Nikki Henderson is no stranger to the 59N family. She’s a skipper, a podcaster, master of the Quarterdeck and a dear friend in the community. But when she signs off from these watches, she doesn’t quit. You likely know that she’s been on heaps of other seafaring adventures, including skippering the famed Whitbread machine, Maiden; the Clipper Round the World Race; and her first attempt at the Race To Alaska with Team Sail Like a Girl. I sat down to talk with Nikki about her second, most recent attempt at the R2AK, its challenges, and what made this one such a successful campaign in what I think is one of the greatest adventure races on earth. Guest-Hosted by Ben Doerr.

Navigating the challenges of parenthood whilst also maintaining an atypical lifestyle — be that of a sailor, adventurer, or anything that doesn’t involve a 9-5 desk job — has been a consistent theme of this podcast. Now the tables have turned. Andy, Mia and August are raising their two boys whilst running a business and working as professional sailors themselves. Hoping to be a parent myself one day, I took the opportunity to put them on the spot to discuss what has surprised them about parenthood, what they wish they had known before taking the plunge, and what advice they have for anyone else dreaming of a similar future.

Pam Wall returns to the podcast, live from her living room in Ft. Lauderdale. Andy sat down to talk to Pam about the treasure trove of memories in her house, how she stays happy and inspirational despite the tragedy of losing her husband and daughter too soon, the relationship she has with her son, how she stays fit at nearly 80, and lots lots more.

Celeste Pomerantz wasn't a sailor until she signed up for a sail & ski trip out of Tromsø, Norway, that was headed north in search of un-skied peaks in Svalbard. The boat was called SOFIE, and was owned and skippered by friend of 59º North, Mats Grimsaeth. I discovered Celeste in the ski film Wavy 2 about the adventure and immediately reached out to her. We talked about sailing in the Arctic, her upbringing in the mountains of western British Columbia, similarities between big mountain skiing and offshore sailing, managing fear, 'imposter syndrome' and her studies in renewable energy.

Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole and the North Pole, but his greatest achievement may have been leading the first successful crossing of the Northwest Passage in 1906. Terje Andre Pedersen grew up inspired by Amundsen's great stories of exploration. He has followed his own dreams, and is soon to set sail towards the Northwest Passage in Amundsen's wake with a ship made of wood and a crew made of iron.

Ben Doerr of Sail Bainbridge returns to talk to Andy about motorboatin'! Andy got inspired to call Ben when he saw an ad for a 65-foot converted Swedish Navy ship for sale in Stockholm as a place to live on the water. Andy though, 'hmm, who do I know that did exactly this, and with a family to boot...?' Ben of course! Ben and his young family have been living continuously on motor yachts (while their shoreside home is rented out) for over 5 years, currently calling the converted fire tug EWEN ROSS home. Ben talks to Andy about all the ups and downs of motorboat livin' on this long, winding and very fun chat between old friends.

McKayla Bower is an experienced outdoorswoman who is preparing to set off around the world alone on her San Juan 30, Swirl. Her goal is to become the first openly transgender person to circumnavigate and first queer person to do so solo.

Legendary Finnish sailor Tapio Lehtinen returns to the podcast to talk to Andy about losing his boat in the recent Golden Globe Race and the emotional toll it took on him. They discuss theories on why the boat sank and talk about how that experience has influenced his preparation for the upcoming Ocean Globe Race. Tapio is preparing his classic Swan 55 GALIANA with a crew of young Finnish sailors. It will be Tapio’s second Whitbread-style race after he sailed the original route in the 80s.

You can learn more about Tapio and his OGR campaign on his website: https://www.tapiolehtinensailing.fi

Andy & Matt ramble on about anything and everything, from sailing in Greenland to DJ’ing in the turntable era and most things in between. Andy was able to catch up with Matt right before he left for the 2023 Ocean Research Project expedition to Greenland the very next day. Matt is always an interesting guest and this episode is no exception. To support Matt’s mission and follow his expedition north to Greenland, head over to Ocean Research Project.

In less than a month, Andrew Bedwell from the UK will set sail on his homemade yacht, Big C, in a daring attempt to break the World Record for smallest boat to ever have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. The previous record has stood for thirty years, and if Andrew is successful, his record will be very hard to beat indeed. His boat is one meter long, and the voyage is 1,900 nautical miles.

Andy sits down with his dad and sister to reminisce about past sailing adventures and future plans while they are in Sweden for an early spring visit. 

Pip Hare is the 8th woman to ever finish the Vendée Globe. With that adventure complete, she is now well on her way to her next solo circumnavigation in 2024. She’s got a new boat and a professional team behind her as she prepares a competitive campaign for the next series of races. Andy first interviewed Pip ahead of her previous Vendée Globe, and for her second appearance on the podcast, Nikki catches up with Pip in between races.