The Homely Dinghy

How I turn my sailing dinghy into a comfortable home for the night.
"Homely" in British English means "home-like", and is a good thing! I now realise (from viewers comments) that our American Cousins consider the word to be rather derogatory. But it's too late to change the title of the video now!
MY BOAT
Do you want a boat like mine?
She is an adapted Ilur designed by François Vivier, and built of clinker plywood by les Charpentiers Reunis of Cancale in 1994. The design is based closely on the traditional inshore fishing boats of Brittany, including her single boom-less lugsail rig and lack of a mainsheet horse, (controversial among my viewers). Although rare in Britain, Ilurs are quite common in France.
www.vivierboats.com/en/
Similar dinghies can often be found for sale in the French magazine le Chasse-Marée
www.chasse-maree.com/revue/
Links
The Dinghy Cruising Companion
www.amazon.co.uk/Dinghy-Cruis...
The Dinghy Cruising Association:
dinghycruising.org.uk/

[@janebaker966]

That was a nice peaceful calm video to start my day in January 2022. Loved all that birdsong and later some sheep. Your boat is a real cosy little home. It was good seeing you show us how simple it is to set up. I reckon even I could do it - but I wouldn't,as I NEVER go in the water. I would think that it would be lovely to take a nice comfy mattress and a blanket and sleep in your boat one night in your field on just one balmy Midsummer night when the air is warm.

[@stevec-b6214]

roger NEVER goes in the water, well not intentionally!

[@bill7778]

Looks cozy. I like how you have everything strapped down.

[@charlesbugeja4273]

That is about the best set up boat I have ever seen. Thank you so much for showing us how all that works.

[@mrocean7052]

Exceptionally good use of such a small space! Love the amount of things that are double use. I’m actually from Somerset in the UK but now liveaboard my S&S 30 yacht in Australia and am a Australian resident. For some reason though I am always drawn to smaller boats especially wooden small boats. You would love a Australian guy called Don Mcintyre he re-enacted William Blighs voyage a few years ago in a vessel similar sized to yours across the pacific to Asia, there’s a video on KZbin about it. Brilliant work :)

[@jimf1964]

I'm not a sailor, but that was pretty darn interesting. I'm impressed.

[@fegman]

I really love the elegance and simplicity of your setup, not forgetting the workmanship. Very much a childhood reader of Swallows and Amazons, but the closest I have come to sailing is on a pedalo in the municipal park! Many thanks for posting, love your videos. All the best, Nick

[@pshearduk]

The birdsong is so beautiful, and a beautiful dinghy too Roger.

[@newtonmenlo]

It's amazing where one can find happiness and contentment. Fair winds and Cheers Roger.

[@petergreen8026]

Its a rainy day in Sydney, so I cannot progress the building of my 12' dinghy (a Paul Gartside design), so I am thoroughly enjoying many of Roger's videos (I have a small glass of rum beside me as well!)

[@philipritson8821]

Paul Gartside! Which one?

[@marksadventures3889]

I'm loving the sound track, nature and a bit of guitar, excellent.

[@kenowens1688]

Best use of space I've seen!

[@billsteele1788]

.... nicely done, imagine its quite relaxing overnighting on the dingy

[@brycenew]

She's a wee ship you have there Roger! A fantastically fitted out one at that. Great video and a great dinghy. Can you give us some details on her please? Lovely manner too mate; nice and relaxed. Stay well

[@EdwinHenryBlachford]

very nice Roger. I'm a crusty old single guy and live on a huge estuarine system called "The Coorong" in South Australia. I watch this and think "yes I must build that boat ". Oddly, the waters are more tempestuous than the ocean due to wind effects, so a lake-worthy craft she must be. Also small enough to drag off of sand bars -which abound - single handed. So you provide some inspiration and time to make a lofting table and set too. Yes, I have a KZbin channel also and it's rather hard to compose videos, but fun at the same time. But perhaps I can depart from educating people into the secret art of repairing HEUI fuel injection.. and instead have them watch me finding coves to sleep in.. either way all good fun and thankyou

[@wuzgoanon9373]

Quaint and cozy. Looks like a nice way to pass some time on an interesting spelunking trip! Bravo.

[@LuckyTown77]

Love the journeys and the dialogue. Thank you.

[@timstewartuk]

Hi Roger, thank you for the videos. You have managed to capture the simplicity and magic of dinghy cruising, without waving the camera around or resorting to mind-numbing musical additions. It should be clear, from your efforts, that much is to be gained from keeping to the basics. Both economically and psychologically there is great benefit in this mode of transport, as defined here. I can only wish you all the best, and hope, that you will keep us updated on your adventures.

[@wildhogget69]

What an awesome set up, so compact and organized, well done. Now I have a mountain of videos to watch.

[@simeon3always]

Thanks for the fine videos. A perfect complement to your Cruising Companion book. Lots of ideas you have provided me for my SCAMP Noddy. Stay safe!

[@frankwern8784]

Thanks for your video Roger! I cruise in a old Wayfarer and always enjoy seeing how others rig for the camping, cooking & storage aspects. Some wonderful kit you have.

[@RogerRoving]

My second video. Far harder than it looks - that's all I'm saying!

[@sirvidia]

good video. my favourite bit is that your sleeping bag says "urban" on it

[@mrocean7052]

Roger Barnes Exceptionally good use of such a small space! Love the amount of things that are double use. I’m actually from Somerset in the UK but now liveaboard my S&S 30 yacht in Australia and am a Australian resident. For some reason though I am always drawn to smaller boats especially wooden small boats. You would love a Australian guy called Don Mcintyre he re-enacted William Blighs voyage a few years ago in a vessel similar sized to yours across the pacific to Asia, there’s a video on KZbin about it. Brilliant work :)

[@jackmyers2188]

great video

[@indigocharlie7218]

What an awesome guy! Refreshing change. Hope you live long and pass on much knowledge.

[@martyjames6204]

yes, this is what im looking to do - not interested in performance boats,but homeliness, comfort and relaxing sailing - cheers

[@rodneymaennling5963]

Well done Roger! My wife and I have cruised all the nooks and crannies along the Strait of Georgia, West Coast, Canada. We owned a 22 foot pretty wooden sloop, and enjoyed both the sailing, and fitting out the boat as homely as we could. However, we wish we had the benefit of your learnings, all from your sailing experience in such challenging waters. Keep up the good work; your sailing and videos! Rodney Maennling Vancouver Island, Canada

[@ThePermanentmagenta]

Thanks very much. Really enjoying the video series. We have just begun building our own Ilur, and we love seeing what you've done with yours!

[@davidtylerjelkstison]

Love the set up and seeing how others are going Small and going now! Keep sharing!!

[@oreilly1237878]

Brilliant nothing like it.The freedom and the serenity,that is most of the time.The self reliance and good feelings of a job well done and living with nature as opposed to it.Thank you ,much appreciated.

[@buddyhutchins3782]

Great video and nicely organized boat. Happy sailing.

[@MrBeracah]

Thank you roger for your prompt response. I am amazed it’s as quick as that and that’s what I think it should be. My friend years ago used to sail a trailer sailer dinghy and it was almost 2 hrs to set up and rig his boat and the same taking it all down again. Thanks

[@jhogan1960]

What a cool video. When I was a kid, we had an old cat rigged, wooden dinghy that I sailed everywhere. Thanks for bringing back good memories.

[@briannemorna4268]

this is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. thanks for the ideas happy sailing

[@Gaddman100]

Just found your channel, and I love it! The cruising is awesome!

[@ankerwiedemann]

Excellent portrait of your dinghy and it's purposefulness. The galley/food box is really neat. Simple and uncomplicated. Everything seems very well thought of. I could work these ideas into my Hurley 18 for a start.

[@johnvititoe6051]

You’re SO organized, Roger! Good on you. I only recently came on your videos on KZbin and I’m loving them. I’m hooked.

[@GreenMntMoto]

Its great the level of class you bring to affordable sailing - with all respect your a mid-evil traditionalist in a space age.

[@jennifermoore8236]

Brilliant! Many thanks Roger. When I need to remember peace and delight I turn on one of your videos. 🙏

[@camojoe83]

What a great little boat! Thanks for sharing the living setup.

[@thevoyager3903]

Great setup! Giving me good ideas for my boat

[@jaredk2jpk535]

Great Video Roger! I just bought a Victoria 18 sailboat, which I plan on using for some nice weekend camping trips and you gave me a lot of nice ideas!

[@dockmasterted]

that boat of yours my friend is.........WICKED AWESOME!

[@garrylearmonth9313]

Hi Roger, I stumbled onto ur vlogs and found them so easy to watch and listen to. Such a simple style of cruising and very relaxing. Keep up with the vids. Cheers from Australia

[@eviemoody]

This is video is brilliant! Every single item has a place and a purpose. This has me rethinking some things. I live aboard a 36' sailboat and am always struggling to find a place for everything.

[@stephenburnage7687]

I live aboard a 34 ft and had the same thought

[@jrbergen]

Brilliant video. I learned a lot. Please make more!

[@draco7847]

I discovered your channel by chance and I was captivated by the warmth of your videos, I really enjoy watching them and they encouraged me to try solo navigation, I'm getting ready now, thanks for sharing.

[@vandalsavage6152]

What a super job, all thought out, obviously an experienced sailor. Well done..

[@degredadodegradado9110]

That dinghy is amazing, better than my house.

[@RobertSeviour1]

Well done Roger for putting this video together. I love the birdsong and baa-ing sounds. Your boat's layout evinces a great deal of thought and experience. *********************** My 24 year old son and I sailed a 19 foot yacht from Scotland to the Baltic, via Dutch canals and the German islands. It would have been considerably more comfortable fitted out your style.

[@vinm300]

Very laid back presentation, and very enjoyable (with the classic intro)

[@teresitasamonte1074]

Enjoying watching ur video. You enjoy the cruising and the sound of the birds and the sheep.

[@mlam1306]

Great video! There aren't many about dinghy cruising around. I'm looking forward to the next ones...

[@mheermance]

Impressive organization and storage on that dinghy.

[@ronaldbalistreri2415]

I ran across this while searching for Maine peapod pictures (I'm building one). His videos are so interesting that I watched all I could find in one sitting. Now I'm wishing I was building an Ilur instead of a Maine peapod. Thank you very much Roger.

[@MrGaffeltand]

I like the video, you and your boat very much!

[@andrewanastasovski1609]

Extremely useful to me. Thank you.

[@lindaward6985]

Well, Roger, I must say that I do enjoy your videos Keep them coming!

[@npc6817]

I am 20 years old and think that this boat is the best thing ever. Did I just skip youth or something? Like just calmliy sailing around, then stop and read a book with a nice cup of coffee and maybe draw a bit. It would be awesome.

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

No but I think you were just born in the wrong time. Outdoor activities have been in massive decline for the last 20-30yrs in the younger population due to video gaming etc. Unless you would have experienced this with family then not many would have been given the opportunity to have a go. It is great fun and can be done on a relatively low budget too. You might want to read Arthur Ransome, swallows & amazons. It's literally about a group of kids that do just this.

[@thethoughtmaster]

Granpa.

[@jquest43]

@@AndysEastCoastAdventures with my iPhone I can see and go anywhere on my outdoors app!

[@SLOROB55]

jquest43 virtual: it isn’t real.

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

Wow ... This young man got my vote . Talking about sailing , reading , drawing , and a good cup of Joe ! Dam ! Son , do not change ! You sound like a wealthy man already ! Now that is what life is all about !

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

My son is in the middle of building a boat and sent a link to your vid. I fell in luv with your boat. I really like hearing the birds and animals in the background. Your choice of music is awesome and I’m now a subscriber ready to watch all the details about your sailing and how your do it and where you go. Thank you from Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada.

[@danwhiteman2529]

Nice setup! Thanks for sharing.

[@GaryGuss]

Great setup Roger!

[@M.stevens1482]

Absolutely brilliant, great inspiration

[@sleethmitchell]

i watch this video every now and then. every time a sense of almost magical well-being comes over me. the pen and ink drawings of 'wind in the willows' is evoked. very small boats have often been home to me, although they were not open boats. you have the right, perhaps the rightest, take on life.

[@stevec-b6214]

nicely put, best cure for stress i know is rogers voice and lovely craft like this.

[@SimonLeslieEllis]

I read your book last year (and often re-read chapters). Can thoroughly recommend it. Glad I've discovered you on KZbin. Happy sailing!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Simon Leslie Ellis he has a book? Could you please give me the title? I would like to order it. Thank you

[@noxious456]

Beautiful dinghy and very nice video. I live by the Baltic Sea and am hoping to find a dinghy similar to yours. Thank you very much.

[@rutilopata8294]

Lovely video! Looks so cozy and efficient, brings back memories with my sweet sailor father✨🕊🦋enjoy your coffee😌

[@RogerRoving]

I'm trying to cut down. On the coffee. Not the sailing...

[@Aheadwithed]

How have I not found this sooner! Fantastic video

[@coloursmoke]

Great video. Reminded me I have to get back to sailing. :-) Thanks for sharing. I really like all the galley/stove boxes. good ideas

[@andrewarmstrong9724]

Thanks for the great video. Great book as well read 3 times so far.

[@screaminlordbyron7767]

Nice set up thanks for sharing!

[@M3rVsT4H]

Love the vid, thanks for sharing. I must say I'd never considered camping out in a dinghy before, but it looks like it might be fun.

[@crstothard]

These are really fun videos, sir! I'm working my way through all your offerings and hope to find av15-17 ft dinghy for next summer! Greetings from NYC!

[@greatsouthlandmike7260]

Love the mast lashing Roger. I am using the same on my ian oughtref fulmar 17'. Excellent content. Waving the hand from Australia 🇦🇺🤠👍

[@garrycompton7214]

Great Video Rodger - a true adventurer you are ! Thanks.

[@JoseGarcia-wg7zu]

Estaría bueno que subtitules los videos al español!....Para los que te seguimos desde Latinoamérica!....Estos videos me entusiasmaron tanto que vendí mi 22pies de regata y me armé un DInghy de 12 pies...y estoy feliz,muy feliz con el cambio!...Gracias maestro!,,,

[@SuperBullyone]

love it. Way to go! Genius of practicality

[@aNaturalist]

"...batchry box". Batchry is the way battery is pronounced by Cajun French people (my heritage) in south Louisiana too! Another beautiful video, thanks!

[@adrianlitrico3885]

Roger hermano: tu mirada y forma de vida es plena en humildad y sabiduría. Tienes lo necesario e imprescindible para el disfrute de la vida y la naturaleza. Ojalá te hagan llegar estas palabras y lamento no poder escribirla en tu idioma. Sos digno de admiración y valoración. Abrazo infinito. ✌️🇦🇷✌️ Argentina

[@normanstringfield9246]

Just read your article in Small Craft Advisor. Very interesting how you make the most of your space. A few years ago I would go "cruising" on my motorcycle and used much of the same ideas to utilize every square inch but I do think you are far more inventive than I was. Enjoyed the video very much

[@rodneymaennling5963]

I have been watching your videos diligently, and enjoyed and learned much! Thank You. Your pretty Gaff Rigged Cat reminds me of a boat I wish I had bought years ago, a Dutch Cat Boat. Nineteen feet and with an eight foot beam, all for shallow waters. Would you agree.? I'm a West Coast of Canada retired sailor now, but am a Londoner, and have visited many of your South Coast venues as a youngster, refocusing many happy memories. Special thanks to you for allowing all of us to spend a day (virtually) in your wonderful office, and in the Cotswolds. You're a good and entertaining videographer. Do keep up the good work. Rodney Maennling Vancouver Island

[@yeahwhatever1359]

BRILLIANT MATE! What a homely home t'is. Saying hi from S.V.Restless

[@petermcgrory5267]

Brilliant! You’ve done a great job. Thank you very much

[@travelbywater9378]

Awesome! I am so jealous of your set up.

[@paulcowell7588]

Fascinating bloke..nice one roger

[@RogerRoving]

If it would only stop raining I would be doing an update video...

[@rickloberger7739]

Roger Barnes I would like to see more!

[@Aheadwithed]

Adventure videos!

[@jezlanejl]

Love your Videos Roger. You have really opened my eyes to the Possibilities of Dinghy sailing. Growing up in Fareham and Going to 2nd Fareham Sea scouts. Then working at Moodys Marina in the Chandlery for years not once had i came across someone that used a Dinghy for Cruising. I now live in Portsmouth and know there are a few good Sailing Clubs around. Ive always loved traveling which is why Dinghy sailing never really appealed, people raced their Dinghy's and that was that. Im now keeping my eye out for a Cruiser that i can use to explore the many Inlets and Harbours that surround where i live. All of this because i just happened across one of your videos. Thanks mate and, Good Sailing.... :)

[@barryhopesgthope686]

Get your hands on the book "Tinkerbelle". This guy sailed the Atlantic Ocean in a 13' sailboat. It took him 90 days for the crossing.

[@vernbower]

I subscribed to your channel quite some time ago. I enjoy your videos, the simplicity, and the natural vistas. I have often wondered what it would be like to learn saiing and live aboard as I travel the Great Lakes in the USA. I was raised with a view of Lake Michigan from my bedroom window. Keep it up, Neighbor. God bless.

[@nj2033]

Loving the videos Roger!!!

[@todlundgren5177]

He seems like such a sweet man

[@amp32ak]

Fantastic then! Thank you for this and greetings/best regards from Alaska. I fully intend to steal some of your set up ideas and incorporate them in my own camp cruiser.

[@pauldicarlo3057]

Thanks for this video. It's a great introduction for me.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Oh love the concept and its a really nice video. Greetings,, Kitty.

[@LP3-vinylcleaner]

thanks for the inspiration. instead on chartering a 32" boat, next vacation i´ll try this instead! :)

[@tonychorley4936]

Thanks for the tour Roger, my wife is still not convinced, but at 73 with two metal hips she might have a point

[@louparsons]

Lovely video, thanks for the time and effort; if not inspiring me to spend time in the rain, at least inspiring me to dream of spending time in the rain here on Canada's Wet Coast.

[@Axl_Pose]

Very nice. Seems really cosy.

[@MuttsWithGuts]

The animals are waiting to come on board...2 by 2. Great work, you have given me some good ideas for my tinny.

[@alanlobley6497]

Roger thank you for sharing this with us as I was wondering how you slept of your boat really great thank you Alan Australia

[@dougmac8904]

Nice, simple way to live. I love it!

[@julanesutton9626]

Great fitout. What better when becalmed and moored over the baa, than to brew up and chat to friends!

[@rodneyjordan6745]

You seem to be a swell guy. Great videos. Lastly, I love those awesome sounds coming from your farm.

[@haroldellis9721]

This is my second time watching this wonderful video al the way through. I keep thinking that sheep have taken to boating.

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

I enjoyed that. Just came across it by complete accident. I think i'll check more out. Cheers Moose.

[@jonathanobrien1058]

Loving these videos, going to hunt round now to see where you got the boat from