In the latest episode of NanoCruising , we had the pleasure of speaking with Bruce Dyson-Smith, the man behind the intriguing YouTube channel Sailing Wayfinder . Bruce’s story is one of transformation, adventure, and a deep love for the sea. In his sailing journey he lived aboard a keelboat, but over time, he felt the pull towards the simplicity and intimacy of dinghy cruising. This shift led him to a whole new world of exploration, where every voyage is about the essentials—no frills, just the boat, the water, and the horizon. Bruce’s transition from keelboat to dinghy cruising is a fascinating one. He shares how the experience of offshore racing compares to the close-to-nature adventures of dinghy sailing. But the highlight of our conversation is Bruce’s ambitious and breathtaking cruise to the Great Barrier Reefs in Australia. This journey, which became his most-viewed video on YouTube, is a testament to his meticulous preparation, seamanship, and love for the ocean’s beauty. Throug...
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...