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In this special episode, we talk with Serge Testa, the Australian sailor who set a world record by circumnavigating the globe in an 11-foot boat — the Acrohc Australis. Serge shares how he designed and built his tiny aluminum yacht, what life was like during his 500-day voyage, and the lessons learned from years at sea.

We also hear from his wife, Robin, who offers her candid perspective on the man behind the record — a true doer who fixes problems as they come and keeps moving forward.

Serge also tells us what came after the Acrohc Australis — including building bigger boats, new adventures, and why small-boat sailing still holds a special place in his heart.

A timeless conversation with a sailor whose story continues to inspire adventurers around the world. 🌊

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this second part of our conversation with legendary sailor Howard Rice, we journey with him deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego — where he sailed through the same treacherous channels that once confounded Joshua Slocum. Howard recounts the intense reality of navigating the “Milky Way,” his unexpected rescue in one of the most remote regions on earth, and the untold story of the footage that never became a film.

Now based in Japan, Howard continues his lifelong pursuit of craftsmanship and adventure, building both SCAMPs and traditional Japanese fishing boats in his workshop. He also shares his reflections on what comes next — the future of small boat voyaging, and his own evolving relationship with the sea.

This episode is a rare blend of hard-won experience, deep philosophy, and raw adventure from one of small craft sailing’s true pioneers.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Few sailors embody the spirit of small-boat adventure like Howard Rice. In this first of two episodes, Howard shares what drives him to journey to the ends of the Earth — from his early training expeditions in a Klepper kayak to the careful preparation of his SCAMP dinghy for one of the most remote and demanding sailing challenges on the planet: Tierra del Fuego.

We dive into his motivations, the philosophy behind his voyages, the logistics of shipping a small boat across the world, and the moment his journey began. It’s an intimate and inspiring look at what it takes — both mentally and practically — to pursue a true expedition under sail.

If you’ve ever dreamed of pushing beyond your comfort zone in a small boat, this conversation with Howard Rice will remind you why we go.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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Roy Schreyer has spent a lifetime exploring the waterways of Georgian Bay and beyond, but his journey took a new direction when his wife found traditional sailboats less than comfortable. The result? The Dianne Rose, a compact, towable houseboat that combines practicality, comfort, and simplicity — proof that great design comes from real-world needs.

In this episode, Roy shares how his wife’s perspective shaped his approach to boat design, why a composting toilet can be a game-changer, and the principles he follows when creating strong, functional boats. We also talk about the Crow, his clever 15-foot sailboat, and the joy of crafting boats that make adventure accessible.

If you’re curious about thoughtful design, small-boat cruising, or how to balance comfort with exploration, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world insight.

Also check out his designs at RoyDesignedThat.

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What happens when you combine adventure, advocacy, and a paddleboard? Dan Rubinstein set out on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) journey from Ottawa to New York and onward to Lake Erie, and along the way discovered more than just miles of water — he found community, kindness, and a deeper understanding of how “blue space” can transform our mental and physical health.

In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares:

• Why time on the water is even more powerful than other natural spaces for well-being.
• His SUP journey and the unexpected generosity of people he met.
• How local action for rivers, lakes, and streams is key in tackling climate change.
• Tips for getting started with paddleboarding.

This isn’t just a story of adventure — it’s a call to rediscover the water in your own backyard and protect it for the future.

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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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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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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵