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In this episode, we sit down with Eric Miller, the energetic sailor and organizer behind Raid Erie 2025. Eric shares how he first fell in love with small boat sailing and why he felt compelled to create a small-boat event in northern Ohio—a place he calls a “desert” for dinghy sailing.

We dive into the story of how Raid Erie came together, what made it such a success, and the lessons Eric learned while turning his idea into a thriving event that drew sailors of all ages. He talks about fostering community, welcoming the next generation, and even hints at future plans—including the possibility of a race/expedition next year.

This is an inspiring conversation about what happens when one sailor decides to build a “well in the desert” and discovers just how many others are thirsty for adventure.

⛵ If you’ve ever though about starting a sailing event, growing your local community, or just want to hear how grassroots energy can spark something bigger, this episode will leave you inspired.

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Raid Erie

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From anchors to outboards, trailering to the galley, Kelly Trafford joins us to walk through his tried-and-true cruising checklist—packed with practical tips, safety must-dos, and lessons learned the hard way. This episode is a goldmine for small-boat cruisers who want to be ready for anything on the water, and it comes with a downloadable copy of Kelly’s checklist so you can put it to work on your own adventures. 

Cruising Checklist

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Wayfarer guru, teacher, cruiser, innovator—Matt Sharman shares a lifetime with one iconic boat.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Sharman—a lifelong Wayfarer sailor whose journey began with a hand-me-down boat from his uncle and evolved into a deep, lifelong connection with one of the most beloved dinghies ever built. Matt shares stories from his cruises, his work introducing newcomers to the sport, and his active role in the Wayfarer community—both on the water and online.

We also talk about Aero Luff Spars, his ultralight furling and reefing system that’s become a go-to for small boat sailors looking to optimize performance without complexity.

Humble but rich with knowledge, Matt reflects on memorable meetings with sailing legends like Ian Proctor (the Wayfarer’s designer) and Frank and Margaret Dye, whose legendary voyages helped define small boat cruising. Whether you're a Wayfarer fan or just exploring what makes a great small cruiser, this conversation has heart, history, and practical advice in equal measure.

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In this episode of the NanoCruising Podcast, we sit down with Sean Petterson, co-founder and CEO of SuperSede, to explore a game-changing innovation in boatbuilding: a sustainable, recycled-plastic alternative to marine plywood.

Sean shares his own journey into boating and how it led him to help develop SuperCede Marine Board—a structural material designed for boats and marine projects that’s waterproof, durable, and easy to work with. We dive into why this material is especially exciting for DIY boatbuilders and small boat cruisers:

• No epoxy needed
• Less tooling required
• Strength and longevity advantages
• A greener way to build 

We also discuss where SuperSede works best, how it could change small boat building, and why accessible innovations like this matter to the future of the marine community.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own boat—or just want to learn about the next wave of sustainable materials—you won’t want to miss this episode.

Ask ChatGPT

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Dan Roeder, current lead of the West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron (Florida), joins us to talk about the vibrant life of a small boat cruising community. In this episode, Dan shares his personal journey into the group, the variety of boats that show up to their events, and the shared joy of trailer sailing.

We explore:

• The inclusive and welcoming culture of the Squadron
• Favorite cruising grounds around Florida
• Annual events and meetups that bring the community together
• Why small boat sailors are some of the best people you'll ever meet
• How the group continues to introduce newcomers to the sailing lifestyle
• What it means to “serve the life of a sailor”

Whether you're new to trailer sailing or a seasoned cruiser, this episode is a celebration of camaraderie, exploration, and the joy of small boats.

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Trapper Haskins, author of Crooked River,  built his own Mississippi Yawl and paddled it all the way to New Orleans—but the real journey was internal. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Trapper shares the story behind building his boat, the inspiration behind the trip, and how navigating the river helped him navigate a personal crossroads.

We dive into the highs and lows of the adventure, the craftsmanship behind his boat, and the mental and emotional clarity that can emerge when we fully commit to something difficult and uncertain. It’s a moving tale of self-reliance, reinvention, and finding purpose on the water.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a reset—or just building a boat and heading south—you’ll want to listen to this one.

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In this episode, I’m joined by legendary small-boat adventurer and author Stephen Ladd, known for his remarkable books Three Years in a 12-Foot Boat and The Five-Year Voyage. We dive into the origins of his epic journeys, including designing and building his own 12-foot microcruiser Squeak and navigating thousands of miles of wild and remote waterways—from the Mississippi to the jungles of South America.

Stephen shares what it takes to live aboard such a small craft, how he and his partner Ginny voyaged across oceans and rivers, and the emotional highs and lows of long-term small boat travel. We talk about boat design, staying safe, finding joy in simplicity, and how these intimate journeys can lead to deep personal transformation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of casting off in a tiny boat and heading into the unknown, this episode is for you.

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In Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary boat designer John Welsford, we go beyond the SCAMP and explore what's next. John shares exciting news about a new 7-meter ocean-going boat currently on his drawing board and introduces us to Scallywag, a design born from sailors dreaming of a SCAMP... with accommodations.

We also hear some incredible stories from the field—including Welsford designs voyaging to Tierra del Fuego and playing a part in community building in East Timor. John weighs in on the debate between junk rigs and balanced lug sails, and offers his hopeful perspective on the bright future of small boats and their builders.

If you love design talk, big ideas, and small seaworthy boats—you won’t want to miss this one.

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In this first of two special episodes, we sit down with legendary New Zealand boat designer John Welsford, the mind behind some of the world’s most beloved small boat plans—including the hugely popular SCAMP (Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project).

John shares the fascinating story of how he got into boat design, how SCAMP came to be, and what makes a good first boat for those curious about building and cruising small sailboats. We also dive into some of the key principles that guide his design work—especially his focus on safety and seaworthiness for real-world adventures.

If you've ever thought about building your own microcruiser or just want to hear the wisdom of one of the greats in small boat design, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🛠️ Mentioned in the episode:
 • What makes SCAMP so unique
 • His most approachable design for new builders
 • Why safety is more than just flotation
 • Design tips for adventurous sailing on a budget

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to start sketching your dream boat!

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In this special episode, we sit down with award-winning Canadian filmmaker, author, and adventurer Dianne Whelan, whose film 500 Days in the Wild documents her epic solo journey across the entire 24,000 km of the Trans Canada Trail — by canoe, on foot, and in deep conversation with the land.

But this episode goes beyond just the miles and the route. Dianne shares how she discovered a deep love of canoeing, the unexpected lessons from six years on the trail, and how the journey became more than just an expedition — it became a path to reconnection, healing, and respect for Indigenous knowledge and the Earth itself.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to slow down, unplug, and listen more closely to the natural world, this conversation will resonate. Dianne’s insights are both powerful and poetic, and her story reminds us that adventure isn’t just about movement — it’s about meaning.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵