I have been asked to focus on what I hope will be the media’s role in an emerging, decade-long effort to revitalize and grow the boating industry. I’d like to share ideas, some goals and some challenges we face and ask you to tell me how you can help.

I am sure you have seen the numbers:

• New boat sales down 55% from 2006 to about 145,000 units in 2011
• Total boats in use declining for the past five years after a 15 year up cycle
• Age of boats in the fleet increasing from 16 years in 1997 to 21 years in 2010
• Age of boaters increasing with rising numbers in their 50’s and 60’s and declining in their 30’s
• The current boating population is comprised of the fast-shrinking demographic – 90% of boaters are white. Of 157 million people added to the US population by 2050, 97.2 million will be Hispanic.

Can we grow boating in the next decade?  Henry Ford said, “If you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right!  I believe we can.

We hosted a Growth Summit in December; 160 people showed up. They developed four shared visions of success:

• Unified Industry Cross Sector Collaboration Brings Results – Boating Now Preferred Recreation Choice
• Boating Participation Soars!  New Generation and Greater Diversity Attracted
• Expanded Access to the Water and the Lifestyle Has Been Achieved
• Smarter and Fewer Regulations, and Better Education Results in Safe, Affordable and Enjoyable Boating

They identified 39 challenges to achieve these visions and over 80 potential actions that could be taken to deliver a robust boating industry in 2021. Among them:

• How do we encourage boaters to invite friends on the water?
• How do we focus recreational boating recruitment more on kids and minorities?
• How do we improve efforts to provide better boater education?

Boating writers I think not only have an opportunity but a responsibility to help lead change with the power of words and images.  How you do that is not for me to tell you, but for you to discover and tell me (us).

I can tell you what I think the needs are. You decide if you can help lead us forward.

Discover Boating has been successful and can be even more successful.  Welcome to the Water (WTTW) is not just an advertising campaign – it is a movement. You can be part of that movement and help recruit everyone in the industry and existing boaters to be part of it!

We must reach out to minorities – to non-whites – if we want to grow boating. Can you feature Hispanics, blacks and other minorities in your writing?  It would be a good step forward.

A big part of the WTTW strategy is to leverage the experiences of current boaters to draw in new boaters and welcome back lapsed boaters.  How can you help us leverage the experiences of current boaters in your writing?

We need to find better ways to reach children and get them on the water. What can you do to promote youth boating opportunities to parents and children alike? What life skills can a child learn from boating?

There is a strong correlation between safe boating and enjoyable boating. What can you do to convince every boater they need boater education?  What can you do to improve opportunities for education; to improve boating safety?

You have the opportunity and the responsibility to promote this great American industry to the public and public officials. Your possibilities are endless and the industry is counting on you to lead a path to change and growth. You have the tools and the power to make a difference. How can we help you?

Many details of the Grow Boating effort can be found at www.growboating.org/pressroom/. Contact Dammrich at tdammrich@nmma.org.

In its 19th year, the BWI contest attracted 113 participants submitting 301 entries. In addition to cash awards, Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 34 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 2011. Each of the categories (noted below along with sponsors) was judged by four active journalists in the first few weeks of the New Year.

For details on the Grand Prize Award, scroll down below the 2011 listings.

Annual Contest Results:

A reading list with click-throughs to the top three entries in each category can be found here: http://bwi.org/bwicontest/2012winners.htm.

1. Boating Columns – sponsored by KVH Industries, Inc.

1st place, “On Watch” by Gary “Cap’n Fatty” Goodlander (Cruising World); 2nd place, “On the Wind” by Chris Caswell (Sailing); 3rd place, “Off Watch” by Wendy Clarke (Cruising World). In this category, entrants are required to submit three related columns to be judged. Describing the top choices, category chair Marlin Bree says, “Here are grabber openings, building reader involvement, twisting plot points – all followed up with such a satisfying climax that you know they are all surely from a master writers’ toolbox.”

2. Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Discover Boating.

1st place, “Black Pearls, Reef Sharks and Ancient Ghosts” by Antonia Murphy (Cruising World, June); 2nd place, “Around the World by Thumb” by Clive Webber (Cruising World, July); 3rd place, “From the White-Knuckler Files” by Elaine Lembo (Cruising World, Feb.). Of the first place piece, judge Yvonne Hill said, “Raising the bar on what could have been just another cruising story, the author infused the tale with desire and suspense for an entertaining, engaging and informative read. The writing sparkles.” Awards of Merit to: “Let There Be Pirates” by Jane Meneely (Chesapeake Bay, July) and “Are You Being Served?” by Chris Caswell (Yachting, July).

3. Boating Profiles – sponsored by ZF Marine.

1st, “Beauty and the Beasts” by Marty LeGrand (Chesapeake Bay, April); 2nd, “Full Noise or No Noise” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Sept.); 3rd, “No Stranger to the Grind” by Stuart Streuli (Sailing World, Nov.). “I really liked ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ because of the surprises sprinkled through the narrative that each give an insight into who Dr. Julie Ball is and how she’s excelled in what’s clearly a guy’s game,” offered judge Mark Pillsbury … “For a fish story, this one is overloaded with interesting facts; a really fun read.” Merit awards to: “A Space Odyssey” by Gary Kramer (BoatUS Magazine, Aug.); “Resurrecting a Legend” by Heather Steinberger (Sailing, Jan.); “Insider – Geoff Eisenberg” by Michael Verdon (International Boat Industry, Sept); “Remembering John Krevey” by Betsy Haggerty (Boating on the Hudson & Beyond, April).

4. Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Martin Flory Group.

1st, “Destination: New York City” by Stephen Blakely (Soundings, Oct.); 2nd, “In Darwin’s Wake” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Nov.); 3rd, “Society Islands Sojourn” by Tim Murphy (Cruising World, June). “Were I to ever undertake such an outing, ‘Destination: New York City’ – part travelogue and part roadmap – is a thoroughly engaging read and a no-nonsense guide to traversing the Big Apple,” noted judge chair Michael Sciulla. Receiving Merit awards: “Byzantium Bound” by Jane Meneely (Chesapeake Bay, March); “The City That Care Forgot” by Mary South (Yachting, April); “Diamond in the Rough” by Wendy Clarke (Cruising World, Sept.); “Baja Magic” by Peter Swanson (PassageMaker, Oct.).

5.  Boating Adventures – sponsored by Yamaha Marine Group.

1st, “The Voyage in Between” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, Jan.); 2nd, “Emergency Exit” by Chris Caswell (Yachting, Aug.); 3rd, “From Penguins to Palm Trees” by Beth Leonard (Cruising World, April). Said judge Lenny Rudow, “’Voyage’ drew me into the world of sailing adventures, from the first line to the last, with a mix of real-world experience, history, and geography. I read, I learned, I was entertained.” Merit Awards: “Ten Feet Across the Pacific” by Marlin Bree (The Ensign, April); “Chesapeake Sailor Earns Stripes” by Stephen Blakely (Soundings, Jan.).

6.  Boat/Engine Care and Maintenance – sponsored by Interlux Yacht Finishes.

1st, “Turning Heads” by Jen Brett (Cruising World, June); 2nd, “Importance of Oil Sampling” by George Sass, Sr. (PassageMaker, July); 3rd, “Home Sweet Hazard” by Chris Caswell (Dockwalk, July). Judge Robert Buller offers, “What boater doesn’t have a marine head story?  It was written in a breezy, yet informative manner with good explanations … covered the topic well and set out alternatives for the reader.” Merit selections: “The Unprotected Saildrive” by Ed Sherman (Cruising World, Feb.); “Choosing a New Cruising Main” by Frank Lanier (Practical Sailor, Aug.); “No Mechanical Skill? – There’s a Fix for That” by Tom Neale (Soundings, Oct.).

7.  Electronics – sponsored by Jeppesen Marine.

1st, “Touchscreen Technology” by Tim Bartlett (Power & Motoryacht, Aug.); 2nd, “Social Navigation” by Peter Swanson (Motor Boating, April); 3rd, “Managing Your Boat’s Power Consumption” by Chris Landry (Soundings, Dec.). Judges described Bartlett’s piece as, “An educational and instructive treatise on touchscreens, a quick look at how manufacturers’ products employ different types, and a caution pointing out when old tech still works best, all in a remarkably compact two-page package.” Merit: “Glancing Sideways” by John Page Williams (Chesapeake Bay, May).

8.  Ethics and Environment – sponsored by Thetford Marine.

1st, “Dammed If You Do, Damned If You Don’t,” by Jody Schroath (Chesapeake Bay, April); 2nd, “Down in the Hole” by Kevin Koenig (Power & Motoryacht, April); 3rd, “Eating the Aliens” by Chris Landers (BoatUS Magazine, Aug.). Of the first-place selection judge David Epstein said, “Well-researched, educates, is good history and tells a story. Even-handed and despite its length keeps the reader interested.” Awards of Merit: “Phasing Out Copper Bottom Paint” by Jim Carrier (Cruising World, April); “The Critters Below” by Martha LeGrand (Chesapeake Bay, Nov.); “SOS – Save Our Seas” by Jeni Bone (Ultimate Boating & Lifestyle, July).

9.  Fishing – sponsored by Suzuki Motor Corporation.

1st, “Miami Vice” by Pete McDonald (The Drake, Sept.); 2nd, “Find the Churn, Find the Fish” by John Page Williams (Chesapeake Bay, July); 3rd, “Gold Rush” by Lenny Rudow (Saltwater Sportsman, March). Category chair Gary Beckett said the top pick is, “A rare piece that combines whimsical, well-written prose with solid research and a clear command of the topic.” Merit awards to: “The Big One That Didn’t Get Away” by Jim Flannery (Soundings, April); “Fishing Gone Wild” by Doug Olander (Sport Fishing, March).

10.  Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine.

1st, “Magnificence Reborn” by Chris Caswell (Yachting, Feb.); 2nd, “Florida Feuding: Don’t Drop the Hook in My Backyard” by Jim Flannery (Soundings, Oct.); 3rd, “Alcohol & Boat Engines, Is There Another Way?” by Ryck Lydecker (BoatUS Magazine, Dec.). Category chair Betsy Haggerty described “Magnificence” as “Good storytelling and strong reporting clearly delineate the history of the amazing J-Class sailboats that competed for the America’s Cup in the 1930s and the rebirth of the class today.” Merit award: “Don’t Get Lured into a Deal That’s Too Good” by Caroline Ajootian (BoatUS Magazine, Aug.).

11.  The Business of Boating – sponsored by Home Port Marine Marketing.

1st, “Machined Solutions” by Chris Caswell (Professional Boatbuilder, April); 2nd, “Ready and Waiting” by Michael Verdon (International Boat Industry, Oct.); “Morgan Huntley, 31, Vanquish Boats” by Richard Armstrong (Soundings Trade Only, Nov.). “Opening with the texture and sheer size of the subject’s hands, after shaking them, makes the reader yearn for more details,” says category chair Lisa Overing of the top pick, adding, “Great metaphors; enjoyable read.” Awards of merit to: “Exporting to a Changing World” by Reagan Haynes (Soundings Trade Only, Dec.); “Car Loans Easier To Get – Boats Next?” by Jim Flannery (Soundings Trade Only, May).

12.  Seamanship, Rescue & Safety – sponsored by Sea Tow Services International.

1st, “Don’t Shortcut The Learning Curve” by Tom Neale (Soundings, June); 2nd, “Stack the Deck to Survive” by Beth Leonard (Cruising World, Nov.); 3rd, “Heavy Weather Sailing: Remembering Hurricane Mitch” by Charles Doane (WaveTrain.net, Sept. 15). Category chair John Wooldridge said, “Neale makes it clear that seamanship is a practiced art, best learned in waters close to home. For those boat owners who haven’t carefully thought about what happens every time you slip the lines and head out on the water, this story is a must-read.” Merit Award: “When the Stick Comes Down” by Patrick Childress (Cruising World, Nov.).

13.  Technical Writing – sponsored by Dometic Marine.

1st, place: “Broadband Affordability” by Gram Schweikert (Cruising World, Sept.); 2nd, “Onboard Entertainment: The Digital Files Converge” by Ben Ellison (Cruising World, Nov.); 3rd, “Back Cove: A Study in Resin Infusion” by Eric Sorensen (Soundings, Feb.). “This writer enlivened the subject by including personal experience in testing products,” said category chair Kim Kavin of the first story. “The information presented to the reader is thorough as well as engaging, and it is presented in a way that is easy to understand … especially liked the cost-comparison chart created for all of the products tested.” Merit selections: “Corrosion 101” by Lenny Rudow (Texas Fish & Game, Oct.); “Are Carbon Nanotubes Coming to a Yacht Near You?” by Roger Marshall (The Megayachts 2012); “Clearly Sensational” by Marilyn Mower (The Megayachts 2012); “Secret Surveyor” by David Seidman (Boating, Jan.).

14.  Boat Tests – sponsored by Volvo Penta.

1st, “Fire in the Belly” by Dudley Dawson (Yachting, May); 2nd, “Mama Mia” by Chris Caswell (Yachting, Jan.); 3rd, “Sea Trial: Tiara 4500 Sovran” by Alan Jones (Sea magazine, Aug.). Judges said of “Fire:” “The author takes you below the surface
and explains the boat’s design and its performance with crisp comments and observations connecting the designer and the reader to the sea.” Merit award to: “Catalina 355: Thoughtful Design” by Tim Murphy (Cruising World, Sept.).

15.  Gear, Electronics and Product Tests – sponsored by Xantrex Technology Inc.

This category had insufficient entries to be judged.

16. Megayachts – sponsored by Awlgrip North America.

1st, “Expedition Yachts: A Journey” by Mark Masciarotte (The Megayachts 2012); 2nd, “Motoryacht Boundless” by Lisa Overing and Rebecca Cahilly (ShowBoats International, Sept.); 3rd, “Guiding Light” by Alyssa Haak (Power & Motoryacht, July). Offered category chair Bill Sisson, “This is a solid, well-reported, well-sourced look at large expedition yachts. Design, propulsion, styling, materials, ‘green’ – it’s all here. And the voice is clear, balanced and authoritative. It was the top choice of each judge.” Merit selections: “Carpe Diem” by Rebecca Cahilly (ShowBoats International, June); “Calliope” by Kim Kavin (Yachting, Oct.).

17.  Original Online Content – sponsored by National Marine Electronics Assn.

1st, Panbo.com – The Marine Electronics Weblog, by Ben Ellison; 2nd, SailingWorld.com reports, podcasts and videos by Stuart Streuli; 3rd, TheMarineInstallersRant.blogspot.com by Bill Bishop. “Ellison obviously knows his subject matter inside and out, but never takes himself too seriously, actively soliciting input and contributions from his readers” said judge Marty LeGrand. “Panbo.com provides candid assessments of the electronics Ellison personally tests and thereby gives its readers information they know they can trust.” Merit awards: www.BoatingLocal.com by Tom Richardson; the NOOD Regatta Series on SailingWorld.com by Michael Lovett.

Grand Prize Award for 2010

Jim Flannery, senior writer for Soundings publications, has received the top honor Boating Writers International presents to a journalist — The BWI Grand Prize Writer’s Award.  Announcement of the award, consisting of a $2,500 check and a crystal trophy, was made during the BWI membership meeting at the Miami International Boat Show February 17. Flannery, of Fort Lauderdale, covers the southeast and beyond for the consumer and trade publisher filing dozens of articles annually ranging from safety and legislative concerns to industry profiles and human interest tales. Co-sponsors of the award are Martek of Palm Beach and Overing Yacht Designs.

Flannery’s in-depth treatise, “The Fading Glory of Working Waterfronts,” profiled the human impact that the demise of water-based commercial enterprise brings and identified the issues that lead to it. In Maine, and coastal states also tied to a challenged fishery, the competition between private land use and development and civic interest in keeping businesses and resulting jobs is a constant faceoff. Flannery also reported on individuals, groups and government programs seeking healthy mixed-use solutions which offer hope for restoring waterfront vitality. The article was first recognized in the Boating Issues, News and Analysis writing category, one of 48 award winners in the 2010 BWI Annual Writing Contest.  The top three entries in each of 16 writing categories were considered for this grand prize.

Judges said of Flannery’s entry, “We found this exploration of a dying Maine Coast to be commendable. We applaud its considerable research, its fresh angle, and, most of all, its strong writing.”  (A link to the feature is http://soundingsonline.com/features/in-depth/259502-the-fading-glory-of-working-waterfronts.)

Also cited by the judges as honorable mentions were:

- Panbo, the Marine Electronics blog … “Used the medium well, provided accessible content, and delivered a fresh voice;” and

- “Escape from the Island of Doom” by Marlin Bree … “Offered a strong narrative, a captivating tale, and clear, powerful writing.”

Judges for this award are faculty at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University, and all working magazine journalists: Professor Melissa Chessher is a magazine writer and editor and teaches classes in those disciplines; Aileen Gallagher is a former senior editor for New York magazine online and appears in various print and online outlets; Jim Shahin started as a newspaper reporter, became a humor columnist and currently writes the Smoke Signals barbecue column for The Washington Post.

The Annual Writing Contest award ceremony will kick off the Miami meeting as the 48 winners of top stories for 2011 will be recognized and $16,000 in awards presented. A “Grand Prize Writing Award” for 2010 will also be given.

The National Marine Electronics Association is the breakfast sponsor for the overall BWI program. Its Executive Director, Bruce Angus, will offer an outlook for the 2012 market and introduce NMEA’s new consumer guide to marine electronics.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich will address BWI members and industry guests on what he hopes will be the media’s role in an emerging, decade-long effort to revitalize and grow the boating industry. He will bring details of a recent “Industry Summit” including emerging recreational boating trends and changing demographics in the U.S.

The entire event is open to the marine community and requires no ticket for admission.

A presentation by Alison Yesilciman, founder of Media Cooler Innovations, explains the online tool that helps freelancers syndicate their new or previously published content. This may be a way for writers to re-purpose some of their existing work and reach out to publications beyond the boating industry. With MediaCooler.com a freelance journalist can showcase and sell content to publishers around the world. Writers set the selling price and retain all of the rights to the work. The online marketplace brings editors to writers work and manages the business process.

This is the fifth BWI educational webinar made available through the support of Dometic Marine.

Included are “How to Start a Blog for About $10,” presented by Kim Kavin; “Drive Traffic with Social Media” by Diane Byrne;  “Conducting Successful News Events & Product Introductions” by Alan Jones;  “Writer Contract & Legal Issues” by Milton Toby, chair of the Contracts Committee for the American Society of Journalists and Authors; and “Repurposing & Syndicating Your Work” by Alison Yesilciman, founder of Media Cooler Innovations.

All of the webinars have been made possible by sponsor Dometic Marine, a supplier of dedicated systems and equipment for recreational and commercial boats.

This webinar addresses legal issues with a focus on contracts, specific clauses in contracts that affect writers and how to address them, concerns such as establishing legal liability corporations, copyright protection, and more. It was presented December 15, 2011 by Milton Toby, writer/attorney/head of the Contracts Committee for the American Society of Journalists and Authors. This was the fourth BWI Educational webinar made available through the continued support of Dometic Marine. (Listener note: there is an audio gap of about 2 minutes approximately 40-minutes into the presentation.)

The entry form provides the process for “doing the paperwork,” loading entries and paying for extra entries and/or dues by check or PayPal. Deadline for entries has been moved back to December 31, 2011 to add a little time for all to learn the new routine and to work out the inevitable bugs associated with the process. Judges will receive reading instructions and scoring sheets by email and be able to retrieve entries to read by simply clicking a link.

Plan to spend a little extra time to understand changes to this year’s contest and prepare entries for electronic submission. Everything needed is contained in a special Contest Brochure which you can access by this link: www.bwi.org/downloads/BWI2011WritingContest.pdf.

“One of the motivators for writers involved in the Innovation Awards is the ability to see and touch the future. This is our Discover Boating, and this year’s product submissions didn’t disappoint,” stated Alan Wendt, BWI’s committee chair for the IBEX Awards. Other members serving as judges included BWI President, Zuzana Prochazka, Frank Lanier, Susan Canfield, Roger McAfee, Brady Kay, and Patricia Kearns.

IBEX Innovation Awards were presented to the following companies in these categories; also provided are brief comments from the judges:

Deck Equipment & Hardware

Nautilus Marine Group, Windlass V500: “The well-engineered windlass tension band keeps the rope and chain splice in constant contact with the chain wheel easily handling knots and hackles of life at anchor.” Honorable Mention: Ameritex Fabric Systems, Four-in-One Boat Cover

Electrical Systems

Charles Industries, Intelligent Marine Charger: “The IMC 40 eliminates the need for multiple onboard battery chargers. The built-in redundancy will get you home.”

Furnishing & Interior Parts

Thetford Curve, Porta Potti: “Serious thinking time was spent addressing multiple ways to improve and innovate one of life’s basic necessities.”

Inboard Engines

Indmar, 5.7L Assault 345 Inboard: “Wakesurfing is rapidly growing in popularity and Indmar has a workhorse for these rugged watersports.”

Mechanical Systems

Attwood, Universal Sprayless Connector: “This Connector stood out in both simplicity, ease of adaptation and global application.”

OEM Electronics

Raymarine, e7D Multifunction Display: “Where Apple iPad integration, pop culture and intuitive operation meets useful maritime technology.”

Outboard Engines

Two Awards: Mercury 150 FourStroke Outboard and Honda Marine BF 250 Outboard Engine: “Mercury found a way to trim 24 pounds of their new 150 FourStroke, while helping to satisfy the growing need for superb fuel efficiency and performance;” “Honda offers the first dual-circuit induction system that provides improved combustion.”

Propulsion Parts, Propellers

Powertech Propellers, Power Stop Propeller: “Brilliantly crafted reverse thrust propeller, providing new levels of control without harming overall performance.”Honorable Mention: Livorsi Marine for its improved Raw Water Flow System.

Safety Equipment

Protomet Corporation, Panoramic Mirror System: “Provides a second set of eyes on your kids while towing them in any variety of watersports.”

Environmental

US Marine Products, EFOY Fuel Cell: “A green solution to providing on board power with a fuel cell that converts methanol into 12 to 24 volt power.”

More detail on the Awards and products can be found at www.nmma.org/news.aspx?id=18041.

New to the BWI Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show routine this year will be a member social hour also on Thursday October 27 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. hosted by Hargrave Custom Yachts aboard the 136-foot 2010 Hargrave trideck DREAmer. The yacht will be slipped at Las Olas Marina, A Dock, within slips 2-10‬. Las Olas docks are just north of Bahia Mar and beyond the Hall of Fame Docks. Finger food, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water will be served. Guest writers are free to roam yachts.

The luncheon event “Will be an outstanding opportunity to network with professional peers and for marketers to showcase their best work,” said MMA president Wanda Kenton Smith. The event is co-sponsored by Info-Link and the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.

“Our panel discussion is especially timely as the ‘Great Recession’ and the rise of social media have led many freelance writers to bob up against the gray line between journalism and marketing,” said Zuzana Prochazka, president of BWI.

The panel will include Andrew Clurman, COO of Active Interest Media, Tim Cole, EVP of Belvoir Publications, Jim Rhodes, president of Rhodes Communications as well as Kenton Smith and Prochazka. The discussion will be moderated by Michael Sciulla, a member of the boards of both organizations.

Current BWI and MMA members are eligible for a reduced rate of $30 when paying in advance using PayPal. The cost is $35 for those paying at the door and for non-members. BWI and MMA members who wish to attend but do not want to have lunch may do so at a cost of $5. To pay online by October 25 use this link: www.marinemarketersofamerica.org/2011/10/17/bwi-and-mma-join-to-create-panel-at-flibs/.

Said Ellison, “We saw many amazing technologies that will be making boating better for years. But one product seemed to define a new category in marine electronics. It’s a small power-efficient server designed to deliver information and services to any platform on a boat with WiFi and a browser or app that understands HTML5. It can, for instance, store and serve a yacht’s entire set of owner’s manuals. It can also control multiple media being output from the server to a marine stereo or serve the same media to the individual device in the boater’s hand.”

Also presented at the annual conference and expo were the NMEA Product and Manufacturer of the Year Awards for 2011. For this series of awards, marine electronics dealers from around the country select winners in several categories through a mail-in voting process. For details, go to www.nmea.org/Assets/2011-nmea-awards.pdf.