🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2025

Building Small Boats, Sustainably: A Conversation with Sean Petterson of SuperSede

At NanoCruising, we’re always interested in innovations that make small boat adventures more accessible, practical, and sustainable. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Sean Petterson , CEO and co-founder of SuperSede , to talk about a material that could reshape DIY boatbuilding: SuperSede Marine Board , a next-generation alternative to marine plywood. What is SuperSede Marine Board? SuperSede Marine Board is made from recycled plastic , designed as a waterproof, structural solution for marine projects. For small boat builders and DIY enthusiasts, this means no worries about rot, no need for epoxy sealing, and fewer tools required to shape and work with the material. It’s a fresh option for those building boats in garages, backyards, or even apartments. Why It Matters for Small Boat DIY Sean talks about his path into boating and how the idea for SuperSede came from a desire to simplify boatbuilding while reducing environmental impact. For small boat builders and cruis...

⛵ Celebrating Community: Dan Roeder on the West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron 🌊

If there’s one thing that small boat cruising brings in abundance, it’s community—and Dan Roeder is right at the heart of one of the most active and passionate groups in North America: the West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron (Florida) . In the latest episode of the podcast, Dan shares how he found his way into the group, eventually becoming a key organizer and advocate. The Squadron may have a modest website, but its heart beats loud and clear through its highly engaged Facebook group, where sailors from all over Florida (and beyond) connect, plan, and share their love of life under sail. In this episode, we cover: Dan’s journey into the world of trailer sailing The wide variety of boats within the group—from Wayfarers to SCAMPs to custom builds Regular events, group sails, and overnighters that keep the community active Favorite cruising grounds across Florida’s coasts and inland waters Why small boat sailors form such tight-knit, helpful, and adventurous communities ...

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...

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 ...

⛵ 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...