NanoCruising : the small boat cruising podcast (dinghy cruising & trailer sailing)

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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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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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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Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon

More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵