George Sass, Sr., a freelance writer, author and former advertising creative director, has won the top award Boating Writers International gives to a journalist — The SY/Legacy Writer’s Award. Sass, of Annapolis, MD, received the award, consisting of a $5,000 check and a crystal trophy, at a formal presentation during the BWI membership meeting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Sass’ story, “Big-Water Boats – How to Choose the Right Vessel for Offshore Cruising,” was published in the 2008 Ocean Explorer Handbook. It’s a reflection of the writer’s extensive knowledge of cruising sail and power boats made engaging by personal reflections from seasons of blue water experience, including an 8,000-mile voyage with his family completing the Great Loop. Copy explains in illustrative and human terms why such factors as stability, weight, efficiency, engine choice and outfitting will determine both the seaworthiness of the boat and preparedness and comfort of the crew. The article was first recognized in the Technical Writing category earlier this year, one of 48 award winners in the 2008 BWI Annual Writing Contest. The top three entries in each of 16 writing categories were considered for this grand prize.
Judges said of Sass’ entry, “After a gut-griping lead, this article turns into a beautifully structured and nicely written example of explanatory journalism. It is interspersed with anecdotes, narrative description and lively quotes – so as to not get bogged down in textbook prose. Throughout, the writing is crisp. This is good, clear, informative writing at its best. Educational? Yes! Engaging? You bet! A winner all the way!” (A link to the complete story is posted on the homepage at www.bwi.org).
Judges for the Grand Prize Award are associated with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and have had careers in newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and on-line enterprises. They include: David Nelson, Professor of Media Management and Ethics; Michele Bitoun, Senior Director of Undergraduate Education and Teaching Excellence; and Professor Marcel Pacatte, Managing Editor of the Medill Reports website.
Several additional entries were cited by the judging team for excellence in writing:
– “Limulus Lately” by Wendy Mitman Clarke in Chesapeake Bay: “This piece is a fine example of the best elements of journalism … reporting, interviewing sources, gathering information … then comes the architecture structured to compel the reader to move on. The topic is interesting and all in all this makes the article a riveting read.”
– ”You Can Go Home Again” by Tania Aebi in Cruising World: “This is a magical story of personal transformation. When finished with it, the reader is likely to say: ‘Wow.’ Sharing the story with her readers broadens the impact way beyond family.”
– “Fishing for the Future” by Dick Russell in Northeast Boating: “A comprehensive picture of the challenges and benefits of ocean fish farming, or ‘aquaculture.’ The author clearly knows his stuff, yet without technical jargon veering him off course. His well written account is akin to those in any science magazine.”
BWI is a non-profit professional organization consisting of writers, broadcasters, editors, publishers, photographers, public relations specialists and others in the communications profession associated with the boating industry. Members include active marine journalists across the U.S., in Canada and around the world, supporting marine manufacturers and service entities, and associates in communication roles. Journalists interested in entering the BWI Annual Writing Contest, open until December 15, 2009, can find details by visiting www.bwi.org.
George Sass, Sr., a freelance writer, author and former advertising creative director, has won the top award Boating Writers International gives to a journalist — The SY/Legacy Writer’s Award. Sass, of Annapolis, MD, received the award, consisting of a $5,000 check and a crystal trophy, at a formal presentation during the BWI membership meeting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Sass’ story, “Big-Water Boats – How to Choose the Right Vessel for Offshore Cruising,” was published in the 2008 Ocean Explorer Handbook. It’s a reflection of the writer’s extensive knowledge of cruising sail and power boats made engaging by personal reflections from seasons of blue water experience, including an 8,000-mile voyage with his family completing the Great Loop. Copy explains in illustrative and human terms why such factors as stability, weight, efficiency, engine choice and outfitting will determine both the seaworthiness of the boat and preparedness and comfort of the crew. The article was first recognized in the Technical Writing category earlier this year, one of 48 award winners in the 2008 BWI Annual Writing Contest. The top three entries in each of 16 writing categories were considered for this grand prize. Read more »
October 30, 2009 | Posted in 
