Few sailors embody the spirit of NanoCruising like Sven Yrvind. At 85 years old, he continues to design and sail tiny boats across vast oceans, proving that adventure isn’t about the size of your vessel, but the strength of your vision. In the first of two episodes with Sven, we dive into his remarkable journey—from growing up on a small island in Sweden to becoming a world-renowned small-boat sailor and designer. A Childhood Shaped by the Sea Sven’s love for the ocean started early. Growing up on a small island, he developed a deep appreciation for self-sufficiency and resilience. His first major voyage—a daring trip to Denmark in a tiny homemade boat—set the stage for a lifetime of innovative and ambitious adventures. Designing Bris and Challenging the Norm Sven’s first famous boat, Bris, challenged traditional ideas of offshore sailing. Built with simplicity and efficiency in mind, it showcased his philosophy: a well-designed small boat can be safer, more practical, and more efficie...
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...