50 episodes of the YACHT podcast: How kitesurfer Marlene Brudek found her way to sailing
Leonie Meyer
· 10.10.2025
Marlene Brudek suffered a serious accident while kitesurfing in 2001, in which she broke numerous bones. After a year of intensive rehabilitation, she fought her way back into the water and showed great stamina. Nevertheless, she decided to give up the sport three years later. In the podcast, she explains her reasons for taking this step and shares her insights from the rollercoaster ride of her water sports career.
The way to sailing
The Wilhelmshaven native eventually found her way to sailing via detours. Solo sailing fascinates her the most - the challenge of being on her own. Her enthusiasm for regattas became the decisive impulse to become more active. She was sceptical at first, but she reports: "Just like in surfing, you need pressure in the sails to make progress."
Boundaries and personal development
In the interview, Marlene reveals how much adrenaline characterises her life. Her motto is: "Find out where the limits are - and start from there." She encourages others to actively explore their own limits instead of just passively seeking out borderline experiences. For her, water sports are not just a hobby, but a philosophy of life that keeps her constantly looking for new challenges, as this episode makes clear.
Career, hobby and financial challenges
In addition to her passion for water sports, Marlene works as an architect. She talks openly about the balance between her job, sailing and personal dreams, as well as the financial challenges associated with such hobbies. In the interview, she also reveals the two questions she is often confronted with.
What's next for Marlene Brudek
Another topic of discussion is the role of women in sailing. Marlene talks about prejudices and macho competition, but also about her own path to greater equality. She is convinced that courage and perseverance make the difference. She is already competing in another regatta in November - she gives more details in the episode.
You can listen to the YACHT podcast with Marlene Brudek here
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