Designing Safety, Building Sailors, and Why Small Boats Still Matter In Part 1 of this conversation, we introduced three Great Lakes RAIDs and explored why they exist. In Part 2, we go deeper — into how sailors grow into events like these, and how adventure can be challenging without being reckless. One theme keeps resurfacing: designing safety into difficulty . These events aren’t about bravado. They’re structured in ways that encourage progression. Routes, checkpoints, community oversight, and shared experience all create a framework where sailors can stretch their abilities without stepping blindly into risk. Building Up to Big Water No one wakes up ready for a multi-day expedition-style event. Growth happens gradually. We talk about: Starting small — short trips, familiar waters Learning through repetition Building confidence in incremental steps Understanding weather, fatigue, and self-awareness The message is clear: adventure is something you build towa...
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...