NanoCruising

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...

In the world of small boat cruising, few names carry the weight and admiration of John Welsford . Based in New Zealand, John is known for crafting small boat designs that are not only beautiful and practical, but also rooted in real-life adventure and safety. In this first of a two-part podcast interview, John joins us to share the story behind his career and the boats that have inspired so many to take to the water. John talks about how he first got into designing boats, long before the SCAMP ever hit the water. His background offers valuable insight into how his designs evolved—and why safety, stability, and seaworthiness are always top priorities in his work. Of course, we couldn’t talk to John without diving into the creation of the SCAMP (Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project) —a design that’s become a cult favorite among home builders and NanoCruisers alike. He shares the behind-the-scenes of how SCAMP came to life and why it continues to resonate with such a broad spectrum of s...