Building a Community: Inside the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association with Kelly Trafford

For many dinghy cruisers, the joy of the journey often comes from the shared experiences and camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. Kelly Trafford, founder of the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association, saw this potential and took action. In our recent interview, Kelly shared the origin story of the Cam-Am Association—a community dedicated to bringing together small boat sailors from both Canada and the U.S.

Starting a community from scratch wasn’t easy, but Kelly's passion for dinghy cruising and commitment to fostering connections helped the group take off. During our conversation, he offered invaluable advice for anyone looking to build or grow a community. His insights on what has worked best for the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association could inspire other groups looking to connect sailors who might otherwise feel isolated on the water.

Kelly also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the association’s most memorable events. From local meetups to larger gatherings, these occasions have brought members closer together, creating friendships and unforgettable experiences. And the future looks even brighter! Kelly teased some exciting plans for new events and initiatives that promise to keep the association growing.

For dinghy cruisers interested in connecting with others, or anyone curious about building community in the sailing world, our conversation with Kelly Trafford is a must-listen.

Dive into the full episode and hear how one person’s dedication sparked a thriving association that now unites sailors across borders.

Join the conversation in our Facebook group.

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes.

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

------------------------------------------

Show Notes:

Can-Am Dinghy Cruising Association on Facebook

Comments

Exploring the Art of Dinghy Cruising with Roger Barnes (Part 1)

If you’re passionate about dinghy cruising or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of small-boat adventures, our latest interview is one you won’t want to miss! We had the honor of sitting down with Roger Barnes , president of the Dinghy Cruising Association and the highly respected author of The Dinghy Cruising Companion. Known globally for his profound knowledge and contributions to dinghy cruising, Roger has inspired countless sailors with his practical advice, adventurous spirit, and dedication to the craft. In this first part of our two-part interview series, Roger takes us on a personal journey through his own discovery of dinghy cruising. We explore his selection process for his beloved Ilur dinghy, a design that’s well-suited to his style and needs, as well as his advice on the essential features that make a great cruising dinghy. His reflections on choosing a boat are sure to resonate with anyone who’s faced the question of which design to sail. One of the stand...

Empowering Women Sailors with the Guppy 13: Rachel's Inspiring Journey of Adventure and Discovery

In the world of NanoCruising, few stories are as empowering as that of our latest guest, Rachel Doss who has earned the unofficial title of ambassador for the Guppy 13 sailboat. A small boat with a big heart, the Guppy 13 has become her trusted companion on a series of adventures that are both inspiring and instructive for aspiring sailors, especially women looking to embark on their own journeys. Her journey with the Guppy 13 began with a fortuitous discovery. As a sailor looking for the perfect boat, she came across the Guppy 13, a design that perfectly suited her adventurous spirit. In our latest podcast episode, she shares the excitement of finding her, and of her first outing. One of the highlights of her sailing career was participating in the Texas 200, an annual small-boat event that covers hundreds of miles along the Texas coast. The Texas 200 which was a true test of her skills and the boat’s capabilities. Her stories of the event offer valuable insights and lessons for ...

From Navy to Pacific – Alan Mulholland’s Inspiring DIY Adventures

In the latest episode of NanoCruising , we have the pleasure of sitting down with Alan Mulholland, the man behind the popular YouTube channel Rover's Adventure , maybe better known as Sailing Wave Rover . Alan has a fascinating story that’s sure to inspire small boat sailors and adventurers alike. From his roots in the Royal Canadian Navy to becoming a DIY boat builder and completing epic voyages, Alan’s journey is a perfect blend of technical know-how and adventurous spirit. In this first part of a two-episode series, we dive into Alan’s early life and career in the Royal Canadian Navy, which provided him with essential skills for his later sailing adventures. After leaving the Navy, Alan took on the ambitious task of building his own sailboat which he would set sail for some incredible destinations. We also get into Alan’s incredible voyage with his father to Hawaii and his solo trip to the South Pacific. He shares the joys and challenges of that expedition and how it shaped his ...

NanoCruising

Search This Blog