Graham Byrnes: The Mind Behind the Core Sound 17

If you spend any time in the world of small-boat adventuring, one name comes up again and again: Graham Byrnes of B & B Yacht Designs. His Core Sound 17 has become a legend—fast, capable, and surprisingly comfortable for its size. It’s a go-to boat for expedition sailors tackling everything from the Everglades Challenge to long coastal passages and inland explorations.

In this episode of the NanoCruising Podcast, I sit down with Graham himself for a deep, fascinating look at where his designs come from and how they earned their reputation.

🌏 From Australia to the US: A Life Shaped by Boats

Graham shares stories from his upbringing in Australia and the formative sailing experiences that shaped his thinking. We talk about the unlikely chain of events—starting with meeting his wife—that brought him to the United States and, eventually, to creating one of the most respected small-boat design shops around.

His early projects, including the Bay River Skiffs, planted seeds that would evolve into his most famous creation.

⛵ Birth of a Legend: The Core Sound 17

We dig into the origins of the Core Sound 17 and the design ideas behind it—why the rig works so beautifully, why the boat punches above its weight in both speed and stability, and how its simplicity is part of its genius.

Graham shares stories from its development and the early days of testing, along with some of the “aha” moments that convinced him the design was something special.

🏁 The Record-Smashing Everglades Challenge

One of the highlights: Graham recounts his own WaterTribe adventures.

In 2006, he and Fred (from B & B) entered the Everglades Challenge and absolutely shattered the race record—finishing nine hours ahead of the previous best time. That victory cemented the Core Sound 17’s reputation as an expedition powerhouse and inspired a generation of small-boat adventurers.

He also talks about the preparation behind such efforts, the teamwork required, and what he learned from being out there on the course.

🛠️ The Cuddy Version & Other Innovations

We also get into the evolution of the Core Sound line, including the cuddy cabin variant—why it exists, how it differs from the open model, and the type of cruising each version best suits.

Graham shares stories of customers who have taken these boats on incredible journeys, from long coastal routes to remote wilderness lakes.

🧭 Graham’s Advice for Cruisers: “Be Prepared”

If there’s one theme Graham repeats, it’s this: preparation is everything.

Whether you’re racing, cruising, or just adventuring close to home, a small boat magnifies the importance of planning, skill, and awareness. His thoughtful take on seamanship is one of the highlights of the episode.

🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation

This was a fun, thoughtful, and insightful interview with one of the most respected designers in the small-boat world. If you enjoy stories of ingenuity, adventure, and sailing craft that punch way above their size, you won’t want to miss it.