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Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by the organizers behind three major Great Lakes small-craft adventure events to explore what makes each one unique — and what unites them. - Eric Miller for the Erie Expedition Challenge and Raid Erie (Facebook )  - Jeff McPheeters for the GLEC and RB950 (RB950 Instagram, GLEC Instagram) - Kelly Trafford with CanAm on facebook We start with introductions to each event and their raison d’être: why they exist, how they came to be, and what kind of adventure they’re trying to create. From there, we dig into the differences — format, scale, boats, and mindset — and the kinds of people these events tend to attract. We also spend time on the Great Lakes themselves. The “easy inland sailing” myth comes up quickly, as we talk about cold water, fast-changing weather, big fetch, and why the lakes demand just as much respect as any ocean passage. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, focused on origins, philosophy, and context. Part 2 will go deeper into lessons learned, preparation, and what it’s really like out there when things stop going to plan. If you’re curious about expedition sailing, small-boat adventure racing, or pushing your comfort zone closer to home — this one’s for you. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In Part 2 of my conversation with John Harris of Chesapeake Light Craft, we wander off the beaten path — and that’s very much the point. We talk about some of CLC’s more fringe and less-discussed designs, including Autumn Leaves, and why certain boats exist more as ideas, experiments, or personal projects than as polished kits. John shares the designers who shaped his thinking — Philip Bolger among them — and how those influences still echo through his work today. We also dive into the fascinating outrigger sailing canoe built for Tula’s Endless, what it means to design something truly one-off, and why not every great boat should have plans. Listener questions lead us into a broader discussion about the current small-boat landscape, why we may be living in a golden age of boat designs and accessible plans, and what the future looks like for people who want to build and sail small. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, restraint, and why small boats continue to invite big ideas. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) has been shaping the world of small boats and home boatbuilding for more than three decades. In this first of two episodes, I sit down with John Harris, founder of CLC Boats, to explore how a passion for small craft turned into one of the most influential boatbuilding companies in the world. We talk about the early days of CLC, the challenges of building a niche business, and why small boats have always been at the heart of John’s work. John shares insights into the different kinds of boatbuilders he designs for, how CLC supports first-time builders, and what truly makes a good small-boat design — beyond just performance or looks. Of course, we also dive into one of CLC’s most iconic designs, the PocketShip, and why it continues to resonate so strongly with sailors drawn to capable, human-scale cruising boats. This episode is part business story, part design philosophy, and part celebration of small boats — and it sets the stage perfectly for Part 2. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text What happens when a bold small-boat idea finally leaves the dock? In this follow-up conversation, Perry returns to NanoCruising to share the results of real-world sea trials of his Ocean-Capable Small Sailboat. After months of building and planning, the boat has now logged serious miles offshore, offering honest feedback that no design software or dockside discussion can replace. We talk about how the boat handled in open water, what stood out once conditions became real, and how sea trials shape the next round of decisions. Perry reflects on the balance between ambition and practicality, why testing matters more than opinions, and how incremental refinement is part of designing a capable small cruising boat. This episode is a thoughtful look at experimentation, learning by doing, and the mindset required to turn unconventional ideas into seaworthy reality — a conversation that will resonate with designers, builders, and anyone curious about pushing small boats beyond the expected. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Graham Byrnes of B & B Yacht Designs—the designer whose Core Sound 17 became a legend in small-boat adventuring. Graham shares his early days growing up and sailing in Australia, how meeting his wife led him to the United States, and the origins of B & B Boats. We dive into his first WaterTribe Everglades Challenge and his second attempt—the now-famous 2006 race where he shattered the course record. Graham explains the design principles that made the Core Sound 17 such an unusually capable expedition boat, why the cuddy version differs in important ways, and what he’s learned from the many adventures his boats have taken sailors on. He also offers practical advice for small-boat cruisers—especially his core belief: be prepared. A great conversation with one of the most influential designers in modern small-craft sailing. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Geoff Macqueen — sailor, adventurer, and author of Cruising Wild, his newly released account of circumnavigating Tasmania in his self-built Welsford Houdini dinghy. Geoff takes us deep into the story behind his boat, the spark that led him to attempt a Bass Strait crossing, and the moment everything went wrong: an unexpected capsize in notorious waters, and the detailed, honest retelling of how he recovered and kept going. We talk about: Building a Houdini and preparing it for real-world adventureThe reality of crossing the Bass Strait in a 13-foot open dinghyThe capsize — what caused it, what he learned, and what every small-boat sailor should knowHow the idea for a full circumnavigation of Tasmania took holdNavigating the west coast — wild, exposed, often uncharted, and unforgivingThe mental game of being alone, waiting out weather, and deciding when to push onWhy Geoff now enjoys cruising in company, and what small boats offer that bigger boats can’tIt’s an honest, insightful conversation about adventure, risk, resilience, and the special joy of traveling slowly in a tiny sailboat. If you’re drawn to dinghy cruising, expedition sailing, or stories of perseverance in the wild, you won’t want to miss this one. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this special episode, we talk with Serge Testa, the Australian sailor who set a world record by circumnavigating the globe in an 11-foot boat — the Acrohc Australis. Serge shares how he designed and built his tiny aluminum yacht, what life was like during his 500-day voyage, and the lessons learned from years at sea. We also hear from his wife, Robin, who offers her candid perspective on the man behind the record — a true doer who fixes problems as they come and keeps moving forward. Serge also tells us what came after the Acrohc Australis — including building bigger boats, new adventures, and why small-boat sailing still holds a special place in his heart. A timeless conversation with a sailor whose story continues to inspire adventurers around the world. 🌊 ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this second part of our conversation with legendary sailor Howard Rice, we journey with him deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego — where he sailed through the same treacherous channels that once confounded Joshua Slocum. Howard recounts the intense reality of navigating the “Milky Way,” his unexpected rescue in one of the most remote regions on earth, and the untold story of the footage that never became a film. Now based in Japan, Howard continues his lifelong pursuit of craftsmanship and adventure, building both SCAMPs and traditional Japanese fishing boats in his workshop. He also shares his reflections on what comes next — the future of small boat voyaging, and his own evolving relationship with the sea. This episode is a rare blend of hard-won experience, deep philosophy, and raw adventure from one of small craft sailing’s true pioneers. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text Few sailors embody the spirit of small-boat adventure like Howard Rice. In this first of two episodes, Howard shares what drives him to journey to the ends of the Earth — from his early training expeditions in a Klepper kayak to the careful preparation of his SCAMP dinghy for one of the most remote and demanding sailing challenges on the planet: Tierra del Fuego. We dive into his motivations, the philosophy behind his voyages, the logistics of shipping a small boat across the world, and the moment his journey began. It’s an intimate and inspiring look at what it takes — both mentally and practically — to pursue a true expedition under sail. If you’ve ever dreamed of pushing beyond your comfort zone in a small boat, this conversation with Howard Rice will remind you why we go. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text Roy Schreyer has spent a lifetime exploring the waterways of Georgian Bay and beyond, but his journey took a new direction when his wife found traditional sailboats less than comfortable. The result? The Dianne Rose, a compact, towable houseboat that combines practicality, comfort, and simplicity — proof that great design comes from real-world needs. In this episode, Roy shares how his wife’s perspective shaped his approach to boat design, why a composting toilet can be a game-changer, and the principles he follows when creating strong, functional boats. We also talk about the Crow, his clever 15-foot sailboat, and the joy of crafting boats that make adventure accessible. If you’re curious about thoughtful design, small-boat cruising, or how to balance comfort with exploration, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world insight. Also check out his designs at RoyDesignedThat. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text What happens when you combine adventure, advocacy, and a paddleboard? Dan Rubinstein set out on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) journey from Ottawa to New York and onward to Lake Erie, and along the way discovered more than just miles of water — he found community, kindness, and a deeper understanding of how “blue space” can transform our mental and physical health. In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares: Why time on the water is even more powerful than other natural spaces for well-being.His SUP journey and the unexpected generosity of people he met.How local action for rivers, lakes, and streams is key in tackling climate change.Tips for getting started with paddleboarding.This isn’t just a story of adventure — it’s a call to rediscover the water in your own backyard and protect it for the future. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Eric Miller, the energetic sailor and organizer behind Raid Erie 2025. Eric shares how he first fell in love with small boat sailing and why he felt compelled to create a small-boat event in northern Ohio—a place he calls a “desert” for dinghy sailing. We dive into the story of how Raid Erie came together, what made it such a success, and the lessons Eric learned while turning his idea into a thriving event that drew sailors of all ages. He talks about fostering community, welcoming the next generation, and even hints at future plans—including the possibility of a race/expedition next year. This is an inspiring conversation about what happens when one sailor decides to build a “well in the desert” and discovers just how many others are thirsty for adventure. ⛵ If you’ve ever though about starting a sailing event, growing your local community, or just want to hear how grassroots energy can spark something bigger, this episode will leave you inspired. ------------------------------------------------ Raid Erie ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text From anchors to outboards, trailering to the galley, Kelly Trafford joins us to walk through his tried-and-true cruising checklist—packed with practical tips, safety must-dos, and lessons learned the hard way. This episode is a goldmine for small-boat cruisers who want to be ready for anything on the water, and it comes with a downloadable copy of Kelly’s checklist so you can put it to work on your own adventures.  Cruising Checklist ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text Wayfarer guru, teacher, cruiser, innovator—Matt Sharman shares a lifetime with one iconic boat. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Sharman—a lifelong Wayfarer sailor whose journey began with a hand-me-down boat from his uncle and evolved into a deep, lifelong connection with one of the most beloved dinghies ever built. Matt shares stories from his cruises, his work introducing newcomers to the sport, and his active role in the Wayfarer community—both on the water and online. We also talk about Aero Luff Spars, his ultralight furling and reefing system that’s become a go-to for small boat sailors looking to optimize performance without complexity. Humble but rich with knowledge, Matt reflects on memorable meetings with sailing legends like Ian Proctor (the Wayfarer’s designer) and Frank and Margaret Dye, whose legendary voyages helped define small boat cruising. Whether you're a Wayfarer fan or just exploring what makes a great small cruiser, this conversation has heart, history, and practical advice in equal measure. ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text In this episode of the NanoCruising Podcast, we sit down with Sean Petterson, co-founder and CEO of SuperSede, to explore a game-changing innovation in boatbuilding: a sustainable, recycled-plastic alternative to marine plywood. Sean shares his own journey into boating and how it led him to help develop SuperCede Marine Board—a structural material designed for boats and marine projects that’s waterproof, durable, and easy to work with. We dive into why this material is especially exciting for DIY boatbuilders and small boat cruisers: No epoxy neededLess tooling requiredStrength and longevity advantagesA greener way to build We also discuss where SuperSede works best, how it could change small boat building, and why accessible innovations like this matter to the future of the marine community. If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own boat—or just want to learn about the next wave of sustainable materials—you won’t want to miss this episode. Ask ChatGPT ----------------------------------------------------- Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon More at: www.nanocruising.com Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵