Some people are boat builders. Some are designers. Some are entrepreneurs. And then there's Sam Devlin of DevlinBoat . After decades of designing and building hundreds of boats, his philosophy can be summed up in four simple words: "I like boats" It sounds almost too simple, but after spending an hour talking with Sam on the NanoCruising Podcast, it becomes clear that those four words explain nearly everything about his career. Sam didn't set out to chase trends or build the biggest boats. He built the boats that interested him—boats that solved problems, inspired adventure, and made people want to get out on the water. That genuine curiosity has produced an astonishing variety of designs, from tiny cruisers to capable expedition boats. One of the things I enjoyed most about our conversation was hearing how his designs evolved over time. Every boat has a story, and many of those stories begin with a sailor asking, "What if...?" We also talked about how the b...
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...