VR Headsets and Starlink: How to Run a Sailing School from a Remote Anchorage | The Sailing Pod Ep15

Imagine dodging unpredictable ice floes in Antarctica, putting film crews in position for that perfect David Attenborough shot, and then—after a decade of professional high-stakes sailing—deciding the real adventure is actually a 42-foot cruiser, a three-year-old daughter, and a Wi-Fi signal in the Hebrides.

In this episode, Theo Stocker is joined by Charlie and Ed Hewitt of Ardent Training. They found a quiet corner at the Southampton Boat Show aboard a new Bavaria C46 to talk about their transition from professional whale-research skippers to "digital nomads."

They dive into how they’ve built a global online sailing school from the cabin of an 80s yacht, the reality of "working from bed" using a VR headset to escape the rain in Scotland, and why they traded the stress of Antarctic expeditions for the freedom of following the wind—wherever it happens to be blowing that day.

Brought to You By

This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. If you’re ready for more wind in the sails and less routine on land, Sunsail’s summer offers are currently live with up to 20% off. Whether it’s a bareboat charter in Croatia or a guided flotilla in Greece, visit the link in the description to find your next escape. Find out more: https://www.sunsail.com/uk/offers/summer-sailing-special?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ssuk_sailingpodcast

Episode Timestamps

00:01:15 – High stakes in the ice: Dodging bergs and filming for Blue Planet.

00:08:30 – Meet Charlie and Ed: From Sea Cadets and the Navy to professional whale research.

00:22:45 – Buying "The Puppy": Why a cheap 1980s Van de Stadt was the key to their business freedom.

00:33:10 – The Digital Nomad life: Using Starlink to pitch to the government from St Kilda.

00:39:50 – The Virtual Office: How a VR headset solved the "working on a small boat" problem.

00:48:20 – Family on board: Raising a three-year-old and planning the next trip North.

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