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Showing posts from November, 2024

Building a Community: Inside the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association with Kelly Trafford

 For many dinghy cruisers, the joy of the journey often comes from the shared experiences and camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. Kelly Trafford, founder of the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association, saw this potential and took action. In our recent interview, Kelly shared the origin story of the Cam-Am Association—a community dedicated to bringing together small boat sailors from both Canada and the U.S. Starting a community from scratch wasn’t easy, but Kelly's passion for dinghy cruising and commitment to fostering connections helped the group take off. During our conversation, he offered invaluable advice for anyone looking to build or grow a community. His insights on what has worked best for the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association could inspire other groups looking to connect sailors who might otherwise feel isolated on the water. Kelly also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the association’s most memorable events. From local meetups to larger gatherings, these occa...
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Dream Big, Sail Small: Andrew Bedwell's Bold Mission to Break the Smallest Boat Record to Cross the Atlantic

  In our latest NanoCruising episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Andrew Bedwell, a man on a mission to break the record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic. Andrew’s unique vessel, the “Big C,” was designed for a challenging route from Newfoundland to England. His initial attempt didn’t go as planned, ending with a rescue and a wealth of lessons learned. But Andrew's resolve is unwavering—he’s back at it, building a new and improved boat for a second attempt in 2025. In the episode, Andrew opens up about the drive behind his goal, the meticulous design considerations for such a minuscule vessel, and the profound motivation fueling his journey. We also explore his personal story: how he discovered his passion for tiny boat expeditions, what he learned from his first experience. Andrew also offers advice for dreamers and aspiring adventurers. His story is not just about the boat; it's a testament to resilience and daring to dream, reminding us all that big advent...
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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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