Best Boating Writing of 2014

Boating and fishing journalists were recognized in February, 2015 for submissions to the annual writing contest judged by the membership of Boating Writers International (BWI). Presentations in 17 contest categories representing $17,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Cash award recipients also received a recognition plaque noting their “Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.”

Click on the shaded titles to link to the winning entries.

In its 22nd year, the BWI contest attracted 134 participants submitting 349 entries. In addition to cash awards, Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 60 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 2014. Each of the categories (noted below along with sponsors) was judged by four active journalists in the first few weeks of the New Year. Results:

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

1st, “Boat Systems Bootcamp” by Frank Lanier (Boating World, Sept.); 2nd,, “Mix It Up” by Peter Nielsen (Sail, Aug.); 3rd, “Free & Cheap: In Boats We Trust” by Lenny Rudow (Boats.com, Feb. 24.). Judges described the top entry as, “Cleverly written with appropriate humor injected for those ‘been there’ situations experienced by most boat owners … with useful overviews of major onboard systems and accurate instructions on how to fix them when they fail.” Merit Awards: “Caring for Your Hydraulic Steering” by Bill Parlatore (BoatUS Magazine, Feb.); “Every Little Thing’s Not Going to be All Right” by Tom Neale (Soundings, Nov.).

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

1st, “Remembering the Cuyahoga” by Michael Fincham (Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Feb.); 2nd, “A Speck in the Sea” by Paul Tough (New York Times Magazine, Jan. 2); 3rd, “Sinking Boats for Safety” by John Page Williams (Boating, July). Of “Cuyahoga,” judge Louisa Rudeen Beckett says it “Combines a dramatic account of one of the U.S. Coast Guard’s most tragic incidents as told by a survivor who later wrote a book about it with lessons learned and handed down to future Coast Guardsmen and women.” Merit recipients: “Cold-Water Fishing Safety” by Alan Jones (Boating World, March); “Raft of Trouble” by Lenny Rudow (Boats.com, May 21).

Boating Photography – sponsored by Freedom Boat Club

1st, “Spirit of America Crash” by Brett Bayne (Speedboat, Dec.); 2nd, “Docks After Dark” by Tom Serio (Lakeland Boating, Jan.); 3rd, “Ramiti” by Neville Hockley (Cruising World, Jan.). Judge Michael Sciulla suggests the first-place entry reflects, “Preparation and possession of a sixth sense that the great action photographers seem to share … the image captures the exhilaration and challenges that makes boating such a unique lifestyle.” Merit Awards to: “Sunset at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show” by Kim Kavin (YachtWorld, Nov. 19); “435 Everglades” by Robert Glover (All at Sea, Nov,); “Going Back” by James Raycroft (Power & MotorYacht, Nov,); “Anchored in Glacier Bay” by Michael Robertson (Good Old Boat, Sept.); “Hope Town Light” by Stephen Blakely (Soundings, June).

Boating Columns – sponsored by KVH Industries, Inc.

1st, “Loose Cannon” by Peter Swanson (Soundings Online); 2nd, “Under Way” by Bill Sisson (Soundings); “The Pin End” by Chris Caswell (Sails Magazine). “The ‘Loose Cannon’ columns, addressing important issues in the world of boating, are written with passion and conviction. The author doesn’t back away from strong opinions. The simple, direct and muscular style is something every good columnist should strive for,” said judge Jim Rhodes. Certificates of Merit: “Marketing Insight” by Michael Sciulla (Soundings Trade Only); “Weather Eye” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Chesapeake Bay); “Fishing” by Zach Harvey (Soundings).

Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine

1st, “The Future: Electric Boats” by Vincent Daniello (Yachting, Dec.); 2nd, “Derelict Dilemma” by Ryck Lydecker (BoatUS Magazine, Feb.); 3rd, “Spies in the Skies” by Kim Kavin (Yachts International, Dec.). “Starting with a solid lead, this well researched article on ‘The Future’ quickly brings the reader through a century of innovation with a realistic eye on the not too distant future of electric propulsion,” noted judge Alan Wendt. Merit Awards: “Tough Times for Tall Ships” by Jim Flannery (Soundings, Dec.); “Spy in the Sky” by Roger Marshall (Dockwalk, May); “Paper or Plastic?” by Peter Swanson (Power & MotorYacht, April); “Avoiding the Pitfalls” by Greg Proteau (Lakeland Boating, Sept.).

Boat Projects, Renovations & Retrofits – sponsored by Awlgrip North America

1st, “Make Your Boat 1000 Times Better” by Lenny Rudow (Boats.com, Nov. 8); 2nd, “The Falcon Soars Again” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Oct.);3rd, “Chill Baby” by Lenny Rudow, (Boats.com, June 9). The top entry is, “Engaging, informative and heartwarming at the same time. I enjoyed the writer’s conversational style and fresh perspective. I felt inspired to go out and do the very same project with my children,” said judge Rebecca Cahilly. Merit Awards: “Seeing the Light” by Peter Nielsen (Sail, May); “The Last Living Whaleship” by  Mary South (Soundings, Oct.); “Lights of a Different Color” by Green Brett (Cruising World, Feb.); “Back from the Dead” by Chris Caswell (Power & MotorYacht, July); “Bottom Stripping Basics” by Doug Logan (BoatTrader.com, March 31).

Boating Adventures – sponsored by Yamaha Marine Group

1st, “The No Good Very Bad Windiest Day” by Carol Cronin (Boats.com, Nov. 30); 2nd, “From Zero to Racing” by Tasha Hacker (Cruising World, Aug.); 3rd, “A Rogue-ish Wave” by John Kretschmer (Sail, July). The first-place entry is, “A great story told with unusual hubris for a sailor … it captures the excitement of high-level racing,” said judge Charles Fort. Awards of Merit: “Use Yourself Up” by Webb Chiles (Cruising World, Nov.); “Mission Accomplished” by Al Jacobs (BoatUS Magazine, Aug,); “Aboard Pillar with Papa” by Vincent Daniello (Yachting, June).

The Business of Boating – sponsored by Home Port Marine Marketing

1st, Undervalued Gen X is Boating’s Sweet Spot” by Michael Sciulla (Soundings Trade Only, May); 2nd, “Tender Trials” by Chris Caswell (Dockwalk, July); 3rd, “Band of Sisters” by Reagan Haynes (Soundings Trade Only, July). “Gen X,” says judge Gary Beckett, is “Well-written, well-researched and focused on a hot topic that the recreational marine industry needs to take seriously … the issue of attracting more people to boating.” Merit Awards: “Not All Aboard with Florida Rail Plan” by Jim Flannery (Soundings Trade Only, Aug.); “Light as Art and Architecture” by Rebecca Cahilly (The Megayachts 2014, Oct.).

Boat Tests & Reviews – sponsored by Volvo Penta

1st, “Sea-Doo Spark” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, June); 2nd, “Princecraft Xperience 188” by Lenny Rudow (Boats.com, Oct. 27); 3rd, “Aurora” by Marilyn Mower (ShowBoats International, June). Judge Carol Cronin writes, “The Spark test is a very helpful review for potential buyers, showing off both strengths and potential weaknesses. Best of all, its playful tone matches the intended audience.” Merit Certificates to: “A Test of Time” by Daniel Harding (Yachting, Nov.); “World’s Most Unusual Limo” by Alex Smith (Boats.com, July 14); “Going Her Own Way” by Patrick Sciacca (Yachting, Aug.).

Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Martin Flory Group

1st, “Pot of Gold” by Nadine Slavinski (Cruising World, Dec.); 2nd, “Cherries Jubilee” by Jody Argo Schroath (Chesapeake Bay, March); 3rd, “A World Away From Shore” by Troy Gilbert (BoatUS Magazine, June). Judge Alan Jones said, “’Pot of Gold’ transports the reader across the Pacific to Sydney where the author experiences the beauty and the culture along with the frantic energy the city’s harbor exudes.” Merit Awards: “Beyond the Water’s Edge” by Kim Kavin (New Canaan-Darien Magazine, July); “There Are No Shortcuts” by Stephen Blakely (Soundings, Dec.); “Three Days Before the Museum” by Tim Sayles (Chesapeake Boating, June); “Valhalla Revisited” by Charles Doane (Sail, Nov.); “Together Time” by David Reed (Cruising World, Dec.); “A Season Down South” by Jen Brett (Cruising World, Sept.); “Wilderness Found” by Kate Laird (Sail, July); “Longest of Days” by Tom Cunliffe (Sail, June); “Escape to Baja” by Peter Swanson (Power & MotorYacht, Oct.); “Cruising Dutch Waterways” by Peter Franklin (Practical Boat Owner – UK, Feb.); “Don’t Stop the Carnival” by James Raycroft (ShowBoats International, Oct.).

Gear, Electronics & Product Tests – sponsored by Xantrex/Schneider Electric

1st, “Where To Steer, Eat & Anchor On the ICW” by Frank Lanier (Practical Sailor, May); 2nd, “Riding Out A Gale” by Nigel Calder (Sail, June); 3rd, “A Vane To Steer Her By” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, July). Judge John Wooldridge said the ICW feature, “Covers the wide-ranging field of cruising guide products with a thorough scrutiny. As the ever-increasing number of baby boomers take to the ICW for adventures on the water, this feature is invaluable.” Merit certificates to “Flares: Flaming Out?” by Earl MacKenzie (Cruising World, Nov.); “Cruising NOAA’s Arc” by Ralph Naranjo (Cruising World, July); “Here Be Fog” by Peter Swanson (Power & MotorYacht, Dec.).

Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Discover Boating

1st, “Buried Treasure” by Chris Caswell (Power & MotorYacht, March); 2nd, “Which is More Fun, Kayak or SUP?” by Carol Cronin (Boats.com, Aug. 13); 3rd, “Family Affairs” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, June). Judge Marilyn DeMartini called “Treasure,” “A Fun story! The characters come to life and the reader can see the action. I’m looking for the next boating flea market!” Certificates of Merit: “Embrace the Hacksaw” by Doug Logan (Boats.com, July 30); “Reward Lives in The House Of Risk” by Matt Rutherford (BoatUS Magazine, June); “Raising a Child Dangerously” by Diane Selkirk (Slate, April 8); “Back in the Day” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, Oct.); “The Cat with Nine Lives” by Randy West (Cruising World, June); “Boating As a Lifeline” by Dave Livingston (BoatUS Magazine, Aug.).

Boating Profiles – sponsored by ZF Marine

1st, “Townsend Bell Is Slowing Down” by Kevin Koenig (Power & MotorYacht, Nov.); 2nd, “Iron Woman” by Dieter Loibner (Soundings, Feb.); 3rd, “More than a Woman” by Meredith Laitos (Sail, Dec.). Judge Betsy Haggerty described the first-place story as, “Fast-paced like its subject (IndyCar driver Townsend Bell) and filled with vivid descriptions, this well-written profile puts readers inside Bell’s boat as he tackles ocean swells and talks about how boating adds balance to his adrenalin-driven life.” Merit Awards to “The Fastest Ex-Pat” by David Schmidt (Sail, Sept.); “Don Street Is Not Dead” by Andy Schell (Sail, May); “If I Die, Just Throw Me Over the Side” by Jim Flannery (Soundings, April); “When Lin met Larry” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Feb.).

Online Expressions – sponsored by Boat Owners Association of the U.S.

1st, “WaveTrain: A Blog About Cruising Sailboats and Other Aquatic Miracles” by Charles Doane; 2nd “Panbo, The Marine Electronics Hub” by Ben Ellison; 3rd, “Runabout Restoration” by Chris Landers (on BoatUS Cruising Log). Judge Reagan Haynes described “WaveTrain” as, “Well-organized, engaging, and covering a wide array of topics without becoming fragmented or difficult to follow. The writer is engaging whether comparing products, detailing a recent trip, or following recent boating news.” Certificates of Merit: “Turf to Surf” by Tasha Hacker; “The Marine Installers Rant” by Bill Bishop; “Got Bait?” by Lenny Rudow (on Boats.com).

Fishing – sponsored by Suzuki Motor Corporation

1st, “Circling Back” by Barry Gibson (Anglers Journal, Winter); 2nd, “Another Time” by Bill Sisson (Anglers Journal, Summer); 3rd, “End of the Day” by Barry Gibson (Anglers Journal, Summer). Judge Gary Reich said of the winning entry, “I have never read such a deliciously crafted, accurate, and humorous story describing the lifecycle of someone with an angling affliction. I smiled through every single paragraph of this great fishing read.” Merit Award to “Raising Havoc” by Jim Hendricks (Sport Fishing, Oct.).

Ethics and Environment – presented by the BWI Membership

1st, “Thar She Blows” by Marty LeGrand (Chesapeake Bay, Dec.); 2nd, “Building Boats and Shaping Lives” by Mary South (Soundings, March); 3rd, “Long Way Home” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Chesapeake Bay, Sept.). “’Thar She Blows’ combines a mix of ingredients we all should strive for in our craft: Good information presented in an interesting and entertaining way, tied together by solid writing and thorough research,” said judge Lenny Rudow.

Technical Writing – sponsored by Dometic Marine

1st, “Taking Wing” by Peter Nielsen (Sail, May); 2nd, “The Floating Oasis as a Citadel” by Marilyn Mower (Megayachts 2015, Nov.); 3rd, “High Fiber Diet” by Roger Marshall (Megayachts, July). Judges said, “’Taking Wing’ took a complex subject and made it not only understandable but made me want to run out and buy a boat with a soft wing sail.” Merit: “Now You See It” by Ralph Naranjo (Cruising World, May); “Don’t Be Intimidated” by Frank Lanier (Sea, June); “Alternative Power: Outboards that Are Gasoline-Free” by Lenny Rudow (Boats.com, April 19).

Writing Awards Presented for 2013

Boating and fishing journalists were recognized in Miami on February 14  in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of BWI. Presentations in 17 contest categories representing $17,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Cash award recipients also received a recognition plaque noting their “Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.”

A reading list with click-throughs to the top three entries in each category can be found here: https://www.bwi.org/bwicontest/2014winners.htm.

Read more

Best Boating Stories of 2011

Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized February 17 at the Miami International Boat Show 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. Also presented was the group’s Grand Prize Writing Award for 2010. Read more

BWI Writing 2010 Contest Winners

Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized in mid-February during the Miami International Boat Show 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. Cash award recipients also received a recognition plaque noting their “Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.” Read more

A Brief History of BWI’s Writing Awards

Though it’s months until the 2010 Writing Contest gets underway, recent questions from members have encouraged this brief look at BWI’s highly prized benefit, biggest and longest-running undertaking.

The Contest was launched in 1992 (awards presented in 1993) by then president Joe Skorupa who was writing for Popular Mechanics and executive director Bob Black. Three inaugural categories were Lifestyles, Fishing and Ethics. First sponsors were, respectively, Outboard Marine Corp., Yamaha Marine and Suzuki Outboards. Read more

BWI Writing Contest Salutes 2009 Stories

Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond  were recognized today in the 2009 writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International.  Presentations were made in 17 contest categories — including a new “Original Online Content” field — representing $17,000 in awards, the largest payout to date.

In its 17th year, the BWI contest attracted 134 participants submitting 352 entries. In addition to cash awards, Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 35 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 2009. Each of the 17 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, “On the Wind” by Chris Caswell (Sailing); 2nd place, “Meneely Under Way” by Jane Meneely (Chesapeake Bay); 3rd place, “Off Watch” by Wendy Mitman Clarke  (Cruising World). In this category, entrants are required to submit three related columns. “Caswell’s columns are a buoyant mix of humor, sea stories, personal reflection, sensitive commentary and good advice,” the judges agreed. “His writing brings you aboard with him.” Certificates of Merit awarded to: “Setting Sail” by Peter Nielsen (Sail); “We’ve Always Wanted to Ask” by Robert Stephens (Boating Life); “Performance” by Dudley Dawson (Yachting); “Following Seas” by David Seidman (Boating); “The Roger Henry File” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World); “Sailing Life” by Melanie Neale (Cruising World); “Editor’s Letter” by Alan Jones (Boating World); and “Cruise of the Month” by Diana Prentice (Chesapeake Bay).

2. Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Boats.com/Yachtworld.com.

1st place, “It Was a Club of Their Own” by Ann Dermody (BoatU.S. Magazine, March); 2nd place, “Cruising with Mom” by Nonnie Thompson (Pacific Yachting, Spring); 3rd place, “Fast Cat Fever” by Ann Levelle (Chesapeake Bay, Jan.). “A well-researched, beautifully written and poignant story of a pair of passionate boat lovers and the barriers they had to break to found and maintain the nation’s first all-black yacht club,” is how category chair Betsy Haggerty described the top entry. Merit awards go to: “Honeymooners of Phangnga Bay” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, April); and “Kayak Karma’s Gonna Get You” by Marty LeGrand (Chesapeake Bay, Aug.).

3. Boating Profiles – sponsored by ZF Marine.

1st, “The Miracle Worker” by Robert Stephens (Boating Life, March); 2nd,  “The (Not Quite) Mellow Dude” by Herb McCormick (Sailing World, July/Aug.); 3rd, “Space Odysey?” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Oct.). Of  Stephens’ work, judge Emily Corman said, “Despite his subject’s physical challenges, the author’s message is clear and inspiring: Clay Dyer’s story as a professional angler is just beginning.” Merit award to “A Captain’s Irresistible Tales” by Doug Campbell (Soundings, March).

4. Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Island Global Yachting.

1st, “Magic & Mystery in Micronesia” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, Nov.); 2nd, “Vanuatu: Explosive, Exotic, Exciting” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, Feb.); 3rd, “On One Boat, Three Stories Unfold” by Herb McCormick, Angus Phillips and Elaine Lembo (Cruising World, Aug.). Category chair Michael Sciulla said the top entry has “A great lead, attention to detail, insight, perspective and affection for its subjects … a must read.” Judge Patrick Sciacca said the unique, 3rd place, three-author article, “Illustrates that multiple authors can create a cohesive, informative, and humorous piece while preserving their individual voices.” Merit Certificates to: “Live History on Our ‘Star Spangled’ Seas” by Stephen Blakely (Soundings, July); “It Does a Body Good” by Paul Clancy (Chesapeake Bay, Aug.); “A Pocketful of Miracles” by Jody Schroath (Chesapeake Bay, Sept.); and “Anegada” by Kim Kavin (MadMariner.com, Oct. 6).

5.  Boating Adventures – sponsored by Discover Boating.

1st, “One Mom, Two Teens, No Exit” by Tania Aebi (BoatU.S. Magazine, March); 2nd, “Mission Accomplished” by Sprague Theobald (Motor Boating, Nov./Dec.); 3rd, “Miles Away in One Sense, Light Years in Another” by Peter Swanson (Soundings, Oct.). Judge Louisa Rudeen called the winner, “An inspiring story of family bonding.” Merit Awards: “In the Eye of the Storm” by William Barton (Cruising World, Nov.); “Ain’t Nothing Like It” by Meredith Laitos (Sail, Dec.); “First Time Solo” by Charles Doane (Sailing, Dec.); and “In Search of Chowder” by Roger Kamholz (Sea Ray Living, Spring).

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

1st, “When the You-Know-What Hits the Fan” by Tom Neale (Soundings, June); 2nd, “Power Trip” by Vincent Daniello (Motor Boating, Nov./Dec.); 3rd, “Water, Water, Everywhere” by Frank Lanier (Southern Boating, April). Judges said Neale’s article, “Takes square aim at ‘lurking disasters waiting to happen’ with a lot of potential to be helpful to boaters. This piece offers that help in the form of clear, concise writing by an expert in everything from wiring to V struts to the ‘creeping crud’ on stainless prop shafts.” Merit Certificate to “Cool Tools for Odd Jobs” by R.J. Rubadeau (Cruising World, July).

7.  Electronics – sponsored by Jeppesen Marine.

1st, “Manna From Heaven” by Peter Swanson (PassageMaker, July/Aug.); 2nd, “Into the Nitty-Gritty of NMEA 2000” by Ben Ellison (Cruising World, July); 3rd, “Testing Chartplotters” by Lenny Rudow (MadMariner.com, Nov. 16). Of the first-place pick, judges commented, “It’s not your everyday writer who can combine the global recession, a larger-than-life statue of Jesus, and advanced satellite services into a must-read. This look at new-to-market antennas is both informative and fun.”

8.  Ethics and Environment – sponsored by Marlink AS.

1st, “Go, Terps” by Michael Fincham (Chesapeake Bay, March); 2nd, “Veggie Power” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, Feb.); 3rd, “Unarmed but Uneasy” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, July). Judge Betsy Clayton described “Terps” as, “A wonderful ecological tale told with a personal, engaging touch. A must-read for anyone who looks at what’s beneath the bow.” Certificate of Merit to “Critical Grass” by Joe Myerson (Northeast Boating, March).

9.  Fishing – sponsored by Suzuki Motor Corporation.

1st, “Pump & Crank” by Lenny Rudow (Marlin, July): 2nd,”Thrill Ride” by Doug Olander (Sport Fishing, Aug.); 3rd, “Back in Black” by Lenny Rudow (Salt Water Sportsman, March). “The writer lays out a cool new offshore fishing technique in a way that is entertaining and easy to understand, offering good instruction in a solid read,” commented judge Pete McDonald of the top entry. Merit Award to “Ghost Busters” by Ron Ballanti (Salt Water Sportsman, May).

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

1st, “Time to Throttle Back” by Chris Landry (Soundings, Aug.); 2nd, “Lobster Wars: Good People Doing Bad Things” by Jim Flannery (Soundings, Oct.); 3rd, “What the Euros Get” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, Jan.). Judges said the winner, “Addresses one of the most important issues currently facing the powerboat industry – how to design and market more fuel-efficient boats – and does so in a thoughtful and thorough manner. The writer’s prose is engaging and the story was well researched … a model to other writers.” Merit Certificates: “How to Kill Your Boat” by Pete McDonald (Boating, March) and “The Case for the Simple Life” by George Sass, Sr. (Soundings, Dec.).

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

1st, “Bouncing Along the Bottom” by Michael Verdon (International Boat Industry, Oct.); 2nd, “Marinas Last Hit and Least Hurt” by Gary Beckett (Soundings Trade Only, Nov.); 3rd, “The New Word-of-Mouth” by Liz Walz (Boating Industry, June). Of the winning entry judge Joe Myerson commented, “This comprehensive report is a realistic analysis of the economic difficulties faced by the recreational boating industry. Solid, well-researched, represents professional business journalism of the first tier, without gloss or sycophancy.” Awards of Merit to: “Cuba Libre?” by Peter Swanson (Yachting, Oct.) and “An Industry of Small, Niche Builders” by Reagan Haynes (Soundings Trade Only, Oct.).

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

1st, “The Last Battle of the Grampa Woo” by Marlin Bree (The Ensign, May/June); 2nd,  “Eight Days on a Capsized 23-Footer” by Chris Landry (Soundings, Nov.); 3rd, “Lucky Duck to the Rescue” by R.J. Rubadeau (Cruising World, Sept.). Judge Jennifer Chesak said the top pick, “Was written with true zeal and captured the intense passion a man has for his ship as well as the incredible bravery and heroism abundant on this rescue mission at sea.” Merit Award for “How to Inspect Your Lifeline System” by Frank Lanier (Latitudes & Attitudes, Oct.).

13.  Technical Writing – sponsored by Dometic Marine.

1st, “A Question of Balance” by Jeremy McGeary (Practical Sailor, Feb.); 2nd, “Planing Hull Efficiency” by Eric Sorensen (Soundings, Aug.); 3rd, “Maritime Moonshine” by Bill Grannis (Trailer Boats, Dec.). Category chair Marilyn Mower said the top entry, “Is an exceptional analysis of the alphabet soup of sailing boat design factors and the modern compromises between performance and creature comforts, stability, and helm balance issues affecting cruising and racing boats.” Merit Certificate to “Wind & Solar are Fine…” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Cruising World, Dec.).

14.  Boat Tests – sponsored by Volvo Penta.

1st, “Getting it Write” by Chris Caswell (PassageMaker, Oct.); 2nd, “Mr. Holland’s Opus” by John Page Williams (Northeast Boating, Oct.); 3rd, “Third Engine’s the Charm” by Patrick Sciacca (Power & Motoryacht, Sept.). Of the top article, judge Michael Verdon noted it “Uses a fictional technique of focusing the boat report around a notebook. The writing is short, compelling and makes what could’ve been a dull report into an interesting test.” Certificates of Merit: “Big Daddy Daysailer” by Bill Springer (Cruising World, Dec.); and “A Resonant Tune” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Feb.).

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

1st, “Radar Love” by Peter Swanson (PassageMaker, May/June); 2nd “Two Stroke Versus Four Stroke” by Lenny Rudow (MadMariner.com, Nov. 24); 3rd, “Hijacked by High Fashion?” by Darrell Nicholson (Practical Sailor, July). Judge Robert Buller said “Swanson ‘spoke’ to me as a boater, drew me in with a first-person example then went on to outline a new technology and explain why it was better – it held my attention throughout.” Merit Award to “Far From Finished” by Ann Key (Practical Sailor, Dec.).

16.  Megayachts –  sponsored by Awlgrip North America.

1st, “Achieving Perfect Balance – Silver Cloud” by Liz Pasch (Yachts International, July); 2nd, “Vajoliroja” by Louisa Beckett (Boat International USA, March); 3rd, “Stampede” by Louisa Beckett (Boat International USA, July). Silver Cloud has “An appropriate headline because this story represents a perfect balance between outstanding technical content and crisp, well-written text,” commented judge Eric Colby.

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

1st, website “CharterWave.com” by Kim Kavin; 2nd, audio slideshows and video series on “SoundingsOnline.com” by Bill Sisson; 3rd, website “MegayachtNews.org” by Diane Byrne.  The top pick, said category judge Paul Esterle, “Draws you into the charter lifestyle. Great production values coupled with an interesting mix of articles and videos make for an entertaining and informative visit.” Certificates of Merit to: “Boat Show Blog” series by Glen Justice and Gaspare Marturano on MadMariner.com; posts, podcasts and imaging of “Racing Events” by Stuart Streuli on SailingWorld.com; marine electronics website “Panbo.com” by Ben Ellison; and writing and production of articles and videos on “SoundingsOnline.com” by Lisa Cook.