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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 ...

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 ...

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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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 ...

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...

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...