Double Handed Bermuda Race Coaching

Tiger Blood in their pre-start, 19 June 2026.

I had the opportunity to coach a double handed team prior to the 2026 Bermuda Race. This is the first season for the team of Ned Oakley and Rob Miles sailing the SunFast 3300, Tiger Blood.

Due to slow shipment of new prop shaft the team had to delay the launch for a month. So we had a short time to work on getting up to speed, and knowing the boat.

The first day on the boat I met Ned who is a lifelong sailor, smart, fun person, and easy to coach. Ned is always learning, and a pleasure to be around

I have known Rob for 30 year, he is a pro sailor and a fantastic person. Rob is at home on boats going fast, having race a lot of off shore miles in his career.

Back on Stb and sailing with a well sailed J105.

The SunFast 3300 is a fun boat to sail, responsive, sails well on all points of sail, and goes well for her size. Ned and Rob put together a nice shorthanded inventory from North sails that we worked on dialing in crossovers, and setups on the boat. While also working on some boat handling, team work, and more.

During training, Rob checking out the Code 65 with Spin Staysail, fast combo.

Working with Rob to dial in the Code 65 and SS, sdetup.

Ned and Rob cleaning up a foredeck full of sails on our last training day.

It was a fast few weeks getting ready, but to quote Rob, “I wish we had another month”. I agree, but they are two smart sailors who are going to push hard, be safe, and have a fun adventure going to Bermuda. Then Rob will race the boat back singlehanded.

I will be cheering them on the whole way.

UPDATE: 19 hrs into the race they are at 170 miles. Not bad for a team who had less then 10 days on the boat prior to the start. They are doing fantastic. GO TIGGER BLOOD!

See you soon, Paul