Sara Stone Talks American Magic, TP52 Racing, and the America’s Cup...

Sailing is more than just a sport—it’s a strategic balance of skill, endurance, and preparation. In this episode of SailFaster, we dive deep with top professional, Sara Stone, a high-performance sailor who made an unconventional career shift from public health at the CDC to competing in some of the world’s most elite sailing events.

From Public Health to Professional Sailing, Risk Management, and High-Performance Racing

Growing up on Buzzards Bay, Sara spent her childhood on the water but pursued rowing in college rather than sailing. Her career began in public medicine, working with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on global emergency response efforts. That all changed when she stumbled upon Team SCA—an all-female team preparing for the Volvo Ocean Race. This was her defining moment. “I remember sitting at my desk, scrolling through their team updates, reading about their backgrounds, and thinking—‘That could be me.’”

Risk Management in Offshore Racing

Sara’s background in crisis management and logistics helped her transition seamlessly into professional sailing, where quick decision-making and adaptability are essential. “In offshore racing, you’re always making decisions based on an ever-changing risk profile. Your boat is your lifeline—you can’t push it too hard, but you also can’t hold back too much.”

Her ability to stay calm under pressure proved invaluable in races like the Newport Bermuda Race and the Women’s America’s Cup.

The Power of Preparation: Winning the Newport Bermuda Race

One of Sara’s first major sailing projects was the Newport Bermuda Double-Handed Return Race, which she won alongside UK sailor Kat Hunt. The challenge? They had never sailed together before. Instead of time on the water, they focused on meticulous preparation—breaking down strategies, sail handling, watch systems, and emergency protocols on land. “We knew we couldn’t practice at sea, so we did everything we could on land to be as ready as possible.”

Their success was a testament to preparation, communication, and adaptability.

The America’s Cup: High-Speed Sailing on the AC40

Recently, Sara took on one of her biggest challenges yet—racing in the Women’s America’s Cup with American Magic. Sailing the cutting-edge AC40 foiling monohull was a dramatic shift from offshore keelboat racing. Unlike traditional sailboats, AC40s fly above the water at speeds of up to 40 knots, requiring split-second decision-making.

“Everything happens so fast—closing speeds of 80 knots, blind spots due to the sails, and constant adjustments to stay on the foils. It’s all about trust, clear communication, and reacting in real-time.”

Although her team didn’t secure the title, they improved daily—a key takeaway in competitive high-performance sailing.

Offshore Racing: the art of doing nothing perfectly!

Sara describes offshore sailing as “the art of doing nothing perfectly.” Unlike short-course racing, where every maneuver must be executed with precision, offshore racing demands a long-term strategy, endurance, and conservative risk-taking.

“You can’t go 100% all the time—you have to think long-term. It’s about keeping the boat and crew in one piece while maintaining the highest possible speed over days and weeks.”

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Here’s a link to Apple Podcasts: