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Showing posts from September, 2024

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 ...
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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 ...
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Best dinghy for cruising, part 1 minimalistic sailboats

I have covered this in episode 3 of the NanoCruising podcast , but thought it might be worthy of its own blog post in case people are simply searching on the web. I get no affiliate marketing, but people are frequently asking me this question. So, let's start with some minimalistic Open Dinghies: The Sunfish and the Laser sailboats The Sunfish and Laser are excellent examples of minimalistic dinghies that are both accessible and capable, making them ideal for newcomers to NanoCruising. These boats are light, simple, and easy to handle, which reduces the learning curve for those just starting out.  Sunfish: The Sunfish is a classic, beloved for its simplicity and durability. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to experience the joys of NanoCruising without the complexity of larger boats. The open design offers an intimate connection with the water, allowing sailors to feel every wave and breeze, which is both exhilarating and educational. Its lightweight structure makes it easy...
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Popular posts from this blog

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...
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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 ...
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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...
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