NanoCruising : the small boat cruising podcast (dinghy cruising & trailer sailing)

Send us a textChesapeake 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 PatreonMore at: www.nanocruising.comSeas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a textWhat 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 PatreonMore at: www.nanocruising.comSeas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a textIn 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 PatreonMore at: www.nanocruising.comSeas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a textIn 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 PatreonMore at: www.nanocruising.comSeas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a textIn 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 PatreonMore at: www.nanocruising.comSeas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵