Send us a text

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.

------------------------------------------------

Raid Erie

-----------------------------------------------------

Join the conversation in our Facebook group

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes

www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text

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

-----------------------------------------------------

Join the conversation in our Facebook group

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes

www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

Send us a text

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.

-----------------------------------------------------

Join the conversation in our Facebook group

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new episodes

www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵