I was on the phone with my friend Carl the other day. He is a boat broker in Connecticut and we talk often. Generally, after we exhaust all of our stories of last weekend’s antics, our conversations default to work – boat sales and magazines. I often tell Carl about the right kind of buyers and sales approach for his boats and he gives me editorial advice. In our conversation, Carl suggested that I write an article about a recent cruise that I’d been on. “Because people like to read about stuff like that,” he offered. “You know, they want to read about the things they like to do.” Of course they do, Carl.
I later thought, “I understand why people enjoy reading about the things that they like to do on boats, but isn’t it more meaningful to actually do those things?” Sure, but I guess when we’re not out there doing, we like to do the next best thing – daydream, plan, imagine and remember those experiences had…and those to come.
I just finished reading the accounts of junior sailors who’d competed in the Beach Point Overnight race aboard my boat (Check out the article on page 48). These kids went out, had a positive experience and wanted to share it with others. That’s pretty meaningful, and it shows in their writing. I think articles of this type are infectious – and they’re certainly important to WindCheck. They make us older folks think about the times we had as youth sailors and also inspires other kids to strive for similar and equally unforgettable adventures.
Whether you are in a cruising flotilla, or vying for a lane on the racecourse, chances are you’re among highly experienced world cruisers, or top professionals. The diversity of skills, interests and ages among sailors is perhaps one of my favorite facets of the sport. I mean, it’s not likely that Roger Federer will be playing in your club’s member-guest tennis tournament, or Michael Phelps swimming in your community pool…but in the world of sailing we have the opportunity to mix it up with – and learn from – some of our sport’s best and brightest. That’s a unique privilege and it’s also really cool. The same applies to the pages of WindCheck!
In addition to the amazing work from professional writers and photographers that appears on the pages ofWindCheck, much of what you see comes from reader submissions. WindCheck’s purpose is to be a resource for sailors and to bring the Northeast sailing community together. Spreading the word about your business, travels and events is important to our entire boating community. Indeed, in addition to the work of professional writers and photographers, some of our favorite articles and images are reader submissions.
I think you’ll find lots to like in this month’s issue. In addition to monthly features including Sound Environment, our Calendar of Events and a message from the USCG Captain of the Port, we take a look at the upcoming fall cruising rallies and winter regattas in the islands, as well as an exciting, new performance cruiser, and you can read about great experiences that junior sailors had on two different overnight races.
Whether you’re a junior sailor, novice or pro, we would love to hear from you. We are interested in articles about sailing in the Northeast (coastal New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts) or sailors from this region cruising or racing elsewhere. Articles can be race or regatta previews or reports, about the junior sailing scene, or practical hands-on pieces about boat maintenance, upgrades, repair or restoration. We also publish book, CD and DVD reviews and each month we feature a person of note in our On Watch page. Articles of this nature have been submitted and chosen by our staff for inclusion in the magazine from people of all ages, backgrounds and experience. What’s keeping you from sitting down and writing an article for your sailing magazine?
You can read our Writer’s and Photographer’s Guidelines at windcheckmagazine.com. While I’m petitioning for you to share your experiences with your fellow readers, I want to thank one of my favorite WindCheck contributors, Bill Sandberg. For at least 95 issues, Bill has raised important issues, shared his experience, wisdom and – most of all – his sheer love of sailing in his monthly Sound Off! column. Bill is leaving us this month, headed for the calm waters of the Chesapeake. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with Bill, and although he’s irreplaceable we’re on the lookout for someone to write a monthly (or semi-regular) column, as well as folks who simply want to share a special experience with fellow boating enthusiasts. So if you have a story to tell, a helpful hint to offer or rant to rave, send us what you’ve got. We’ll look forward to hearing from you!
See you on the water.
