022 - The Naval Architect Behind The Iconic Deep V Hull: Winn Willard of Ray Hunt Design
Release Date: 05/01/2026
022 - The Naval Architect Behind The Iconic Deep V Hull: Winn Willard of Ray Hunt Design
The Rising Tidecast
In Episode 22 of the Rising Tidecast, Winn Willard, president of Ray Hunt Design, shares stories from his 50-year journey in the world of naval architecture. From his childhood on the water to working alongside the legendary Ray Hunt, starting Hunt yachts, and carrying on the Ray Hunt Design legacy, Winn provides a deep look into the evolution of boat design and the industry that has defined his life. He reflects on the transition from the tedious, manual calculations of early ship design for the Navy to the creative freedom he found at Hunt Associates. He talks about the impact of the...
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021 - Assegai - The Story Behind Australia's Legendary Custom Game Boats w/ Barry & Craig Martin
The Rising Tidecast
The Rising Tidecast is back for season 2 with a fresh new episode! Barry and Craig Martin, the father-son duo behind Assegai Marine, are currently building their biggest game boat yet, a 61-footer with 3,100 horsepower for Morris Nautical. They unpack what it really takes to build a reputation that sells premium boats before they are finished. They share how skipper feedback drives every design decision, why they prioritize seaworthiness and serviceability over flashy specs, and what most buyers misunderstand about custom builds: time, cost variability, and the difference between building to...
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020 - Building A Custom Sportfish and Chasing Marlin w/ Rod Findlay
The Rising Tidecast
Summary In this episode, Roddy Findlay shares his lifelong passion for fishing and boating, starting from building their family boat Murrifin and childhood fishing trips. He discusses the challenges and successes of boat building, memorable fishing adventures, and the transition to a professional fishing career, including experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. Rod emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from experiences, and the joy of fishing as a family legacy. This conversation explores the journey of a passionate fisherman who transitioned from a novice to a skilled captain and...
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019 - Behind Edencraft: Building a Legacy Boat Brand w/ Josie Eastman
The Rising Tidecast
Summary Josie Eastman, GM of Edencraft, shares insights into the company's journey since the Maher family purchased the legacy boat brand, the importance of community and family in their business model, and the innovative approaches they take in boat building. She discusses the significance of customer experiences, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and the impact of their events on customer relationships. Josie also reflects on her leadership style, the influence of her parents, and the balance between tradition and innovation in maintaining Edencraft's legacy....
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018 - Lessons from a Lifetime on the Water w/ Peter Jenyns of Professional Boat Care
The Rising Tidecast
In Episode 18 of the Rising Tidecast, Peter Jenyns takes us on a journey through his lifelong love of boating. From growing up in a family deeply rooted in sailing and fishing to forging a career in boat care, Peter shares how his passion for the water has shaped his life. He reflects on the evolution of fishing, the strong sense of community among boaters, and the lessons learned from years spent at sea. He also shares some wild stories, including a dramatic tale of a stolen family boat—and the camaraderie that defines the boating lifestyle. The conversation touches on key...
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017 - The Superyacht Industry's Hidden Challenges (And How to Overcome Them) w/ Adam Hickey of d'Albora Marine
The Rising Tidecast
In this episode, Adam Hickey shares his journey from the fast-paced world of motorsport racing to a career on the water. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to the yachting industry, the skills required to thrive at sea, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He also dives into the emotional highs and lows of competitive sailing, including his experience in the Sydney to Hobart race. Beyond sailing, Adam explores the world of yacht brokerage, sharing his perspective on building relationships, navigating industry challenges, and the emotional aspects of brokering...
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016 - They Stole His Store and Gear… But He Kept Going w/ Alex Qasabian of Fishing Station
The Rising Tidecast
Summary Alex Qasabian shares his journey from a passionate fisherman, to an accomplished guitarist, to the owner of Fishing Station, a staple in Sydney's fishing community. He discusses the importance of building a supportive community, the influence of his family on his love for fishing, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a music career to entrepreneurship. Alex highlights the significance of customer service in his business and the resilience required to overcome obstacles, including government challenges and theft. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the deep...
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015 - Insights Every Marine Brand Needs To Know with Stephanie Vatalaro from RBFF
The Rising Tidecast
Summary Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior VP of Strategy and Operations at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), discusses her journey from a water-loving family in Ohio to her impactful career in the marine industry. We talk about the importance of networking, the challenges of engaging new audiences in fishing, and the innovative campaigns RBFF has launched to promote fishing and boating. Stephanie shares insights on the significance of data-driven strategies and emotional storytelling in connecting with diverse audiences and retaining participants in the fishing community. We...
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014 - The Formula For Yacht Broker Success with Jack Warwick
The Rising Tidecast
Summary It's not all champagne and caviar. Jack Warwick shares his journey from corporate to becoming a successful yacht broker in Sydney. Jack discusses the allure of the marine industry, the hard work behind the scenes, and the innovative marketing strategies he employs to stand out in a competitive market. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients and creating valuable content to engage potential buyers. The conversation also touches on the realities of the job, the skills required for success, and Jack's aspirations for the future. In this episode, we...
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013 - How Billfish Gear Redefined Fishing Apparel - A Category of One With Founder Leo Chapman
The Rising Tidecast
Summary Leo Chapman, founder of Billfish Gear, shares the story of how his brand started and grew in the fishing apparel industry. The journey began with an Instagram page and the idea to provide a news source for fishing enthusiasts. Leo built a following and eventually added products to the mix, starting with stickers and then expanding to hats and apparel. Along the way, he relied on the help of individuals who believed in the brand and were willing to ship products for him. The company's culture of creativity and high performance continues to attract passionate individuals who want to be...
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Takeaways
- Repetitive technical work can be the catalyst for seeking a more creative and personally fulfilling career.
- Practical, hands-on experience in boatyards and running launches is essential for a well-rounded designer.
- The Deep V hull revolutionized the industry by allowing boats to go fast in rough conditions without losing stability.
- Successful marine design often relies as much on sharp intuition and practical experience as it does on formal engineering
- Innovative designers must be uninhibited and willing to apply successful concepts across different types of vessels.
- Seeing a tangible creation move from the drawing board to the water remains a primary source of career satisfaction.
- The most impactful designs are those that eventually become the standard for the entire marine industry.
- A genuine passion for the process of creation is the key to maintaining joy in a career for over fifty years.