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Showing posts from January, 2026

John Harris & Chesapeake Light Craft: Building Small Boats, and a Life Around Them (Part 1)

Some companies grow because of clever marketing. Others grow because they quietly do things right for a very long time. Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) belongs firmly in the second category. In this first of a two-part conversation on the NanoCruising podcast, I sit down with John C. Harris , founder of CLC Boats, to talk about how a love of small boats turned into one of the most influential small-craft companies in the world — and why their designs continue to resonate with home builders, dinghy cruisers, and expedition sailors alike. From Small Boats to a Big Idea John’s story begins, as many NanoCruising stories do, with a genuine fascination for small boats. Not yachts or grand projects — but boats that regular people could actually build, use, and adventure in. In this episode, John walks us through the early history of Chesapeake Light Craft , how the company grew from modest beginnings, and the deliberate choices that shaped its direction. We talk about the realities of bui...
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NanoCruising Swag Is Finally Here (And We Did It the Right Way)

 For the past year, one of the most common messages I’ve received has been: Do you have NanoCruising T-shirts? The short answer used to be no . The longer answer was that I didn’t want to rush into it. NanoCruising has always been about doing more with less , being thoughtful about our choices, and avoiding unnecessary clutter — whether that’s boats, gear, or, yes, stuff. But after a lot of looking, testing, and thinking, I’m happy to say: NanoCruising now has a small online shop — starting with a T-shirt I genuinely feel good about offering. Why a NanoCruising T-Shirt? This isn’t about “branding” or selling things for the sake of it. The NanoCruising community has grown into something special — builders, sailors, adventurers, tinkerers, and people who believe that small boats can lead to big adventures . Wearing the shirt is simply a quiet way of saying: I get it. No loud graphics. No hype. Just a nod to a shared way of looking at the water. Eco-Friendly, On Purpose If we were goi...
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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...
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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 ...
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⛵ 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...
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