Bonnier Takes Home 17 Awards in Writing Contest

The Boating Writers International yearly writing competition honors the top marine journalists for their “excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.” For this year, top honors were dominated by Bonnier writers.

In winning 17 awards, Bonnier magazines swept three categories: Boating Profiles, Boating Travel or Destinations, and Fishing.

Bonnier winnners (L-R): Doug Olander, Lenny Rudow, Ben Ellison, Mark Pillsbury, Jeff Hemmel, Peter Janssen, Vince Daniello, Robert Stephens

Boating Profiles

• First, “The Miracle Worker” by Robert Stephens (Boating Life, March)
• Second, “The (Not Quite) Mellow Dude” by Herb McCormick (Sailing World, July/August)
• Third, “Space Odyssey?” by Herb McCormick (Cruising World, October)

Judges’ comments: “Despite his subject’s physical challenges, the author’s [Robert Stephens] message is clear and inspiring: Clay Dyer’s story as a professional angler is just beginning.”

Boating Travel or Destinations

• First, “Magic & Mystery in Micronesia” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, November)
• Second, “Vanuatu: Explosive, Exotic, Exciting” by Alvah Simon (Cruising World, February)
• Third, “On One Boat, Three Stories Unfold” by Herb McCormick, Angus Phillips and Elaine Lembo (Cruising World, August)

Judges’ comments: “A great lead, attention to detail, insight, perspective and affection for its subjects … a must read.”

Fishing

• First, “Pump & Crank” by Lenny Rudow (Marlin, July)
• Second, “Thrill Ride” by Doug Olander (Sport Fishing, August)
• Third, “Back in Black” by Lenny Rudow (Salt Water Sportsman, March)

Judges’ comments: “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.”

Boating Columns

• Third, “Off Watch” by Wendy Mitman Clarke (Cruising World)

Boating Adventures

• Second, “Mission Accomplished” by Sprague Theobald (Motor Boating, November/December)

Boat/Engine Care and Maintenance

• Second, “Power Trip” by Vincent Daniello (Motor Boating, November/December)

Electronics

• Second, “Into the Nitty-Gritty of NMEA 2000” by Ben Ellison (Cruising World, July)

Ethics and Environment

• Second, “Veggie Power” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, February)
• Third, “Unarmed but Uneasy” by Gary Goodlander (Cruising World, July)

Boating Issues, News and Analysis

• Third, “What the Euros Get” by Jeff Hemmel (Boating, January)

Seamanship, Rescue & Safety

• Third, “Lucky Duck to the Rescue” by R.J. Rubadeau (Cruising World, September)