Extreme Small Boat Sailing Adventures: Could You Do This?

"Is it cool or crazy?" Photo © Stropnik

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I knew small boats were fun — but I didn’t realise they could be THIS fun! 

YouTube thrives on suggestions of what you might like to check out next (which in my case is always sailing related or anything featuring Chris Hemsworth) — well this week, a short adventure film featuring a small boat popped up — and well, who am I to refuse?

Naturally, I hit play.

And now I’m in trouble. Because this little film has gotten under my skin — and like a prickle stuck in my heel — I can’t stop thinking about it.

Because Igor Stropnik has just shown me how much adventure you have with a boat that’s less than 5m long, and costs half the price you pay for your mental health degrading as you sit in your office job dreaming of being OUT THERE, doing something that makes you FEEL ALIVE.

Carrying essentials only in the RS Quba on the Arctic Ocean. Photo © Stropnik

Igor Stropnik — Adventure Sailing

In 13.33 enthralling minutes — Igor takes us on his journey of extreme small boat sailing adventures covering thousands of nautical miles in Scandinavia, through the breathtaking beauty of Norway's fjords and mountains and beyond.

At the tiller sits Igor, bundled up in a drysuit against the biting cold, his expression a mix of concentration and determination. As he navigates through the unforgiving elements, packing up his camp, kicking snow off the boat he can't help but voice the same thing I wonder, "Is it cool or crazy?"

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Watch Igor’s short film How I ended up Here. Check it out and I’ll wait here ‘til you’re back…

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Inflatable catamaran adventures. Photo © Stropnik

A Man of Action

It all started when Stropnik ‘Bought a Laser from Old Italian. Put on tent. Started sailing in Croatia’.

Igor’s tells his story simply — documentary footage evidence of his infatuation with sailing and testing small boats. His quest for new exploration comes across in a humble and almost poetic manner. He travels light and lives camp-style using his experience and practical thinking to cope during extreme weather conditions. With almost 36K followers on YouTube, Igor shares his adventures without the need for dramatics or constant self-promotion. Stropnik’s a man of action, not theatrics.

Hailing from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, Igor's love for the outdoors was sparked at a young age. From the forests of his childhood to the rugged mountains and rivers, he embraced every opportunity for adventure. And when he discovered the book "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum, he found his calling — to journey to distant lands under sail power alone. Today Igor is a professional skipper.

Igor's Arctic ocean escapades are not for the faint of heart. Enduring freezing temperatures and relentless winds, he navigates his boat with determination and skill. From cooking frozen meals on a camping stove to finding anchorage in remote locations, every day presents a new challenge. Igor knows what he’s doing and is meticulous about safety.

Winter adventures in a small sailboat in Norway means camping on remote coastlines. Photo © Stropnik

Smaller Can Be Better

In the cruising world — cockpit talk often turns to buying a bigger boat. More room. “Better”. But here we see Igor taking out boats that sailors typically learn on and then do more with them than many cruisers have in a lifetime of big boat ownership. 

Igor proves an important lesson — sailing adventure is not defined by boat size. On the contrary, the smaller sailboats with lifting keels and shallow drafts enable him to tuck up right into the shore and run stern lines in the most protected spots along the coast. You do have to be willing to get wet, uncomfortable at times and go without extra luxuries — but you’ll be out there doing it, having fun, meeting challenges head on and making incredible memories.

Stropnik’s sports catamaran anchored in an incredible spot. Photo © Stropnik

Great Small Boats For Big Adventures

There are plenty of small boats that are fun to sail no matter where you are. Do you recognise any of these sailboats Igor explores with?

• Laser

• Tiki catamaran

• Inflatable catamaran

• Topaz Omega

• RS Quba

All speed, action & fun sailing this small catamaran. Photo © Stropnik

Small Boats Come With Benefits

If you’re keen to give these small boats a go but have never sailed before — here are some ways to get experience on the water. And keep your eyes peeled on the second-hand boat market there are usually a number of small boats for sale, and you may be surprised at how affordable they are.

Small boats come with three big benefits:

1. Cheaper to maintain

2. Cheaper to store

3. Manageable to transport

Maybe your adventure is closer to reality than you thought!

Close to nature — tucked into shore with a small campsite. Photo © Stropnik

In Summary

For Igor Stropnik, the lure of the open water is irresistible. And as he continues to push the boundaries of small boat exploration, he reminds us that the greatest adventures lie beyond our comfort zones. So, if you ever find yourself questioning whether to embark on that daring journey, just remember Igor's story – because sometimes, the craziest ideas lead to the most unforgettable adventures. Grab a Hobie Cat, grab some camping gear and get amongst it!

And if you’ll excuse me now, I’m heading back to my search for second-hand Lasers…while I eye up sailing Fjiordland in New Zealand.

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