When people think about adventure sailing, they often picture salt water, tides, and distant horizons. The Great Lakes , somehow, get dismissed as “easy” or “inland.” That myth doesn’t last long once you start talking to people who actually sail them. In this new NanoCruising episode — Part 1 of a two-part series — we dig into three Great Lakes small-boat events , often described as RAIDs : multi-day, expedition-style gatherings that combine sailing, seamanship, community, and self-reliance. Rather than comparing boats or routes, this episode focuses on why these events exist in the first place. - Eric Miller for the Erie Expedition Challenge and Raid Erie ( Facebook ) - Jeff McPheeters for the GLEC and RB950 ( RB950 Instagram , GLEC Instagram ) - Kelly Trafford with CanAm on facebook What we cover in this episode We start with an introduction to each event — their origins, their spirit, and what makes th...
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...