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In this episode of the NanoCruising Podcast, I sit down with André-François Boudreau—sailor, adventurer, survival expert, and designer of the unique Gorfnik NanoCruiser.

Although we planned to cover a range of topics, the conversation naturally wandered—as good conversations often do. We spent a lot of time exploring the thinking behind Gorfnik, why André-François believes small boats are remarkably capable, and what it means to design a boat around simplicity, self-sufficiency, and real adventure.

Along the way, we also discuss survival, preparedness, risk, and the mindset that helps sailors become more capable and confident on the water.

Whether you're interested in small boat design, self-reliance, or simply hearing from someone who's spent a lifetime thinking about adventure, this episode offers plenty of food for thought.

You'll also find links in the show notes to André-François' book, Wilderness Secrets Revealed, and his presentation at the Global Bushcraft Symposium if you'd like to explore more of his work.

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Boat designer and builder Sam Devlin has spent decades creating some of the most recognizable small cruising boats around. But behind the hundreds of designs is a remarkably simple philosophy: he just likes boats.

In this episode, Sam shares how he got his start, what drew him into designing and building boats, and the principles that have guided his work throughout his career. We discuss how the boating market has evolved over the years, what makes a good boat, and why simplicity still matters.

Along the way, Sam tells the hilarious story behind the Nancy's China design and reflects on the joy of creating boats that inspire people to get out on the water.

Whether you're fascinated by boat design, dreaming of your next project, or simply love hearing from one of the great minds in small craft, you'll enjoy this conversation with one of boating's most respected designers.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sit down with Flavien Gaulard, founder of Kaori Concept, to talk about small boats, sustainable boatbuilding, and designing for real-world adventure.

We dive into Flavien’s experience building boats in the Philippines, how he started Kaori Concept, and the philosophy behind the Kaori 550. Along the way, we explore the advantages of small boats, the tradeoffs between simplicity and comfort, and why thoughtful design matters so much in small craft cruising.

It’s a fascinating conversation about building boats with intention—not just for performance, but for usability, sustainability, and the kind of sailing many of us actually dream about doing.

If you enjoy small boat design, camp cruising, or hearing how new ideas take shape in the sailing world, this one’s worth a listen.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Eric Dahlkamp has been chasing small boat adventures for years—from building and updating his own boats to taking on some of the most challenging small-boat events out there.

In this episode of NanoCruising, we talk with Eric about how he got started sailing, the boats he’s built and upgraded—including the legendary 13’ trimaran Squirt—and his experiences in the Texas 200. He shares his tips on how to prepare, what to expect, and what matters most when tackling this iconic small-boat event.

If you’re curious about small boat cruising, racing, or just want practical advice from someone who’s been there multiple times, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

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The West Wight Potter 15 has a bit of a cult following—and for good reason.

In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sit down with Larry Rumbol, the UK builder of the Potter 15, to dig into the story behind the boat. From its original designer, Stanley Smith, to the real-world experiences that shaped how the boat evolved over time.

Larry shares historical insights, lesser-known stories, and—just as importantly—practical advice on what works, what doesn’t, and what you can do to improve the boat for cruising.

If you’ve ever owned a Potter, considered one, or just enjoy small boats with real character, this is a fascinating look at a design that has stood the test of time.

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Sailing doesn’t have to be fast, extreme, or complicated.

In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sit down with Brian Clauson, the voice behind the Ruddy Duck Sailing Adventures YouTube channel. If you’ve come across his videos, you know the feeling—calm, unhurried, and quietly immersive.

We talk about how he found his boat, what pushed him to start filming in the first place, and how the channel grew over time without losing that relaxed, authentic style.

It’s a conversation about more than just sailing. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the process, and sharing the experience without overthinking it.

If you’ve ever thought about documenting your own sailing—or just wondered what it’s like behind a channel like this—you’ll enjoy this one.

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Learning to sail is one of those things that’s harder to explain than it should be. You can read about it, watch videos, listen to podcasts—but at some point, you just have to go.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Peter—80 years young and sailing for over six decades—to talk about how people actually learn to sail. We dig into his early days, the mistakes, the small breakthroughs, and the kind of quiet wisdom that only comes from time on the water.

This isn’t a step-by-step lesson. It’s a conversation about the process—what helps, what doesn’t, and how to make it your own.

Alongside the episode, I’ve put together the NanoCruising Learning to Sail booklet—a simple, practical companion you can use as you’re getting started, or helping someone else take their first steps.

If you’ve ever thought about learning to sail—or wondered if you’re doing it “right”—this one’s for you.

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The Race to Alaska is one of the most unusual and demanding events in modern sailing: roughly 700 miles from Washington State to Alaska with no engines allowed.

In this episode I’m joined by Jeff Williams, who along with teammate Mike VanHoy will be competing in the next Race to Alaska as Team Snowflakes aboard a 20-foot Tornado catamaran.

Their boat is fast, light, and uncompromising — no cabin, no heater, and nothing separating the crew from the elements except skill, preparation, and determination.

We talk about:

• Why they decided to take on the Race to Alaska
• Preparing a high-performance catamaran for a 700-mile endurance event
• Human propulsion and creative problem solving
• What breaks offshore — and how you fix it mid-race
• The realities of cold water sailing and fatigue

The Race to Alaska attracts some of the most creative and determined small-boat sailors anywhere. This conversation is a great look at the mindset required to take on a challenge where finishing alone is an achievement.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵