NanoCruising

What happens when you step away from the pace of modern life and surrender to the rhythms of nature? In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with filmmaker, author, and adventurer Dianne Whelan , whose deeply moving and award-winning film 500 Days in the Wild chronicles her six-year journey along the entire 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail — from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic Ocean. But this isn’t your average endurance story. Yes, she paddled vast stretches of water by canoe, hiked thousands of kilometers, and endured some of the most remote and wild landscapes on Earth. But the real story is about listening . Listening to the land. To Indigenous elders. To her own shifting sense of purpose. It’s a story of reconnection — with the Earth, with others, and with herself. In our conversation, Dianne shares: How she discovered canoeing — and how it became central to her connection with nature Her shift from seeing the journey as an athletic expedition to a s...

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitching up a small sailboat and exploring both lakes and coasts at your own pace, this episode is for you. We sit down with Eric Zilbert , Commodore of the Potter Yachters , one of the largest and longest-standing trailer sailor clubs in North America. In our conversation, Eric shares how he first fell in love with sailing, how he found his West Wight Potter 19 , and how discovering the Potter Yachters transformed his boating life. 🚤 What Makes the Potter 19 Special? Eric offers great insights into the appeal of the Potter 19 —a rugged, trailerable microcruiser known for its accessibility and versatility. He also touches on how it compares to its smaller sibling, the Potter 15 , and why he feels the P19 is a great boat for solo sailing, family cruising, and overnight adventures. 🧭 Advice for New Trailer Sailors For those just starting out, Eric shares real-world tips on finding the right boat, joining a local club, and easing into overnight trips. His...

Michael Storer is a well-known name in the world of small boat design, and in this episode, we continue our conversation about his innovative approach to making sailing more accessible, efficient, and fun. If you've ever thought about building your own boat, upgrading your sailing setup, or just love the idea of simple, practical designs, this episode is packed with great insights. The Advantages of Canoe-Style Sailboats One of the key topics we discuss is the unique benefits of canoe-style sailboats. Storer explains why these designs are not only easy to build but also incredibly efficient in the water. Their lightweight and narrow hulls allow for smooth sailing, even in light winds, making them an excellent choice for small-boat adventurers. Real Simple Sails: High-Quality Sails for Small Boats Michael also talks about Real Simple Sails, his company that provides well-designed, high-performance sails at an affordable price. These sails are specifically created for home-built boat...

A Passion for Small Boats and Smart Design Michael Storer has made a name for himself in the world of small boat design. His creations, such as the Oz Goose and Oz Racer, have gained a strong following among DIY boatbuilders and NanoCruisers. But how did he get started? In the latest episode of the NanoCruising podcast, we dive into Michael’s journey—his early sailing experiences, how he developed his design philosophy, and the first boat he ever designed. Learning from the Best at DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia)  One of the most fascinating parts of Michael’s story is how he learned boat design—not through formal training, but by working as a technical consultant for DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia) , where he had access to hundreds of different designs. This hands-on exposure gave him a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to small, efficient boats. Michael’s background in engineering and problem-solving helped him refine his approach, leading t...

What if you could set sail without a trailer, a boat ramp, or even a dock? That’s exactly what Justin from the YouTube channel Travel By Water does through paddle sailing —a minimalist approach to NanoCruising that blends paddling with the power of the wind. In the latest episode of the NanoCruising Podcast , we dive deep into Justin’s journey, from how he got started in paddle sailing to the boats he’s used and built. He shares why paddle sailing can sometimes be a better option than trailer sailing , how to sail upwind effectively, and key safety tips for stability and control . Why Paddle Sailing? Paddle sailing offers a level of freedom and simplicity that even trailer sailors might envy. Without the need for a ramp, marina, or large tow vehicle, a paddle sailor can launch from almost anywhere. It also provides a unique way to interact with the water at a slower, more immersive pace —a true NanoCruising experience. Key Topics in This Episode: ✔️ What is Paddle Sailing? How...

When it comes to small boat adventures, few names carry the weight of Sven Yrvind. The legendary sailor, now in his 80s, has spent a lifetime designing and voyaging in tiny, self-built boats—proving that size is no barrier to adventure. In the second part of our interview with Sven, we delve into some of the most fascinating aspects of his sailing life, from navigating fog-bound Newfoundland to the unexpected road trip his boat had to take. Challenging the Seas—and the Authorities  Sven has never let obstacles deter him, but even he wasn’t prepared for the Canadian Coast Guard's refusal to let him set sail. With no option to continue by water, he had to load his tiny vessel onto a U-Haul truck and take an unexpected detour through the U.S. to Maine. For most sailors, this would be a frustrating setback—but for Sven, it was just another chapter in his unpredictable journey. What Makes a Small Boat Seaworthy? If there’s anyone who understands how to make a small boat handle the worst...

Few sailors embody the spirit of NanoCruising like Sven Yrvind. At 85 years old, he continues to design and sail tiny boats across vast oceans, proving that adventure isn’t about the size of your vessel, but the strength of your vision. In the first of two episodes with Sven, we dive into his remarkable journey—from growing up on a small island in Sweden to becoming a world-renowned small-boat sailor and designer. A Childhood Shaped by the Sea Sven’s love for the ocean started early. Growing up on a small island, he developed a deep appreciation for self-sufficiency and resilience. His first major voyage—a daring trip to Denmark in a tiny homemade boat—set the stage for a lifetime of innovative and ambitious adventures. Designing Bris and Challenging the Norm Sven’s first famous boat, Bris, challenged traditional ideas of offshore sailing. Built with simplicity and efficiency in mind, it showcased his philosophy: a well-designed small boat can be safer, more practical, and more efficie...