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Small Boats, Big Ideas — Flavien Gaulard of Kaori Concept




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 sense

  • The balance between simplicity and comfort

  • What really matters in a capable cruising boat

  • Designing for real-world use instead of marketing numbers

It’s a thoughtful look at what many sailors are actually looking for—even if they don’t always realize it.

Building with Sustainability in Mind

Another major theme was sustainability.

Not just in materials, but in the overall philosophy of boating. Smaller boats use fewer resources, cost less to operate, and often lead to a simpler, more connected experience on the water.

It’s an angle that doesn’t get discussed enough in sailing conversations.

Why Small Boats Still Matter

One thing that kept coming up throughout the conversation is that small boats force clarity.

You simplify. You prioritize. You focus on what actually matters.

And in many ways, that’s what NanoCruising has always been about.

If you enjoy boat design, small cruising boats, or conversations about the future of sailing, this episode is definitely worth a listen.


🌊 Join the NanoCruising community! Be part of the conversation in our Facebook Group — share your adventures, ideas, and small-boat stories.

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❤️ Support the journey: If you’d like to help keep NanoCruising afloat, join us on Patreon. Every bit helps cover hosting, gear, and — let’s be honest — a little epoxy and marine plywood.

www.nanocruising.com
Seas Your Own Adventure ⛵

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