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Showing posts from April, 2026

The Quiet Side of Sailing — Behind Ruddy Duck Sailing Addventures

Not all sailing has to be fast, technical, or full of adrenaline. Some of it is quiet. Unhurried. Just being out there. In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sat down with Brian Clauson, the voice behind the Ruddy Duck Sailing Adventures YouTube channel. If you’ve seen his videos, you know the feeling—calm, simple, and easy to settle into. Starting with the Boat We started at the beginning—how Brian found his boat and what got him out on the water in the first place. Like a lot of us, it wasn’t some grand plan. It was a step-by-step process. Finding something that worked, getting out there, and figuring things out as he went. That thread runs through the whole conversation. Why Start Filming? At some point, Brian decided to bring a camera along. Not to build a channel. Not to chase views. Just to document the experience. That’s part of what makes Ruddy Duck Sailing feel different. It’s not trying too hard. It’s not overproduced. It’s just a record of time on the...
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Learning to Sail: A Beginner’s Guide from 60 Years on the Water

Learning to sail can feel overwhelming at first. Where do you start? What actually matters? And how do you know if you’re doing it right? In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sat down with a sailor who’s spent over 60 years on the water to talk about how people really learn to sail—not the textbook version, but what actually works. How Do You Actually Learn to Sail? Peter didn’t describe learning as a straight path. He talked about it as a series of moments—small breakthroughs mixed in with plenty of confusion. One day the boat feels right. The next day, it doesn’t. That pattern never fully goes away. You just get more comfortable with it. Why Mistakes Matter We spent a good chunk of time on mistakes—because that’s where most of the learning happens. Pete shared stories from his early days: missed tacks, poor sail trim, things not going to plan. Not as regrets, but as the moments that taught him the most. His take was simple—if you’re not making mistakes, you’re probab...
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Popular posts from this blog

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...
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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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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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