Salty Dips Episode 3: Cascadia Sailing with Joy Dahlgren
- Christopher Maier
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome back to Salty Dips.
In this episode, we sit down with a powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest sailing scene. Joy Dahlgren joins us to talk about the movement sweeping our waters. She is a racer, a business owner, and a community builder.
Joy is now with North Sails in Victoria after her time with UK Sailmakers. She also leads the charge for women in high-performance racing.
We dive deep into the Cascadia sailing movement and what it means for our region and look ahead to the road to the New York Yacht Club.
This is an episode about passion, precision, and a bit of "carnage" on the water.
Key Navigational Marks and Links
[00:00:35] Cascadia Sailing [00:03:51] Catching the Sailing Bug [00:09:26] From Santa Cruz 70 to Moore 24 [00:14:32] Building a One-Design Fleet [00:17:14] The Cascadia Women’s Team [00:23:05] Big Boat Communication [00:31:20] A Salty Story: IC37 Carnage [00:43:04] Road to Newport [00:48:42] Supporting the Team
Links:
The Spirit of Cascadia
Joy is at the heart of the Cascadia sailing movement.
This isn't just about lines on a map. It is about a shared identity between BC, Washington, and Oregon. We sail the same challenging waters and we face the same unpredictable currents and light air.
Joy explains that Cascadia is a way to unify our racing community. It bridges the gap between different yacht clubs and regions. The goal is to foster better competition and stronger friendships.
You can learn more about the initiative and the team at CascadiaSailing.org.
From the Big Boat to the Small Boat
Many know Joy from the Santa Cruz 70, Westerly. It is a legendary offshore machine.
But lately, her heart belongs to the Moore 24. She skippers Amoore in the growing Victoria fleet. The Moore 24 is a cult classic for a reason. It is fast, surfable, and incredibly fun.
Joy loves the tactical challenge of one-design racing. In a Moore 24, every small mistake is magnified. There is no hiding behind a rating or a massive sail plan. It is pure, tactical racing at its finest.
Building a Fleet in Victoria
Victoria is becoming a hub for the Moore 24.
Joy and her team have worked hard to build this fleet. Fleet building requires more than just buying boats. It requires a culture of support.
Joy talks about the "Moore 24 vibe."
It is competitive on the water and social on the dock.
This is how we grow the sport in the Pacific Northwest.
The Cascadia Women’s Team
One of the most exciting projects Joy is leading is the all-women’s team.
They are heading to the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) International Women’s Championship. This is a premier event held in Newport, Rhode Island.
The lineup includes Christina Wolfe as skipper and Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, Jen Morgan Glass on tactics, and UVic star Tara Golonka. It represents a significant step for women’s racing in our area. Joy discusses the selection process and the training schedule.
They are sailing the IC37, a high-performance one-design boat. Their coaching lineup is serious: Jonathan McKee, Richard Clarke, and Ben Mumford.
The goal is to show the world the depth of talent we have in the PNW.
They are training hard to compete against the best in the world.
Mastering Big Boat Communication
Racing a boat like the IC37 or a Santa Cruz 70 requires elite communication.
Joy breaks down how her team manages high-pressure situations.
Roles must be clearly defined. Information needs to flow smoothly from the tactician to the trim. Quiet boats are usually the fastest boats. We discuss the "loop" of communication. It starts with the bow and ends with the helm.
Joy emphasizes that trust is the foundation of a winning team.
When things go wrong, you rely on that trust to recover.
A Salty Dip: IC37 Carnage
Every sailor has a story about when things went sideways.
Joy shares a "salty dip" from an afternoon race on the IC37 .
It was a sporty day on the IC37 with a massive wipeout under kite.
It was pure carnage for a moment.
Luckily, Joy is a sailmaker.
The recovery was sharp, and the lesson stuck.
It serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change on the water.
The Road to Newport
The countdown to the International Women’s Championship is on. The team is focusing on fitness, tactics, and boat handling. They are seeking sponsors and supporters to help them reach the finish line.
Representing Cascadia on a global stage is a massive undertaking. Joy talks about the logistics of moving a team across the continent. It takes a village to get a racing team to Newport.
We are proud to support Joy and her crew in this mission.
It is an exciting time for our local sailing community.
What’s Next for Salty Dips?
We have more incredible guests lined up for the podcast.
Be the first to know about upcoming episodes.
Check out our Podcast Page for more stories.
If you missed our first episode with Steve McBride, you can find it here.
We are building a library of PNW sailing knowledge.
Join us as we explore the people and the boats that make our region special.
Disclaimer:The safety information and advice shared in this article are for general guidance and information only. Every skipper and vessel operator is solely and ultimately responsible for the safety of their crew, boat, and decisions made on the water. All skippers must ensure they are fully informed, exercise their own judgment, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and race rules. Readers should do their own research and consult with qualified professionals as needed, as situations on the water can vary widely and may require different actions.
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