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 experience makes this a particularly encouraging episode for sailors who might be feeling intimidated by the idea of setting off on their own.

🛶 A Club That’s Grown With Its Members

Originally created for owners of West Wight Potters, the Potter Yachters has evolved into a broad and welcoming community of sailors with all kinds of trailerable boats. From weekend lake sails to saltwater adventures like sailing to Catalina Island or even the Sea of Cortez, this club proves that adventure doesn’t require a big boat—just a spirit of curiosity.

If you're looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a sense of camaraderie in the trailer sailing world, don’t miss this episode.

Visit the Potter Yachters website

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

Join the conversation in our Facebook group

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes

www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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...

Roger Barnes: Exploring Dinghy Cruising’s Future and Breaking Barriers (Part 2)

Roger Barnes has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the dinghy cruising community. As president of the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA), a celebrated author, and the creator of a thriving YouTube channel, he has inspired countless adventurers to embrace the joys of small boat sailing. In the second part of our interview, Roger shares more about his journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Exploring Favorite Cruising Grounds Roger’s passion for exploring unique cruising grounds shines through in this episode. From serene coastal waters to challenging open seas, his experiences provide a window into the diverse beauty of dinghy cruising. The Role of the Dinghy Cruising Association Under Roger’s leadership, the DCA has become a hub for dinghy sailors worldwide. He discusses how the association fosters a sense of community, provides resources, and encourages members to take on new challenges. Dinghies vs. Yachts: The Unique Appeal What makes dinghy cruising ...

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 ...

NanoCruising

Search This Blog