Balancing Boats, Kids, and Foils: Life on (and off) the Water

Professional sailing is often seen as a glamorous, globe-trotting lifestyle. But for Dougie Newell, a boat captain in the TP52 class, it’s also about meticulous planning, family juggling, and squeezing every drop out of precious time on the water.

Newell and his wife Jess — who works in events management for the RC44 fleet — live parallel careers in the Grand Prix sailing world. “Before kids, it was like being ships in the night,” he says. “Now, with two young children, life is scheduled to the half-day: when one of us leaves, when we return, who’s got the kids. It’s the only way it works.”

The balance is only possible thanks to family support. Jess’s parents, he says, are “incredible” — stepping in constantly to look after the children when one or both are away. Even with that help, Dougie and Jess limit trips to 10–14 days at a time. Any longer, and the strain shows.

By Emma Maguire.

Making the Most of Time on the Water

“With a job that pulls me away from home and kids, the time I do get on the water is precious,” Newell explains. “And it has to be managed carefully — not just around family life but around Jess’s time too. She’s massively into triathlons and ultras. Supporting her in that is non-negotiable. I don’t want to be selfish with my hours in the water if she’s not getting her time to train and race. So, we’ve learned to treat it like a team effort: both of us knowing that our mental health depends on making space for the sports we love.”

That means constant weather-watching. “If I don’t keep an eye on the forecasts and suddenly spring a ‘I’ve got to go, it’s windy’ on Jess, it doesn’t work,” he says. “Keeping ahead means we both get our chances without resentment.”

Being self-employed also gives flexibility. Managing one of his boss’s other boats in Cowes, Newell can often adjust his hours. “I can sneak away at lunch for a surf or foil session, if the conditions are perfect.”

Cold Water, Warm Tricks

Living on the Isle of Wight, Newell knows cold water well. He pushes through winter in a 4/3 wetsuit for as long as possible, adding a hooded top when needed. Gloves appear around December, and boots get thicker as the season deepens.

“A good tip? Wetsuit socks inside your boots. They make a huge difference,” he says. “Another one: take flasks of hot water to the beach. Pour it into your wetsuit sleeves before you change — it transforms the experience. It’s also easier to slide into a wet wetsuit than a dry one. Small hacks like these keep motivation up when it’s cold and dark.”

What the Water Gives Back

For Newell, the benefits of time on the water go far beyond fitness. “As a dad often solo-parenting while Jess works away, time on the water isn’t just fun — it’s essential,” he admits.

“In recent years I’ve realised I’ve been living with High Functioning Depression traits. Before recognising it, I just thought I was angry, weird, or lazy. That self-awareness has been massive. There were times when I’d get to the beach, see the waves, and feel paralysed by guilt: I should be with the kids instead of sitting here waiting for a set that might not come. It became a catch-22.

“Now I understand it better. I know that getting in the water makes everything else better. It’s sanity. It’s progress. It’s joy. I come home lighter, calmer, more present. Foiling especially has changed things — it gives you so much riding time for the effort.”

The Foiling Revolution

Newell grew up dedicated to surfing, but living on the south coast of England often left him frustrated. “You spend hours hunting waves, paddling out, and end up disappointed. Foiling flipped that. Suddenly all those ‘unsurfable’ spots came alive.”

Prone foiling, tow foiling, winging, power winging, foil assist — he does them all. “With winging, it’s endless flight. With foil drive assist, the efficiency is staggering. Where I might have caught 10–20 waves in a long prone session, with foil drive I can nail 15 in half an hour. That’s gold for a dad. I get a proper fix, don’t feel guilty, and can be back with the kids quickly.”

“Honestly, foiling has overtaken surfing for me,” he admits. “The bang for buck — the sheer riding time — makes it unbeatable where we live.”

Advice for Other Dads

Asked what advice he’d give to other dads trying to make more time on the water, Newell has a clear playbook:

• Plan better. “Don’t leave your partner to juggle everything so you can disappear when the wind blows. Look ahead, schedule, and set expectations.”

• Share the load. “Make sure your partner gets their own time for whatever lights them up. It has to work both ways.”

• Use the hacks. “Watch the forecasts, keep your wetsuit warm, and use foil assist or other gear that maximises riding time.”

• Find your person. “Some of the sports we do, and the places we go with the foils, can be daunting. So find that friend who just wants to send it, in any weather. For me, that’s Tom Court — he’s always keen, always motivating, and a massive part of why I still push myself. Find that person, and it’ll keep you stoked as you get older.”

For Newell, the formula is simple: “Do that, and the guilt fades. The balance improves. And you’ll come home smiling — which is better for everyone.”

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