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Sailing the Wayfarer Way – A Conversation with Matt Sharman



If you've ever sailed a Wayfarer—or even just admired one from shore—you’ll appreciate this episode’s guest: Matt Sharman. A lifelong devotee of this classic dinghy, Matt’s story begins with a family hand-me-down Wayfarer and turns into decades of cruising, teaching, and supporting the Wayfarer sailing community.

Matt isn’t just a sailor—he’s also the force behind Aero Luff Spars, a company that produces one of the lightest and most compact foresail furling and reefing systems out there. It's a favorite among small boat sailors who want reliability without excess weight or complexity. We talk about how this innovation came to be and how it fits perfectly into the world of dinghy cruising.

But it’s not all about gear. Matt shares:

  • His early Wayfarer sailing experiences

  • Memorable cruises and the joy of camping aboard

  • How he introduces newcomers to the sport through lessons and outreach

  • His support of the active Wayfarer Facebook community

  • His reflections on meeting Ian Proctor (Wayfarer designer), and legendary voyagers Frank and Margaret Dye

Matt’s quiet dedication to the Wayfarer and the broader small boat community is clear—and contagious. His combination of hands-on experience, thoughtful mentorship, and innovation make this a conversation worth tuning in to.

🎧 Listen now and enjoy stories from a man who’s spent a lifetime exploring what’s possible in a 16-foot dinghy.


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