Bar Karate - the Sailing Podcast, Ep358 Rick Longbottom Anzac Day special
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In this Anzac Day special episode of Bar Karate: The Sailing Podcast, host Jordan Spencer welcomes Rick Longbottom, a decorated Navy sailor and the most successful competitive sailor in Australian Defence Force history. Longbottom recounts his journey from learning to sail on a 'flying ant' dinghy at Sydney High School to becoming a pivotal figure in the Navy’s sailing program, including his role in selecting the Taser dinghy — a boat that revolutionized competitive sailing in Australia. He shares vivid stories from his career, including winning the 1986 Taser World Championship, leading a Navy team to victory in the UK, and the chaotic logistics of shipping boats back via military aircraft. Beyond racing, Longbottom reflects on the deep cultural significance of Anzac Day in Australia, the unique camaraderie within the Navy, and the importance of sailing as a tool for team building, youth development, and mental resilience. He also advocates for the revival of adult team racing and highlights the transformative potential of programs like Sail Lab. The episode blends personal anecdotes, naval tradition, and passionate advocacy for sailing as both sport and service. Longbottom’s story reveals how military service and competitive sailing are deeply intertwined in Australia — not as separate worlds, but as complementary disciplines that build character, discipline, and national pride.
Rick Longbottom was instrumental in selecting the Taser dinghy, which became the backbone of Australia’s competitive sailing program and a symbol of naval innovation.
The Navy’s 1986 Taser World Championship victory was a historic moment — the first time a non-American sailor beat the dominant McKee family in a world title.
Sailing in the Australian Defence Force is not just recreation — it’s a low-cost, high-impact tool for team building, leadership training, and mental resilience.
The Navy’s original Taser fleet was shipped globally in a C-130, with boats eventually returning to Australia 18 months later via a 707 — a logistical odyssey that became legendary.
Team racing in the 1980s was a Navy-led innovation that fostered national competition and produced future elite sailors, but the program was later discontinued due to OH&S concerns.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Anzac Day Special Intro
The episode opens with a tribute to Anzac Day, highlighting its cultural significance in Australia and the traditions of dawn services and 2-Up betting. The hosts set the tone for a special episode celebrating service and sailing.
Introducing Rick Longbottom
Jordan and Brett introduce Rick Longbottom, a Navy sailor and the most successful competitive sailor in Australian Defence Force history, as the guest for this Anzac Day special.
From Flying Ants to Navy
Rick shares his sailing origins — learning on a 'flying ant' dinghy at Double Bay Sailing Club — and how his passion led to buying a Flying 11 at Yarra Bay, launching his competitive career.
The Taser Selection Process
“The Springbank 4.2 sank in the trial so it didn't get – it got scrubbed pretty quickly. Easy decision and it was something designed by an ex. British sort of individual with aspirations of gaff rigs...”
The Taser World Championship Victory
“I was the only non-American that had beaten a Makita World Championship. Wow. And it was sort of a nice one to just gently... Definitely a feather in the cap.”
“was the only non -American that had beaten a Makita World Championship. Wow. And it was sort of a nice one to just gently... Definitely a feather in the cap.”
“Sail Lab is one of those ones I've been gradually trying to push in with Royal Navy and with some support from Australian sailing, are keen to see that get some foothold.”
“It teaches you so many skills, whether it's workplace skills or how to work with things and make things and repair things and so on. To me that's the same whatever age you are.”
Hosts
Guest
taser
other
anzac day
other
jordan spencer
person
brett perry
person
rick longbottom
person
frank bethwaite
person
dawn service
other
sail lab
other
2-up
media
blue bottle
other
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