NanoCruising : the small boat cruising podcast (dinghy cruising & trailer sailing) – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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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. 🌊

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Trapper Haskins, author of Crooked River,  built his own Mississippi Yawl and paddled it all the way to New Orleans—but the real journey was internal. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Trapper shares the story behind building his boat, the inspiration behind the trip, and how navigating the river helped him navigate a personal crossroads.

We dive into the highs and lows of the adventure, the craftsmanship behind his boat, and the mental and emotional clarity that can emerge when we fully commit to something difficult and uncertain. It’s a moving tale of self-reliance, reinvention, and finding purpose on the water.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a reset—or just building a boat and heading south—you’ll want to listen to this one.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this episode, I’m joined by legendary small-boat adventurer and author Stephen Ladd, known for his remarkable books Three Years in a 12-Foot Boat and The Five-Year Voyage. We dive into the origins of his epic journeys, including designing and building his own 12-foot microcruiser Squeak and navigating thousands of miles of wild and remote waterways—from the Mississippi to the jungles of South America.

Stephen shares what it takes to live aboard such a small craft, how he and his partner Ginny voyaged across oceans and rivers, and the emotional highs and lows of long-term small boat travel. We talk about boat design, staying safe, finding joy in simplicity, and how these intimate journeys can lead to deep personal transformation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of casting off in a tiny boat and heading into the unknown, this episode is for you.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary boat designer John Welsford, we go beyond the SCAMP and explore what's next. John shares exciting news about a new 7-meter ocean-going boat currently on his drawing board and introduces us to Scallywag, a design born from sailors dreaming of a SCAMP... with accommodations.

We also hear some incredible stories from the field—including Welsford designs voyaging to Tierra del Fuego and playing a part in community building in East Timor. John weighs in on the debate between junk rigs and balanced lug sails, and offers his hopeful perspective on the bright future of small boats and their builders.

If you love design talk, big ideas, and small seaworthy boats—you won’t want to miss this one.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this first of two special episodes, we sit down with legendary New Zealand boat designer John Welsford, the mind behind some of the world’s most beloved small boat plans—including the hugely popular SCAMP (Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project).

John shares the fascinating story of how he got into boat design, how SCAMP came to be, and what makes a good first boat for those curious about building and cruising small sailboats. We also dive into some of the key principles that guide his design work—especially his focus on safety and seaworthiness for real-world adventures.

If you've ever thought about building your own microcruiser or just want to hear the wisdom of one of the greats in small boat design, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🛠️ Mentioned in the episode:
 • What makes SCAMP so unique
 • His most approachable design for new builders
 • Why safety is more than just flotation
 • Design tips for adventurous sailing on a budget

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to start sketching your dream boat!

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this special episode, we sit down with award-winning Canadian filmmaker, author, and adventurer Dianne Whelan, whose film 500 Days in the Wild documents her epic solo journey across the entire 24,000 km of the Trans Canada Trail — by canoe, on foot, and in deep conversation with the land.

But this episode goes beyond just the miles and the route. Dianne shares how she discovered a deep love of canoeing, the unexpected lessons from six years on the trail, and how the journey became more than just an expedition — it became a path to reconnection, healing, and respect for Indigenous knowledge and the Earth itself.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to slow down, unplug, and listen more closely to the natural world, this conversation will resonate. Dianne’s insights are both powerful and poetic, and her story reminds us that adventure isn’t just about movement — it’s about meaning.

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this episode, we sit down with Eric Zilbert, Commodore of the Potter Yachters, one of the largest trailer-sailor clubs in North America. Eric shares his sailing origin story, how he found his West Wight Potter 19, and what drew him to the welcoming community of Potter sailors.

We dig into the differences between the Potter 15 and Potter 19, hear about some of Eric’s favorite adventures, and get practical advice for anyone looking to get started with trailerable micro-cruisers. Whether you’re already a trailer-sailor or just small-boat curious, there’s plenty here to inspire your next journey.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this second episode with boat designer Michael Storer, we dive into his innovative small boat designs and the unique advantages of canoe-style sailboats. Michael also shares insights into Real Simple Sails, his company dedicated to making high-quality, affordable sails for home-built boats. Beyond design, we explore his philosophy on small boat sailing—why simplicity, efficiency, and accessibility are key to maximizing adventure on the water. If you're interested in designing, building, or optimizing your own small boat, this episode is packed with expert insights!

Tune in now to hear from one of the most influential minds in DIY boat building!

#SmallBoatSailing #DinghyCruising #BoatBuilding #MichaelStorer #RealSimpleSails #CanoeSailing #NanoCruising #AdventureSailing

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Show Notes:

Michael Storer Boat Plans and on Facebook

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Michael Storer is one of the most influential small boat designers today, known for his lightweight, high-performance, and easy-to-build designs like the Oz Goose and Oz Racer. But how did he get started?

In this first of two episodes, Michael shares:
 ⛵ His fun and unconventional introduction to sailing
 📐 How working as a technical consultant for DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia)  exposed him to hundreds of designs and shaped his approach to boatbuilding
🛶 Why his first-ever design was a sailing canoe—and how that set the stage for his future innovations

Michael’s passion for accessible, high-performance small boats is contagious, and this conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in boat design, NanoCruising, or DIY boatbuilding.

#NanoCruising #SmallBoatDesign #SailingPodcast #DIYBoatBuilding #MichaelStorer #DinghySailing #BoatDesign #MicroCruising #MinimalistSailing #OzGoose #OzRacer

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Show Notes:

Michael Storer Boat Plans and on Facebook

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Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon

More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵