For many of us, sailing around the world feels like a distant dream — something for those with large yachts, deep pockets, and endless time. But Serge Testa proved otherwise. In the 1980s, this unassuming Australian sailor built a tiny aluminum yacht just 11 feet, 10 inches long , and quietly set out to circumnavigate the globe. His boat, the Acrohc Australis , was a marvel of minimalist design. Every control could be operated from inside, allowing Serge to batten down the hatches when the seas turned rough — and rough they often were. Over 500 days , he completed his voyage and entered the record books for the smallest boat to ever sail around the world . In this episode, Serge shares the story behind his legendary voyage: how he built his boat, prepared for life at sea, and what he learned about himself along the way. We talk about the kindness of people he met, the challenges of solitude, and the joy of simplicity. We also hear from his wife, Robin , who offers her own take on S...
Featuring: Howard Rice (Part 2) In this second part of our conversation with Howard Rice , we follow him from the windswept reaches of Tierra del Fuego to the quiet harbors of Japan , where he’s begun a new chapter centered around craftsmanship and small-boat life. Howard recounts sailing through an area known as the Milky Way — a maze of channels and capes so remote that even Joshua Slocum struggled to find his way through. His story includes moments of danger, rescue, and reflection — and a surprising tale about footage from that voyage that was never turned into a film. Now based in Japan, Howard has traded ocean crossings for the artistry of boatbuilding. From SCAMPs to traditional Japanese fishing boats , he shares how he continues to live by the same principles that carried him safely through the southern seas: self-reliance, respect for nature, and a deep love for small boats that can take you anywhere. This episode is full of the insight and humility that only a lifetim...