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In this episode, I sit down with Graham Byrnes of B & B Yacht Designs—the designer whose Core Sound 17 became a legend in small-boat adventuring. Graham shares his early days growing up and sailing in Australia, how meeting his wife led him to the United States, and the origins of B & B Boats.

We dive into his first WaterTribe Everglades Challenge and his second attempt—the now-famous 2006 race where he shattered the course record. Graham explains the design principles that made the Core Sound 17 such an unusually capable expedition boat, why the cuddy version differs in important ways, and what he’s learned from the many adventures his boats have taken sailors on.

He also offers practical advice for small-boat cruisers—especially his core belief: be prepared.

A great conversation with one of the most influential designers in modern small-craft sailing.

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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In this episode, I’m joined by Geoff Macqueen — sailor, adventurer, and author of Cruising Wild, his newly released account of circumnavigating Tasmania in his self-built Welsford Houdini dinghy.

Geoff takes us deep into the story behind his boat, the spark that led him to attempt a Bass Strait crossing, and the moment everything went wrong: an unexpected capsize in notorious waters, and the detailed, honest retelling of how he recovered and kept going.

We talk about:

• Building a Houdini and preparing it for real-world adventure
• The reality of crossing the Bass Strait in a 13-foot open dinghy
• The capsize — what caused it, what he learned, and what every small-boat sailor should know
• How the idea for a full circumnavigation of Tasmania took hold
• Navigating the west coast — wild, exposed, often uncharted, and unforgiving
• The mental game of being alone, waiting out weather, and deciding when to push on
• Why Geoff now enjoys cruising in company, and what small boats offer that bigger boats can’t

It’s an honest, insightful conversation about adventure, risk, resilience, and the special joy of traveling slowly in a tiny sailboat.

If you’re drawn to dinghy cruising, expedition sailing, or stories of perseverance in the wild, you won’t want to miss this one.

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More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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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Join the conversation: Facebook group Mailing list Patreon

More at: www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵