Writing Contests. EXCELLENCE IN BOATING JOURNALISM RECOGNIZED BWI Annual Writing Contest salutes 48 stories, awards $16,000 in cash prizes MIAMI BEACH, FL, February 15, 2008 -- Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized today in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International (BWI). Presentations in 16 contest categories representing $16,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Each recipient also took home a recognition plaque noting their "Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism." In addition, all move into a "Phase II" competition which culminates in a single selection honored with the West Marine Writer's Award and $5,000 grand prize at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show next fall. In its 15th year, the BWI contest attracted 200 participants submitting 521 entries. In addition to cash awards, Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 38 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 20076. Each of the 16 categories (noted below along with sponsors) was judged by four active journalists in the first few weeks of the New Year. Results: 1. Boating Columns – sponsored by KVH Industries, Inc. 1st place, “We’ve Always Wanted to Ask” by Robert Stephens (Boating Life); 2nd place, "Following Seas" by David Seidman (Boating); 3rd place, “From the Editor” by Tim Sayles (Chesapeake Bay). In this category, entrants were required to send in three different Columns. “Tightly written and well reported, Stephens’ light, fun-to-read columns effectively blend his distinct, humorous voice with strong dialogue, quotes, and outside opinion,” offered judge Dave Baldwin. “The amount of effort expended by the author is apparent and the result is a collection of smooth flowing, well-balanced, and utterly enjoyable answers to boating's more interesting questions.” Certificates of Merit awarded to “Under Way” by Bill Sisson (Soundings); “Off the Charts” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Chesapeake Bay); and Log of Ithaka by Douglas Bernon (Cruising World). 2. Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Richard Lewis Communications, Inc. 1st place, “Simple Pleasures” by Catherine McCarron (Offshore, June); 2nd place, “The Year of Momentous Decisions” by Tania Aebi (Cruising World, Dec.); 3rd place, “I’m Not Leaving This Boat!” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, Dec.). “The author weaves a tale of how a 1972 Columbia tri-hull captures the imagination of parents, kids, grandkids, grandparents, high school friends -- heck, even college chums," said judge Mark Pillsbury. “As a reader, I watch dad doting over the engine, I see the 15-year-old gaining the confidence to steer ever farther from the mooring, and I feel the parent's pride in watching her do so. The boat brings together three generations of a family, teaches them skills and helps them grow.” Merit awards go to: “The Immortal Atomic Four” by J.V. Reistrup (Chesapeake Bay, March); “Oldies But Woodies” by Jody Schroath (Chesapeake Bay, Nov.); and “True Friends” by Doug Campbell (Soundings, Jan.). 3. Boating Profiles – sponsored by Interlux Yacht Finishes 1st, “The Most Trusted Old Salt in America” by Doug Campbell (Soundings, Dec.); 2nd, “The Guru and His Gospel” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, Jan.); 3rd, “Geraldo Live!” by Jason Fell (Soundings, March). Judges said the first place piece is “A real gem, as it gives us a new understanding of a person we all know -- Walter Cronkite. In interviews with his captains and fellow crew members, as well as Cronkite’s own writings, the author uses well-researched third-party sources to weave a masterful portrait of a passionate and articulate boater, who also happens to be a very famous guy.” Merit Awards to: “The Landing Party,” David Liscio (Northeast Boating, Dec.); and “An Enviable Streak,” Michael Lovett (Sailing World, June). 4. Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Bear Enthusiast Marketing Group 1st, “Arriving from the West” by Jim Carrier (Cruising World, Nov.); 2nd, “A Hint of Charter” by Kim Kavin (Power & Motoryacht, Oct.); 3rd, “The End of the World” by Peter Nielsen (Sail, Nov.). Of Carrier’s story, category chair Michael Sciulla said, “With a remarkable sense of history and geography, the author takes the reader on a witty tour of the Mediterranean from sea level, providing useful information as he banters about from country to country.” Certificates of Merit: “Across the Sea” Chris Caswell (Yachting, March); “All Aboard the Historyland Express” Jody Schroath (Chesapeake Bay, Aug.); “American Eagle Town” Malerie Yolen-Cohen (Offshore, June); “Destination Philadelphia” Doug Campbell (Soundings, May); “The Future of Freedom’s Fortress” Paul Clancy (Chesapeake Bay, Sept.); “La Dolce Vita” by Peter Janssen (Yachting, April); “The Odd Couple” Ken Textor (Offshore, July); “On the Prowl on the Polar Front” Angus Phillips (Cruising World, April); “A Sailor’s Island” Beth Leonard (Cruising World, April); “Treasures of the Spanish Main” Stacey Collins (Cruising World, Jan.); and “Kingston Rising” Betsy Frawley Haggerty (Offshore, Feb.). 5. Boating Adventures – sponsored by Discover Boating 1st, “Flying Circus” by Phil Scott (Boating, Feb.); 2nd, “Sailing Into Night” by Nonnie Thompson (Sailing, Sept.); 3rd, “Beagle Channel” by Ken Cripps and Edith Kraus (Ocean Navigator, Jan./Feb.). Of Scott’s story, judge Tim Murphy said “This is a yarn: it strings a bunch of entertaining lies together in such quick succession that by the end of it you come out knowing a community of insane speed freaks that you probably never would have encountered otherwise. Fun characters humorously evoked.” Certificate of Merit to: “To Market, To Market” by Bill Mitman (Chesapeake Bay, July). 6. Boat/Engine Care and Maintenance – sponsored by Starbrite 1st, “Kiss the KISS Principle Goodbye” by Tom Neale (Soundings, Jan.); 2nd, “The Artful Dodger” by Marlin Bree (Small Craft Advisor, Nov.); 3rd, “The Diesel Dilemma” by Michael Dietz (Offshore, Aug.). “Neale uses humor to get his point across on the merits of both simple and more complicated, but creature comfort-oriented boating. The writing style is easy to read, logical and always entertaining,” noted category chair judge Mike Walker. Merit awards included: “The All-Purpose Impeller Puller” by Nigel Calder (Yachting Monthly, Jan.) and “Outboard Rebuild” by Dave Baldwin (BoatWorks, Fall). 7. Electronics – sponsored by Jeppesen Marine (formerly C-Map/USA) 1st, “The Future of NMEA 2000” by Ben Ellison (Sail, Feb.); 2nd, “AIS Delivers News You Can Use” by Tony Bessinger (Cruising World, May); 3rd, “Piercing Night and Fog” by Gary Joyce (Northeast Boating, Dec.). Category chair judge David Seidman said the first-place story, “Took what normally would be a dry topic and added some sauce to it so it went down easy.” 8. Ethics and Environment – sponsored by BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water 1st, “A Summer Guest” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Chesapeake Bay, April); 2nd, “How to Build an Island” by Tom Horton (Chesapeake Bay, May); 3rd, “Fish Dig Big Rigs” by Ryck Lydecker (BoatU.S. Magazine, Sept.). Noted judge John Wooldridge, “Catching a glimpse of a sea turtle when boating in open water is a rare and fleeting experience. Clarke captivates and informs while following the plight and recovery of a Kemp's ridley turtle. Every human influence, from the concerned watermen that discover the ailing turtle to the researchers and scientists that husband it back to health and eventual release, comes alive in this uplifting story.” Merit awards to: “Return of the Giant” John Page Williams (Chesapeake Bay, Oct.); “How I Learned to Stop Worrying …” Lenny Rudow (Boating, May); “The Green Monster” Alan Jones (Boating World, July); “Keeper Lessons” C.J. Chivers (Salt Water Sportsman, March); “The Lost H Bomb” Phil Scott (Boating, July); and “The Report Card” Dick Russell (Offshore, March). 9. Fishing – sponsored by Suzuki Motor Corporation 1st, “Blue Notes” by C. J. Chivers (Salt Water Sportsman, Nov.); 2nd, "Fishy to the Core" by T. Edward Nickens (Salt Water Sportsman, July); 3rd, “Intro to the Edge” by Patrick Sciacca (Power & Motoryacht, March). Chivers story was the unanimous 1st Place choice. In the words of one judge: "The writer made me feel like I was right there next to him fishing, taking in the oily aroma of fresh bluefish all the while reminiscing on how I got my first introduction to this spell-binding creature of the sea." Merit awards to “Deep Water Demon” by Jon Meade (Marlin, May); “Going to Extremes” by Ryan McNally (Boating World, May); and Skylines and Tight Lines” by Alan Jones (Boating World, April). 10. Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine 1st, “Trapped in Paradise” by Lisa Knapp and Kate Lardy (Boat International USA, Oct.); 2nd, “Scraping Bottom” by Melanie Winters (Soundings Trade Only, Nov.); 3rd, “BC Buds” by Rich Beattie (Boating, Feb.). Judging chair Jan Mundy said, “A combination of an interesting story point, a dose of hurricane adventure, a measure of environmental, salvage and insurance issues and the politics of dealing with government agencies is what makes ‘Trapped in Paradise’ a powerful piece to read. This is a harrowing tale of the boat owner who wouldn't quit." Certificate of Merit to “Who Killed Joe Cool” by Vince Daniello (Yachting, Dec.). 11. The Business of Boating - sponsored by Home Port Marine Marketing 1st, “Industrial Sails” by Nigel Calder (Professional BoatBuilder, Oct./Nov.); 2nd, “20 Heads Are Better Than One” by Jonathon Mohr (Boating Industry, July); 3rd, “Sticking to Your Guns” by Lisa Knapp (Dockwalk, Dec.). Judges called Calder’s article, “Educational, realistic and innovative while being honest and moving. The Asian-ization of American commerce seems inevitable, but the extreme disparity in price and working conditions can be moderated for all. The writer showed he was not afraid to tell the truth, and take a chance.” 12. Seamanship, Rescue & Safety – sponsored by Sea Tow Services International 1st, “The Old Man & the Inland Sea” by Marlin Bree (The Ensign, Jan./Feb.); 2nd, “Hero in Training” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Motor Boating, Aug.); 3rd, “Boating Unplugged” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, Oct.). “An engaging and dramatic story well told, full of rich imagery,” judging chair Jim Rhodes explained. “The visual image of the old man frozen to his seat in the skiff, his head bowed, covered with frost, will stick with me a long time. After reading this story, I had to sit in front of a roaring fire at least an hour to get the chill out of my bones." Merit award to: “Communications Are Critical for Rescue” by Nick Barran (Cruising World, Nov.). 13. Technical Writing – sponsored by Dometic Corp. - Environmental 1st, “Final Exam” by Tom Linskey (Cruising World, July); 2nd, “Engine Troubles” by Tom Neale (Soundings, Sept.); 3rd, “The Kit Boat Project” by Ken Textor (Offshore, April). Judges described their first place selection, “A well-written technical account of a very personal decision - choosing a new boat. An engaging tale - and helpful to anyone in the midst of the process." 14. Boat Tests – sponsored by Volvo Penta 1st, “Rocket Takes Flight” by Stacey Collins (Cruising World, April); 2nd, “Top of the Line” by John Page Williams (Offshore, May); 3rd, “Bluewater Beauty” by Chris Caswell (Yachting, Aug.). Said category judge chair Kim Kavin, "This boat test is about far more than just testing a boat. Yes, all of the specs and stats are in there, but it’s actually a story about the history of this yard, boating’s history and future, and how mesmerizingly special some custom launches can be in an era of production boatbuilding.” Certificates of Merit to: “On a Wing and Two Slim Hulls” by Ben Ellison (Power & Motoryacht, May); “A Thoroughbred Born for the Hunt” by Mark Pillsbury (Cruising World, Aug.); and “Full Throttle” by Robert Stephens (Boating Life, June). 15. Gear, Electronics and Product Tests – sponsored by Airmar Technology 1st, “With Radar, the More Power, the Better” by Ed Sherman (Cruising World, Oct.); 2nd, “It’s Not Just an Inverter” by John Love (Soundings, June); 3rd, “Propulsion Revolution” by Eric Sorensen (Soundings, Sept.). Judge Tim Cole commented, “Sherman showed real enterprise in assembling the equipment for this detailed look at radar systems. Artwork and sidebars were informative and the writing was clear and engaging. No doubt an individual in the market for radar would be assisted by this product review.” Merit awards to: “Wood Coatings: Easy Does It” by Ann Key (Practical Sailor, Oct.); and “Wind Generators for Cruising” by Frank Lanier (Practical Sailor, July). 16. Megayachts – sponsored by Awlgrip North America 1st, “Taking on the World” by Dudley Dawson (Yachting, Dec.); 2nd, “Life’s Work” by Kim Kavin (Power & Motoryacht, May); 3rd, “Return Engagement” by Marilyn Mower (ShowBoats International, June/July). Judges commented, “More than just the typical megayacht walkthrough focusing primarily on styling, layout and decorative elements, ‘Taking on the World’ contains a nice mix of technical elements and details that provide the context necessary for understanding the significance of the 147-foot Marco Polo and how she differs from other yachts her size." CHIVERS WINS WEST MARINE WRITER'S AWARD Fishing journalist and foreign correspondent earns $5,000; 3 others honored Chris Chivers, a freelance writer of fishing articles and foreign correspondent for The New York Times, has won the top award BWI gives to a boating writer -- The West Marine Writer's Award. Chivers, currently on assignment in Russia, earned a $5,000 check and lucite tower trophy, announced during the BWI membership meeting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October. West Marine, Inc. marked its fourth year of sponsorship of the top writing award. David DiBenedetto (r.), Editor of Salt Water Sportsman, accepts honors for West Marine Writer's Award winner Chris Chivers from West's Randy Barberis (l.) and BWI President Kim Kavin. Chivers wrote "Behemoth" which appeared in the February 2006 issue of Salt Water Sportsman Magazine. It offered a carefully-crafted profile of three anglers who happened upon a shark that was nearly as big as their boat, and then described in suspenseful detail how they caught it. The story ends revealing how today, 15 years after the catch, the captain of the fishing boat visits classrooms with the set of stunning jaws and tells kids about the need to save what sharks are left. The article was first recognized in the Boating Profiles category earlier this year, one of 45 award winners in the 2006 BWI annual Writing Contest. The top three entries in each of 15 writing categories were automatically entered for this grand prize. Judges called Chivers' entry, "A compelling story of three men in a 23-foot boat who landed a 15 ½ -foot, 2,900-pound Great White Shark! And they brought in the ferocious catch with a rod and reel. The writing is crisp and fast-moving. The character development is excellent. The quotes are as good as they get. The accompanying photos and illustrations, by the way, are illuminating and help make this a first-class package that is clearly the Best in Show." Judges for the West Marine Writer's Award are associated with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and have had careers in newspapers, magazines and broadcasting. They include: Richard J. Roth, Senior Associate Dean; David Nelson, Associate Professor; and Michele Bitoun, Assistant Professor. Several additional entries were cited by the judging team for recognition: - Runner-Up: "Hurricane Baby," by Martha LaGuardia Kotite, from the book So Others May Live -- Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death. "This is the action-packed adventure story of Mario Vittone, hero. The story is told straight, letting the gripping real-life detail provide all that is necessary to keep you turning the pages. A terrific read." - Honorable Mentions: "Boating's Peerless Idea Man," a Boating Profile by Douglas A. Campbell (Soundings, October 2006); and "Made In China," a "Business of Boating" article by Jim Flannery (Soundings, November 2006). NMMA Writing Awards The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) presents the Directors’ Discover Boating Awards at the Miami Boat Show media breakfast each February. The awards include five categories with recipients selected by the executive committee of the NMMA Board of Directors. Awards are designed to encourage journalists to communicate the joys of the boating lifestyle to the uninitiated, and winners receive $1,000 and a crystal trophy. Judges select winners based on the following criteria: 1) a welcoming, positive or intriguing portrayal of boating reaching a non-boating audience; 2) the ability to encourage the audience to try boating; 3) originality; and 4) creativity. Stories published or broadcast during the calendar year will be eligible for Directors’ Discover Boating Awards. Applications for the awards are posted at www.nmma.org/press. Sail America Writing Awards The Southam Awards are named in honor of John Southam, former publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, who played a significant role in the growth of Sail America, the U.S. industry trade association. In addition to the $5000 grand prize, judges select four additional $1000 category winners, and recognize and reward outstanding coverage of sailing by newspaper or magazine columnists. For more information visit www.southamaward.com. Travel Writers Contest The annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation awards nearly $20,000 annually in prize money for outstanding work in print and on the Internet. There is category for Marine Travel, open to articles on water-oriented travel. Yacht travel, sailing and other boat travel could be eligible. Winning stories have been chosen about a houseboat trip, a story on a race in a 1790s coastal trading vessel by a mother with her son (the sailor), and a story about Burma's sea gypsies. Subject matter should be of interest/applicable to the vacationing consumer. The competition is open to all North American journalists, all work must be published in English, and most entry fees are $15 per article. Deadline for entries is April 20 in 2004. A Grand Award, for the best portfolio of work by an individual journalist, is $1,500 Gold, $750 Silver, $500 Bronze. A plaque is given for each of these awards. The 17 categories for individual articles and photography carry awards of $500 Gold, $250 Silver, $150 Bronze. The Gold award winner in each of these 17 categories also receives a plaque, and the Silver and Bronze categories are given framed certificates. The categories for Best Newspaper Travel Sections, Best Magazines and Best Internet Publication/Website do not carry monetary prizes. More information is on the www.satw.org website, or contact the SATW Foundation president, Mary Lu Abbott at maryluabbott@aol.com, 713/532-6461.