Great Lakes RAIDs: Why Small Boats Go Big Up Here (Part 1)

In this episode, I’m joined by the organizers behind three major Great Lakes small-craft adventure events to explore what makes each one unique — and what unites them.

- Eric Miller for the Erie Expedition Challenge and Raid Erie (Facebook ) 

- Jeff McPheeters for the GLEC and RB950 (RB950 Instagram, GLEC Instagram)

- Kelly Trafford with CanAm on facebook

We start with introductions to each event and their raison d’être: why they exist, how they came to be, and what kind of adventure they’re trying to create. From there, we dig into the differences — format, scale, boats, and mindset — and the kinds of people these events tend to attract.

We also spend time on the Great Lakes themselves. The “easy inland sailing” myth comes up quickly, as we talk about cold water, fast-changing weather, big fetch, and why the lakes demand just as much respect as any ocean passage.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, focused on origins, philosophy, and context. Part 2 will go deeper into lessons learned, preparation, and what it’s really like out there when things stop going to plan.

If you’re curious about expedition sailing, small-boat adventure racing, or pushing your comfort zone closer to home — this one’s for you.

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Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵