Cruising World editors and contributors were among the winners of the annual Boating Writers International writing contest. The contest recognizes excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism. Winners were presented with plaques and cash prizes at this morning’s BWI meeting at the Miami International Boat Show.
Category 1: Boating Columns – sponsored by KVH Industries, Inc.
1st place, “Osprey_’s Flight” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (_Cruising World)
In this category, entrants are required to submit three related columns for judging. Of the first place work judge Marty LeGrand said, “In beautiful, honest prose, this columnist opens her soul to share with lucky readers the joys, doubts and complexities of cruising family life.”
Category 2: Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Discover Boating.
1st place, “The Best Days of Our Lives” by Peter Nichols (Cruising World, Feb.)
2nd place, “A Crocker Comes Home” by Elaine Lembo (Cruising World, April)
Best Days, “Is a well-written story that skillfully combines an experienced sailor’s perspective with the fresh outlook of a child’s eyes. It weaves in helpful cruising information on the destination and shares the emotions of both father and son during the trip,” said judge Kelly Flory.
Awards of Merit to: “Warning: Side Effects May Include …” by Jim Welch (Cruising World, Oct.)
“Routes To the Sailing Life” by Michael Robertson (Cruising World, May)
Category 3: Boating Profiles – sponsored by ZF Marine.
1st, “My God, They’re Eating in There” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, June);
“Goodlander’s piece is an engaging read with real personality; it goes beyond a simple recitation of facts and anecdotes to capture a lifetime in sailing – a spirited portrait,” offered judge Tom Pamperin.
Category 4: Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Martin Flory Group.
2nd, “Islands In Between” by Ben Zartman (Cruising World, Nov.);
Receiving a Merit Award: “Entry By Sea” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Cruising World, Sept.)
Category 5: Boating Adventures – sponsored by Yamaha Marine Group.
1st, “Answering a Cold Call” by Ben Yeager (Cruising World, Nov.)
2nd, “The Lee of Icaria” by John Kretschmer (Cruising World, Dec.)
Of Cold Call, judge Pete McDonald said, “The author captures the youthful post-college wanderlust that many of us have felt in a wonderful narrative, describing with humor and self-deprecation a sailing adventure most would not try. He invited us to experience the harsh winds, stunning ice and barren landscapes along the way.”
Merit: “A Milestone Atlantic Crossing” by Green Brett (Cruising World, June)
Category 7: Electronics – sponsored by Jeppesen Marine.
Merit award: “iPad Navigation Across an Ocean” by Tucker Bradford (Cruising World, July)
Category 10: Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine.
1st, “Greatest Show on Surf” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Dec.);
Judge Gary Beckett commented, “McCormick’s thoroughly well-written and researched story captures the flair and excitement of the topic, while also providing excellent background details that bring the subject into clearer context.”
Category 12: Seamanship, Rescue & Safety – sponsored by Sea Tow Services International.
Certificate of Merit: “Near Disaster” by Michael Robertson (Cruising World, Oct.)
Category 13: Technical Writing – sponsored by Dometic Marine.
3rd, “Decoding The Matrix” by Tim Murphy (Cruising World, July)
Category 14: Boat Tests & Reviews – sponsored by Volvo Penta.
Merit Award: “A Wide Spectrum of Winning Designs” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, Jan.)
Category 16: Boat Projects, Renovations & Retrofits – sponsored by Awlgrip North America.
1st, “Payin’ the Piper” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, June)
“Goodlander employs humor, good description and a nice ending that makes the read worthwhile,” said judge Betsy Clayton.
We’d also like to extend our congratulations to these winners from our sister publications:
Category 9: Fishing – sponsored by Suzuki Motor Corporation.
1st, “Great. White. Shark” by Pete McDonald (Boating, Nov.)
“McDonald tells an edge-of-your seat tale about catching the most feared behemoth of the ocean and how a crew goes about its fast-paced research of the amazing creature without harming it. The writing is clever, well-researched and action-packed,” judge Jennifer Chesak said.
Merit Awards: “Invasion Force” by Jim Hendricks (Sport Fishing, March)
Category 10: Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine.
Merit Award, “Starting Points” by Stuart Streuli (Sailing World, April).
Category 12: Seamanship, Rescue & Safety – sponsored by Sea Tow Services International.
Certificate of Merit: “Fast Company” by Pete McDonald (Boating, May)
Category 14: Boat Tests & Reviews – sponsored by Volvo Penta.
1st, “Queen of the North” by Patrick Sciacca (Yachting, Aug.);
“Queen had a fresh lead, excellent detail, and a distinctive voice that brought me on board. Best of all, the wrap tied back to the lead and made me smile,” offered judge Carol Cronin.
