NanoCruising

 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...

  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...