race victory.We talk about sailing the Northwest Passage, writing her book All Good, K., and her reflections on the Golden Globe Race.Kirsten also shares some practical celestial navigation tips, her thoughts on navigating and sailing without modern technology, and what life has been like since returning from her extraordinary voyage. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Find out more about Kirsten’s GGRBuy Kirsten’s bookFollow the 2026 GGRAbout SheHelms SailingI’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea.⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJoYou can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to.YouTube | Instagram | FacebookKirsten NeuschäferKirsten is a South African offshore sailor and adventurer. She started her career in offshore sailing in her early 20’s, first as sailing instructor, then delivery skipper and finally charter skipper for high latitude sailing expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. In this time, she clocked up some hundreds of thousands of nautical miles of offshore experience, which ultimately lead up to her signing up for the Golden Globe Race 2022, which she sailed to victory.Among other things, Kirsten has also worked as a wilderness guide, a sled dog trainer, and has cycled the length of Africa from North to South. She continues to work in high latitudes on both land- and sea expeditions, as well as occasionally as trainer in sailing and navigation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

What does it take to stand on the start line of one of the toughest solo sailing race in the world? With just one month before the start of the Golden Globe Race, I caught up with Mara aboard Showgirl in Les Sables d’Olonne. Yet again there is only one woman in the race!This conversation goes far beyond race preparation. We talk about the reality of getting to the start line after months of setbacks and problem-solving, from major rig repairs in Jersey to the last-minute loss of a solar panel sponsor and the incredible generosity of the sailing community that stepped in to help.Mara shares the importance of her support team, why she chooses to embrace colour and femininity in a sport that often celebrates a different image, and why visibility matters if we want more women to believe that adventures like this are possible for them.We also dive into the practical realities of racing alone around the world. We discuss provisioning, the food that keeps both body and morale going, celestial navigation, self-steering systems, barnacles, heavy weather tactics, and the mindset needed to face months alone at sea. Throughout it all, Mara speaks openly about the pressure of being the race’s only female competitor while remaining determined simply to sail her own race and finish it.I hope you enjoy meeting Mara as much as I did.Mara's WebsiteGolden Globe Race 2026About SheHelms SailingI’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea.⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJoYou can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to.YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

Today I’m delighted to be talking with Rachael Sprot, sailor, writer, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and Examiner, and the new editor of the Shell Channel Pilot.Rachael shares how sailing shaped her childhood, why she chose an unconventional career on the water, and how she balances life as a professional sailor, writer and new mother.Together we explore what really makes a good skipper, why leadership matters more than authority, and how the culture of sailing is changing.In this episode we talk about:* growing up in a sailing family* building a career as a professional sailor* taking on the Shell Channel Pilot* what makes an effective and inclusive skipper* why confidence grows through experience and mentoring* making sailing more welcoming and accessible* practical advice for new skippers taking command for the first time Yachting Monthly author page – probably the best place to find her latest articles, biography and regular “Question of Seamanship” pieces.Shell Channel Pilothttps://store.imray.com/products/the-shell-channel-pilotAbout SheHelms SailingI’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea.⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJoYou can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to.YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com

Today I’m delighted to be talking with Katrien, who shares the remarkable story of how a childhood dream of sailing grew into a career as an RYA Instructor.After an early experience on the water left her lacking confidence, Katrien stepped away from boating for many years. But one sailing course changed everything. What followed was a journey of determination, self-belief and finding the people who encouraged her to keep going.In this episode we talk about:* discovering a passion for sailing later in life* overcoming fear and self-doubt* progressing from Competent Crew to Instructor* buying a first boat and learning through experience* why confidence comes from supportive people, not perfection* the value of women supporting women in sailing* finding your place within the sailing communityKatrien’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a dream. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re capable of becoming a skipper, instructor or boat owner, this conversation is full of encouragement and inspiration. Before becoming a professional sailing instructor, Katrien spent 25 years raising her three children and worked as a coach and ceramic artist. Throughout her life, she has been fascinated by personal growth, creativity and the courage it takes to follow one’s own path.The sea brought these passions together. For Katrien, sailing is about much more than learning how to handle a boat. It is about building confidence, learning to trust yourself, making decisions and growing through experience.Katrien is now an RYA Cruising Instructor who offers private sailing tuition aboard her yacht Butterfly - Etap 39s - in Southern Spain.She specialises in teaching beginners through private tuition for individuals, couples, friends and all-women crews. With a maximum of three students on board, every course is tailored to the individual in a supportive, safe and enjoyable learning environment.Katrien believes that we are all responsible for steering our own course in life, and that growth begins the moment we dare to take the helm.📸 Instagram: @sailwithkatrien📱 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/32487624446About SheHelms SailingI’m JoJo Pickering, a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and founder of SheHelms Sailing.SheHelms is a free, women-only sailing community bringing women together to build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through the podcast, monthly Zooms, Book Club, learning resources and our online community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations about sailing and life at sea.⚓ Join the SheHelms Community — it’s free❤️ Support the Podcast & Help Keep SheHelms Free⛵ Sailing Training, Mentoring & Professional Skippering with JoJoYou can also help SheHelms grow by following the podcast and sharing it with another woman who sail or would like to.YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com