59° North Sailing · video

What this video covers

Jahn Tihansky, a Tampa-raised sailmaker turned Naval Academy head sailing coach, traces a career that began at $3 an hour in a Florida sail loft and grew through Hood Sailmakers, offshore racing on the SORC circuit, and eventually building sails that won the 1992 America's Cup and the Whitbread Round the World Race aboard Yamaha.Watch He describes the competitive J24 circuit of the 1980s as the proving ground that moved him onto 38- to 50-foot offshore racers, where sailmakers functioned as the era's de facto professionals.39:23 He founded J World sailing school in Annapolis, running corporate team-building programs for clients including Northrop Grumman, Pfizer, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft, using structured on-water leadership exercises with a three-coach staffing model he developed after an under-crewed regatta nearly ended in disaster.6:34 A cold call from Commander Gerard Vandenberg pushed him to apply for the Naval Academy head coaching position despite meeting only two of ten listed qualifications.1:01:34 Andy Schell recorded the interview in Annapolis in October; a second part is planned.5:18 The episode is sponsored by Rutgerson Marine and OPO (Offshore Passage Opportunities).0:23

More from 59° North Sailing

On the Wind TV // Matt Rutherford Around the Arctic Ocean!Aug 2026Matt Rutherford // Far North of RussiaAug 2026Will Sofrin // The Nazi Origins of the USCG EAGLEJun 2026Jimmy Cornell // The Godfather of Offshore CruisingJun 2026

From 59° North Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.