🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from September, 2026

Another Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow: Sandy Mackinnon Returns to NanoCruising

One Mirror dinghy. One adventurous author. And apparently, one voyage just wasn’t enough. If you listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Sandy (A.J.) Mackinnon, you’ll know that his book The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow tells the story of an extraordinary journey from the UK to the Black Sea aboard a humble Mirror dinghy. It’s the sort of adventure that makes you look at a little boat and wonder just how far it could take you. Well, Sandy is back on NanoCruising—and so is Jack de Crow! In Part 2, we turn our attention to Sandy’s new book, Another Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow . We talk about returning to the world of small-boat adventure, the stories behind the new book, and the unexpected turns that make Sandy such an entertaining guest. A small boat with a big story One of the things I love about Jack de Crow is how perfectly the little Mirror dinghy captures the spirit of NanoCruising. It’s not a large yacht with every imaginable comfort. It’s a small, straightforward boat ...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

⛵ 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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read more