NanoCruising

What makes a boat truly good for adventure? Bigger tanks? More gear? More comfort? In the latest episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sat down with Flavien Gaulard, founder of Kaori Concept , to talk about a very different approach to boat design—one centered around simplicity, sustainability, and practical sailing. Building Boats in the Philippines One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was hearing about Flavien’s experience building boats in the Philippines. The Story Behind Kaori Concept Flavien also shared how Kaori Concept got started and the philosophy behind the company. Rather than chasing complexity or luxury, the focus has been on creating boats that encourage people to actually get out sailing. Boats that are manageable, efficient, and enjoyable to use. That idea fits naturally with the NanoCruising mindset. The Kaori 550 A big part of the episode centers around the Kaori 550 and the thinking behind its design. We talked about: Why smaller boats still make s...

    Texas 200, Small Boats, and Adventures with Eric Dahlkamp    The Texas 200 is one of the ultimate small-boat challenges—long, unpredictable, and a real test of preparation and skill. Few sailors have tackled it multiple times, and even fewer have done it while documenting the lessons along the way.    Enter Eric Dahlkamp: a sailor, builder, and adventurer who has taken on the Texas 200 several times, built and upgraded a range of boats, and learned first-hand what it takes to succeed.      How It All Started     In this episode of NanoCruising , Eric shares how he got into sailing and the journey that led him to small-boat adventures. From his earliest experiences to designing and rebuilding boats, he’s cultivated a philosophy of simplicity, practicality, and enjoyment on the water.      Boats, Builds, and Upgrades    Eric has a history of taking boats apart, tweaking them, and turning them into capable...

Google asked me today if I wanted to create a game, I said sure. So here is the NanoCruising Launch game. Feel familiar?

The West Wight Potter 15 has earned a reputation as one of the most capable small cruising boats out there. Simple, tough, and surprisingly seaworthy for its size—it’s built a loyal following over the years. In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sat down with Larry Rumbol, the UK builder of the Potter 15, to dig into the story behind the boat—and what makes it work so well. The Story Behind the West Wight Potter 15 We start with the origins of the design and its creator, Stanley Smith . Larry shares some great historical context around how the boat came to be, and the thinking behind its design. It wasn’t about speed or flash—it was about creating a small boat that could handle real conditions and still be accessible. That philosophy still defines the Potter today. What Makes the Potter 15 So Capable? One of the big themes in the conversation is how well the boat punches above its weight. We talk about: Stability and seaworthiness Simplicity in design Why it w...