Tune in to the fourteenth episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast series by UK Sailmakers, hosted by Brendan Huffman and featuring special guest Christian Williams. Listen as he recounts his 1979 Fastnet race experience, sailing trips to Bermuda and Hawaii, and insights into towering waves, sargassum weed, books, and jazz.
Williams, a former Washington Post editor and investigative reporter during the Watergate era, has also created two TV dramas and authored five books, including a Ted Turner biography. Currently residing in Southern California, Williams is an accomplished sailor and a satisfied UK Sailmakers Los Angeles customer. His boat, THELONIUS II, an Ericson 381, has taken him on multiple solo voyages to Hawaii and back, and on many more adventures.
Christian Williams sailing singlehanded on his Ericson 381, THELONIUS II. Photo by Christian Williams.
In the 1979 Fastnet race, Williams crewed for Ted Turner aboard the winning boat, TENACIOUS, facing Force 10 conditions in one of yacht racing’s largest disasters, where only 86 out of 303 boats finished and 18 sailors perished.
Ted Turner (center) pictured with his TENACIOUS crew. The team won the infamous 1979 Fastnet race. Photo © ESPN / Gary Jobson.
You can watch more about Christian Williams’ incredible life experiences, and sailing insights on his YouTube channel here: ChristianWilliamsYachting
THELONIUS II Image Credits: Christian Williams
1979 Fastnet Image Credits: ESPN / Gary Jobson
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