NanoCruising

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⛵ John Welsford on New Designs, Ocean Dreams, and the Future of Small Boats 🌊

If you enjoyed Part 1 of our conversation with legendary boat designer John Welsford , you’re going to love what’s in store for Part 2. In this episode, John takes us further into his world of small boat innovation and adventure. We kick things off with a look at the new 7-meter ocean-going boat he’s currently designing—something he hasn’t talked much about publicly until now. It’s a boat meant to cross oceans with confidence, while still staying true to Welsford’s core design philosophy: safety, practicality, simplicity, and real-world performance. From there, we dig into the story behind his new design “Scallywag,” which was born out of a desire for a microcruiser like the SCAMP—but with accommodations for longer journeys and sleep-aboard comfort. It’s a design many have been waiting for, and it reflects the continued evolution of small cruising sailboats. John also shares some fantastic anecdotes about his designs out in the wild. We hear about a SCAMP in Tierra del Fuego , and...

⛵ From Sketch to Sea: A Conversation with Designer John Welsford (Part 1) ⚓

In the world of small boat cruising, few names carry the weight and admiration of John Welsford . Based in New Zealand, John is known for crafting small boat designs that are not only beautiful and practical, but also rooted in real-life adventure and safety. In this first of a two-part podcast interview, John joins us to share the story behind his career and the boats that have inspired so many to take to the water. John talks about how he first got into designing boats, long before the SCAMP ever hit the water. His background offers valuable insight into how his designs evolved—and why safety, stability, and seaworthiness are always top priorities in his work. Of course, we couldn’t talk to John without diving into the creation of the SCAMP (Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project) —a design that’s become a cult favorite among home builders and NanoCruisers alike. He shares the behind-the-scenes of how SCAMP came to life and why it continues to resonate with such a broad spectrum of s...

🎙️ Canoes, Connection & 24,000km of Wild: A Conversation with Dianne Whelan 🌲

What happens when you step away from the pace of modern life and surrender to the rhythms of nature? In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with filmmaker, author, and adventurer Dianne Whelan , whose deeply moving and award-winning film 500 Days in the Wild chronicles her six-year journey along the entire 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail — from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic Ocean. But this isn’t your average endurance story. Yes, she paddled vast stretches of water by canoe, hiked thousands of kilometers, and endured some of the most remote and wild landscapes on Earth. But the real story is about listening . Listening to the land. To Indigenous elders. To her own shifting sense of purpose. It’s a story of reconnection — with the Earth, with others, and with herself. In our conversation, Dianne shares: How she discovered canoeing — and how it became central to her connection with nature Her shift from seeing the journey as an athletic expedition to a s...

Trailering Adventures with the Potter Yachters: Eric Zilbert on the Joy of the Pottering

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitching up a small sailboat and exploring both lakes and coasts at your own pace, this episode is for you. We sit down with Eric Zilbert , Commodore of the Potter Yachters , one of the largest and longest-standing trailer sailor clubs in North America. In our conversation, Eric shares how he first fell in love with sailing, how he found his West Wight Potter 19 , and how discovering the Potter Yachters transformed his boating life. 🚤 What Makes the Potter 19 Special? Eric offers great insights into the appeal of the Potter 19 —a rugged, trailerable microcruiser known for its accessibility and versatility. He also touches on how it compares to its smaller sibling, the Potter 15 , and why he feels the P19 is a great boat for solo sailing, family cruising, and overnight adventures. 🧭 Advice for New Trailer Sailors For those just starting out, Eric shares real-world tips on finding the right boat, joining a local club, and easing into overnight trips. His...

Michael Storer on Small Boat Design, Simple Sails, and the Art of Adventure

Michael Storer is a well-known name in the world of small boat design, and in this episode, we continue our conversation about his innovative approach to making sailing more accessible, efficient, and fun. If you've ever thought about building your own boat, upgrading your sailing setup, or just love the idea of simple, practical designs, this episode is packed with great insights. The Advantages of Canoe-Style Sailboats One of the key topics we discuss is the unique benefits of canoe-style sailboats. Storer explains why these designs are not only easy to build but also incredibly efficient in the water. Their lightweight and narrow hulls allow for smooth sailing, even in light winds, making them an excellent choice for small-boat adventurers. Real Simple Sails: High-Quality Sails for Small Boats Michael also talks about Real Simple Sails, his company that provides well-designed, high-performance sails at an affordable price. These sails are specifically created for home-built boat...

Designing for Adventure: Michael Storer’s Path to Small Boat Innovation

A Passion for Small Boats and Smart Design Michael Storer has made a name for himself in the world of small boat design. His creations, such as the Oz Goose and Oz Racer, have gained a strong following among DIY boatbuilders and NanoCruisers. But how did he get started? In the latest episode of the NanoCruising podcast, we dive into Michael’s journey—his early sailing experiences, how he developed his design philosophy, and the first boat he ever designed. Learning from the Best at DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia) One of the most fascinating parts of Michael’s story is how he learned boat design—not through formal training, but by working as a technical consultant for DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia) , where he had access to hundreds of different designs. This hands-on exposure gave him a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to small, efficient boats. Michael’s background in engineering and problem-solving helped him refine his approach, leading t...