Publisher's Log

There is much written and discussed regarding the state of our sport, be it junior sailor retention, professionals vs. amateurs, Olympic performance, and so on. I am constantly provided with statistics and studies, panel discussions and focus groups that all have differing opinions of why junior sailors have lost interest in the sport, don’t have the necessary portals by which to continue sailing, or won’t enter the maritime trades in their late teens and twenties. I see things a bit differently. We’re at the gateway to growth and success.

When I was younger, I used to sail on lots of other people’s boats and the experience of learning about new boats and meeting new people was a big part of what I loved about sailing. But, as I got older, I’d met a lot of people and sailed on lots of boats, so my boating schedule became simple – sail on my own boat when I wanted, with whom I wanted…comfortable and easy.

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.

Ten years ago, there were two new releases that rocked the summer of 2002. One was “The Bourne Identity”, the film adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s thrilling novel, starring Matt Damon. The other was WindCheck Magazine, starring (at that time) Long Island Sound Sailors.

Much of my time on the water is spent with family and close family friends

I spoke with UK-Halsey’s Adam Loory following the Hands-on Safety at Sea Seminar held at SUNY Maritime last month. We discussed how far along this type of educational experience has come, and the tremendous benefit it provides to crew and vessel safety.

I love sailing and I often get to thinking how being on the water has always been a part of my life, even when life got in the way of being on the water. I guess that’s what makes our time out there so special.

I think the smaller, more intimate boutique boat shows are where it’s at when it comes to the pure desire to buy a boat, talk shop, get a sail quote or just see what’s new.

There are lots of interesting and exciting things happening for sailors in the Northeast in the upcoming year. As we looked back upon 2011 in the December issue, we are looking ahead to 2012 in this issue.