Congrats to Cruising World authors who were recognized during a Facebook Live announcement on February 18, 2021 by Boating Writers International (BWI) for their “Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.” In all, CW writers took home one 1st Place awards, one 2nd Place awards, two 3rd Place awards, and six Certificates of Merit.
The BWI Writing Awards, presented for 28 years, attracted 108 participants submitting 283 entries. In addition to first-, second- and third-place awards, 29 Certificates of Merit were presented to other entrants who scored closely to the third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 2020.
Boating Lifestyles – sponsored by Discover Boating
3rd, “Canoe Kids” by Heather Francis (Cruising World)
Boating Issues, News and Analysis – sponsored by Mercury Marine
Merit Awards: “Outlook for Cruising 2021” by Behan Gifford (Cruising World)
Seamanship, Rescue & Safety – sponsored by Sea Tow Services International
Merit Awards: “Fat Advice for Heavy Weather” by Fatty Goodlander (Cruising World)
Boat Projects, Renovations & Retrofits – sponsored by Boats Group
Merit Awards: “Sail Smarts for Cruisers” by Jamie Gifford (Cruising World), “Billy Pilgrim’s Progress” by Leslie Davidson and Tim Murphy (Cruising World).
Boating Columns – sponsored by KVH Industries, Inc.
3rd, “Off Watch” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World)
Boating Travel or Destinations – sponsored by Kicker Marine Audio
1st, “A Tough Little Loop” by Stephen Blakely (Cruising World)
Judge Alan Jones said: “The author puts the reader right into the rain and spray-drenched cockpit of their 26-foot sailboat on a tough but memorable 400-mile slog.”
Boating Adventures – sponsored by Yamaha Marine Group
2nd, “Sailing to the Center of the Earth” by Stephen Blakely (Cruising World)
“Shock & Awe” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World), “School Daze” by Jon Whittle (Cruising World)
