⛵ 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
How the Squadron continues to welcome and inspire new members
Dan’s reflections on the deeper meaning of “serving the life of a sailor”

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a grassroots sailing group—or are looking for a sailing family of your own—this episode is sure to inspire.

Join the conversation in our Facebook group

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes

www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Comments

Exploring the Art of Dinghy Cruising with Roger Barnes (Part 1)

If you’re passionate about dinghy cruising or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of small-boat adventures, our latest interview is one you won’t want to miss! We had the honor of sitting down with Roger Barnes , president of the Dinghy Cruising Association and the highly respected author of The Dinghy Cruising Companion. Known globally for his profound knowledge and contributions to dinghy cruising, Roger has inspired countless sailors with his practical advice, adventurous spirit, and dedication to the craft. In this first part of our two-part interview series, Roger takes us on a personal journey through his own discovery of dinghy cruising. We explore his selection process for his beloved Ilur dinghy, a design that’s well-suited to his style and needs, as well as his advice on the essential features that make a great cruising dinghy. His reflections on choosing a boat are sure to resonate with anyone who’s faced the question of which design to sail. One of the stand...

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 ...

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...

NanoCruising

Search This Blog