Around the Buoy

Next September, a group of single-handed sailors will leave France for the Caribbean in the Mini Transat, a regatta that celebrates the adventurous sprit of the early Trans-Atlantic races. In a fleet dominated by European skippers, one Mini will be flying the Stars and Stripes, PGN Ocean Racing skippered by our guest Peter Gibbons-Neff.  Peter has been sailing in offshore races all his life and as it became difficult to sail in large teams because of Covid, he decided to give single handed sailing a try. Take a listen!

In 1906, a small fleet of vessels left New York City on their way to Bermuda to prove to the world that an open ocean race in a yacht under 80' could be run safely. Over a century later, a much larger fleet is set to sail toward the start line at the mouth of Narragansett Bay in the 52nd of the Bermuda Race.  It stands as one of the most iconic blue water races and we are excited to be talking with this year's Race Director Somers Kemp, about what to look forward to in this year's Thrash to the Onion Patch.   

Shortly after the Revolutionary War, it was apparent that the United States needed a new Navy to protect its interests overseas. The USS Constitution along with five other warships were built and immediately sailed into battle. After 225 years of service, it's amazing that she can still be making history. This January, CDR Billie Farrell became the first female to take command of the Constitution and we are honored to sit down with her to talk about “Old Ironsides” and the roll she plays in today's Navy. 

When the world came to a screeching halt in 2020, The Clipper Race fleet pulled into Subic Bay and the race was put on hold after sailing only half the journey. Just over two years later, the teams are back in the Philippines to finish the lap. In this episode we are honored to be talking with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (yes, that Sir Robin) who is among many things the brainchild behind The Clipper Race and Mark Light, who completed his own lap back in the 2012 Clipper Race and is now the race's director. Take a listen!

When Dustin Reynolds, also known as The Single-Handed Sailor, pulled into his home port on the Big Island of Hawaii last December, he became the newest member one of the most exclusive maritime clubs, sailing alone around the world. With a membership around 300 sailors, this achievement is made even more remarkable considering that he is a double amputee: the result of a horrific motorcycle accident in 2008. Dustin's endeavor is an incredible example of resilience, perseverance, and adaptation. Take a listen!

Chantale Begin fell in love with the ocean as a teenager on a submersible 800ft below the St. Lawrence Estuary and this passion led her far and wide researching as a marine biologist. No stranger to adventure, she has sailed the world as a teacher for Seamerster and then with her family. With this background, it's no surprise that she jumped at the chance when asked to row the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. Team Salty Science is four marine biologists and they are rowing across the ocean for the oceans.

Situated on Puget Sound and only 42 miles from Mt. Rainier, Tacoma, Washington is a beautiful city. But decades of industrial abuse at the turn of the century turned the pristine waters into an EPA Superfund Site. This episode's guest is Dean Burke. Dean is the head of Travel Tacoma and has chronicled the healing of the region's waterways over the past two decades through his stunning photography. An avid waterman, he further promotes the region with the Seventy48, a human-powered mad dash from Tacoma to Port Townsend. Listen in!

Elizabeth Beisel achieved athletic notoriety at age of 15 when she became the youngest member of the US Olympic Team in Beijing. She earned two medals in London and served as the swim team's captain in Rio, but in 2020, when her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Elizabeth decided to do something no woman has done before.  In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth about her Block Cancer Swim, which takes her from Rhode Island's mainland, to sleepy Block Island, 10 miles offshore. Her efforts raised over $160k for cancer research in her father's memory. Take a listen!

Wooden boats have long been a Siren song for many, drawing them in with irrational decisions, only to have their dreams dashed on the rocks. When Emmy award-winning actor, Matthew Rhys, purchased one of the few remaining Hemingway boats, he found himself in dire straits and needing help. Thankfully, he reached out to our guest, Capt. Kelli Farwell, who worked along alongside Matthew to complete her restoration, and stayed on to be the captain of one of the most unique New York Harbor charters, Moveable Feast. Listen in!

Since 2003, the Thomas Clagett Jr. Regatta has hosted many of the best sailors in international competition. To make it even more special, these sailors have had to overcome challenges that few others have had to face. The mission behind this regatta is to provide athletes with disabilities a platform to complete against other adaptive sailors, and provide an opportunity to learn from the best. Carter and Tyler are joined by Judy McLennan, the regatta's President, to talk about how they are expanding the sport of adaptive sailing.

Sailing solo around the globe is an exclusive club to be a part of; more people have climbed Everest or traveled into space than completed a lap alone. During the 2018 Golden Globe Race as the fleet was deep into the Southern Ocean, a fast-moving storm wreaked havoc on the competitors, including our guest CDR Abhilash Tomy. A knockdown and dismasting left him injured, immobilized and adrift for three days.  We talk with CDR Tomy about his experience and why he is planning to do it all over again.  Take a listen!

Newport Harbor is a busy place in the summer with fleets of boats ranging from modern go fasters to classic wooden hulls racing around the buoys every afternoon. The Gamecock Sailing team is unique because they can be found racing in not one but all those fleets. Gamecock Sailing, named after the fleets' flagship a 96-year-old Herreshoff R Boat, was founded by Peter McClennen to teach teamwork and sportsmanship to a new generation of sailors and he joins us to talk about his lifelong passion for the sport.

In 1940 John Steinbeck was at the top of literary world, but fame came with a backlash. His depiction of migrant workers in 'The Grapes of Wrath' labeled him as a communist, and protests were held to burn his books. Wanting to escape, Steinbeck chartered a fishing vessel named Western Flyer for an expedition to Mexico; a trip recounted in his book, 'The Sea of Cortez'.  Seventy-five years later, after a long fishing career, Western Flyer was found rotting away. This episode is about a complete restoration that will soon return her to Mexican waters. Listen in!

Living on the North Fork of Long Island, Trent Preszler is a long way from his upbringing on a ranch in South Dakota. The CEO of a local vineyard, Trent never had the time or inclination to be a craftsman until his father’s toolbox was passed down to him. Inspired to build a canoe, what follows next is a soul-searching odyssey that includes coming to grips with his past, learning how to build a boat, and opening up Preszler Woodshop. Trent has written his memoir, “Little & Often” and he joins us to talk about this journey. Listen in!

It was a lot a late nights watching Emirates Team New Zealand defend the Auld Mug by defeating Luna Rossa on their home waters of the Hauraki Gulf in the 36th America’s Cup, and Tucker Thompson stayed up to watch it all. Tucker is back with us to recap all of the action–from the quick evolution of the AC75 during their time in Auckland, to the match racing clinic put on by both teams during the finals. We also look ahead and discuss what to expect when Team New Zealand welcomes back the world’s best sailors for the 37th Cup. Listen in!

Submarines are the silent counterweight in the balance of power. With nuclear weapons and classified materials on board, their secrets would be devastating to a country’s national security if they were ever lost.  So, in 1968 when a soviet sub disappeared in the Pacific, the CIA recognized the opportunity for an unprecedented intelligence grab. Josh Dean is the author of “The Taking of K-129”, the most comprehensive account of the CIA’s covert mission to raise the K-129. Josh joins us in this episode talk about one hell of a sea story. Listen in!

Edson Marine made their name by developing the first diaphragm pump used to keep the bilges of commercial fishing fleet dry in 1859. Since then, innovation has been their hallmark, and today they provide hardware that can be found everywhere on a boat-- from stem to stern, and top of the mast, to the bottom of the keel.  In this episode, we talk with Edson’s CEO, Adam Cove, about his extensive sailing background and what it is like taking the helm of a 162-year-old company.  Listen in!

11th Hour Racing promotes healthy oceans by providing financial grants worldwide, but it’s one thing to talk the talk and another walk the walk. They are also taking a lead by sponsoring world class programs and demonstrating to other teams how to responsibly run a competitive team. 11th Hour’s Managing Director Todd McGuire joins us in this episode to talk about the new IMOCA 60, The Ocean Race, and responsible boatbuilding.  Listen in!

For too long, our oceans have been used as a trashcan, and it has become too common to see videos of yachts sailing past large clumps of trash in the open ocean. 11th Hour Racing was founded by a group of sailors who are on a mission to team up with the sailing community, the marine industry, and the biggest names in the sport to promote healthy ocean practices. Michelle Carnevale is the director of 11th Hour’s grant program, and she joins us to talk about the organizations that are leading the charge to cleaner seas.  Listen in!

This summer, when COVID-19 restrictions prevented crewed ships from conducting the yearly Alaskan Pollock survey in the Bering Sea, NOAA called on an unmanned surface vessel from Saildrone to gather data on the population. With long on station times, zero emissions, and specialized onboard sensors, Saildrone is revolutionizing the way we gather data about the world’s oceans.  In this episode, Carter and Tyler talk with Saildrone’s COO, Sebastien De Halleux, about how saildrones fit into this increasingly autonomous world. Listen in!

From the America’s Cup, countless World Championships, and The Ocean Race, the world’s best sailors have shoved off from the docks here in Newport. When the National Sailing Hall of Fame announced that they were looking for a new home, it only made sense that this history would play a role in Newport’s selection. Construction is underway at the historic Armory Building in the 'City by the Sea', but there is much to complete before the new museum opens its doors. Carter and Tyler sit down with The Sailing Museum’s Executive Director, Heather Ruhsam, to learn about the history of this 19th Century building and what's up for the Spring of ‘22. Listen in!

Chris Fischer loves fish sandwiches, but he knows that without sharks there are no fish sandwiches. In 2007, Chris founded the shark research group OCEARCH, a progressive organization that has changed the way data is gathered by teaming up the world’s best fisherman with leading marine scientists on one ship and making their findings open to the public. Gathering more information in one trip than most scientist gather in a lifetime, Chris is ensuring his grandkids will enjoy fish sandwiches as well. Take a listen!

“Lead an interesting life”.  This was the advice that a young Carol Newman Cronin, hopeful author and sailor, was given when she asked about increasing her odds on achieving her dream of becoming published.  Since asking that question, she has given herself plenty to write about.  Carol has competed at the highest levels of sailing: representing the country in the Athens Olympic Games, ’04 Yngling Worlds and taking home the trophy in the ’18 Snipe Women’s Worlds and she has channeled all of her on the water experiences into her writing.  This summer her forth book, Ferry to Cooperation Island was released. In this episode, we sit down with Carol to talk about her Olympic experiences, small town dynamics, and the challenges of releasing a book during a world-wide pandemic.  Take a listen!

The Race to Alaska! A 750-mile Cannonball Run from Port Townsend, WA, up the Inside Passage of the Canadian Coast to Ketchikan, AK has been called the “Iditarod on a Boat”, and the only rule is there are no engines allowed.  COVID has pushed the start of the 2020 race back until 2021 but that does not mean you have to quit R2AK cold turkey: Race to Alaska – The Movie will be coming to the small screen soon.  Tyler and Carter talk with the movie’s director, Zach Carver, about compiling thousands of hours of on-course video into a feature length documentary, and how you can contribute to their Kickstarter campaign.  Cool stuff. Listen in!

From the first race around the Isle of Wight in 1851, the America’s Cup has been about pushing the envelope of sailing but few people could have predicted that the sport would evolve to where we are today: a 75 foot 50+ knot foiling monohull.  With all these new advancements, it is helpful to have someone there who can educate you on the history of the oldest trophy in international sport but also can go into the tactics of a light air tacking duel.  Tucker Thompson has being doing that ever since he was a member of the ground breaking America True campaign in the 2000 Cup and recently he has been on a nationwide and virtual tour talking to sailing fans about an America’s Cup unlike anyone has seen before.  Take a listen!

Sara Hastreiter was born and raised landlocked in Wyoming and did not get into sailing until well into her 20’s, but she did not let that slow her down.  Working on boats in the Caribbean, she took every opportunity to get sea time; from island hopping to trans-Atlantic races, it did not matter, she signed up.  With only a few years of sailing under her belt, she was asked to be a member of the all-female Team SCA that sailed around the world as a part of the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race, but even that challenge was not enough.  Sara has now set her sights on becoming the first woman to sail the seven seas and climb the highest peaks on all seven continents.  Take a listen as we talk with Sara about her sailing experiences, her climb up Denali, and what’s in store next.

Today, we take trans-Atlantic flight for granted; jump on a plane in the early evening on the East Coast and arrive in London, Paris, or Amsterdam by sunrise.  But shortly after the Wright Brothers flew in Kitty Hawk in 1903, sights were set to reach Europe by air, and as the world was mired in World War I, this achievement became even more vital to the success of the Allies. The Navy tasked the Curtis Aircraft Company to accomplish this feat, and with help from the boat builders of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and Lawley & Son, a revolutionary design of a flying boat was delivered -- The NC, or the “Flying Nancies”.  In this episode we talk with retired Marine Corps pilot and small boat builder, Kent Lewis, about the merger between these great companies and their groundbreaking achievements. Listen in!

Sperry Sails is a family run business that has been providing boaters with the highest quality, hand crafted sails and other canvas products for over 40 years.  Throughout their history, adapting has been one of their keys to success.  Starting with Dacron sails, a staple for the traditional wooden boat fleet, the sail makers in the loft now use computers to design and cut carbon fiber sails for the modern, off-shore racing fleet.  As the world copes with COVID-19, Sperry Sails again adapts and has started making masks for those on the front lines. In this episode we talk with Sperry Sails President, Ben Sperry, about the decision to transition his loft in the busiest season to help out those in need. Listen in!

The Oliver Hazard Perry is the first fully rigged ocean going vessel to be built in the United States in over one hundred years and she flies the Rhode Island flag proudly as the state’s official tall ship.  The Oliver Hazard Perry also is the largest civilian sailing school in the country and we are joined in studio with their new Captain and CEO, Jonathan Kabak.  Coming onboard with a ton of underway experience, Jonathan is eager to pass on his love of being out at sea with ship’s trainees and help build individuals, both personally and professionally, through the ship’s innovative onboard programs.  Take a listen!

For most of us in the Northeast, sailing is not a year-round sport. But that is not the case with Newport’s own James “T” Theiler. T is one of the many sailors of the New England Ice Yacht Association who trade in their shorts and flip flops for long underwear and a helmet when the temps dip below freezing. This, they say, is “hard water” sailing.  Fresh off of winning the North American Ice Boating Championships and competing in Worlds over in Europe, T joins us in the studio to talk about the thrill of ice boating and why he doesn't bat an eye about driving for 36 hours to find the perfect frozen lake. Listen in! Photo Credit: Sean Heavy

For the past fifty years, fiberglass boats have been considered the cheap and minimal maintenance way to own a boat, but with an estimated 120,0000 glass hulls being decommissioned each year, either destroyed by storms or dumped in landfills, we are starting to realize just how long lasting they are.  Part 2 of this episode continues our conversation with Evan Ridley of the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) and his task of finding a solution to this growing problem. Listen in!

Part 1 of 2 For the past fifty years, fiberglass boats have been considered the cheap and minimal maintenance way to own a boat, but with an estimated 120,0000 glass hulls being decommissioned each year, either destroyed by storms or dumped in landfills, we are starting to realize just how long lasting they are.  This episode's guest, Evan Ridley, is the Director of Environmental Programs at the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), and he has been tasked with finding a solution to this growing problem. Thanks to grants provided by BoatUS and Newport’s 11th Hour Racing, RIMTA has spearheaded a groundbreaking fiberglass recycling program. We are excited to welcome Evan to the East Passage Boatwright studio to find out more about the process and how it will impact the future. 

By all accounts, Natasha Lambert is an amazing sailor.  By her early 20’s she had  already sailed across the English Channel and most of the British Isles.  What makes her accomplishments even more remarkable is that Natasha was born with the neurological disorder Cerebral Palsy but she is not letting this slow her down.   Never shying away from a challenge, Natasha has set her goals way over the horizon and is planning on sailing across the Atlantic next winter.  In this episode we talk with Natasha’s mother, Amanda about her remarkable daughter and how her sailing has developed from controlling model sailboats to a modern catamaran.  Take a listen!

Matt and Tami Mullins have traveled the world during a 20 year career in the US Navy. When they finally landed in Newport, RI, they were surprised to learn that in the Ocean State, there was no locally produced sea salt to help bring out the flavors of freshly caught fish, garden vegetables, or even a chocolate chip cookie! This is their story. Listen in!

When Henry Hudson sailed into New York Harbor in 1609, he saw one of the most vibrant and diverse ecosystems the world had ever seen, but as the population of the city grew, all of the oyster reefs were consumed and widespread pollution turned the harbor into a dead zone, unable to support any forms of life.  This began to turn around in the 70’s with the passing of the Clean Water Act but there is a lot of damage to be undone.  The Billion Oyster Project is looking to clean the harbor by repopulating the once vast oyster reefs that not only filtered pollutants out of the water but provided a habitat for fish and other forms of wildlife to call home.  In this episode we talk with the Billion Oyster Project’s Executive Director, Pete Malinowski, about the health of New York Harbor and how the oyster will help rebuild the ecosystem.  We also catch up with Ep.14 guest, Danielle Doggett from Sail Cargo at the WoodenBoat Show in Mystic to get an update on their progress in the Jungle Shipyard. Listen in!   

Tracy Edwards was the 27-year old ambitious sailor who skippered Maiden, the first all-female crew to race in the 89-90 Whitbread Around the World Race.  This spring, the critically acclaimed documentary Maiden was released worldwide, and it recounts the struggles and obstacles that Tracy and the rest of the crew faced leading up to, and during, the sailing’s toughest test.  The film was directed by Alex Holmes and features stunning archival footage taken onboard during their grueling 32,000nm journey around the world.  Maiden placed third in their division, still the best finish by a British boat in the history of the race and earned two stage wins.  Nearly three decades after her first groundbreaking voyage, the yacht is again traveling around the world as a part of the Maiden Factor, a program that promotes education for young girls and gives aspiring female sailors a chance to get some open ocean experience.   In this episode, we are excited to be joined by Tracy Edwards, listen in!  This episode is sponsored by: Latitude Yacht Brokerage

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters have the seemingly crazy task of flying directly into one of the most destructive forces known to man.  From June to November, these brave pilots are busy flying researchers, scientist and meteorologist into the Atlantic to gather crucial data that will help forecast, track and warn those in harms way.  For Episode 33, we talk with NOAA pilot, LT Kevin Doremus, fresh off of flying into the Cat. 5 hurricane Dorian, about what it is like to punch through the eye wall. Plus, we ask him about the worst weather he has flown through. Believe it or not, it wasn't a hurricane. Listen in!

Since Tabor Academy moved to the head of Sippican Harbor in Marion MA, the school has empowered students to develop their leadership skills onboard their sailing yacht Tabor Boy.  The current Tabor Boy, (TBIII) a 1914 North Sea Pilot Schooner, has been under the command of Capt. James Geil since 1987, and for the past three decades he has introduced the joys and responsibilities of being out at sea to countless students.  From orientation cruises for incoming freshmen and racing in this year’s Marion-to-Bermuda Race, to a once-in-a-lifetime passage through the Panama Canal, Tabor Boy has proven that some of the most important lessons are taught outside of the classroom walls.  Listen in! This episode is sponsored by: Arey’s Pond Boatyard

Tyler and Carter welcome Woody Metzger of First Light Boatworks back into the EPB Studio talk about the latest modification of their award-winning 26’ Monomoy, the Pocasset.  The crew at First Light completed the build and launched the hull in mid-October, and instead of transporting her to the owner in Florida the traditional way, over the road with a truck and trailer, Woody decided to make the cannonball run from Chatham to Marco Island on her own bottom!  Ten days and nearly 2000 NM!  Listen in!

The Talisker Atlantic Challenge (https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/) is a 3000 NM ocean rowing race from The Canary Islands to Antigua and it has been called the “World’s Toughest Row”. Building on their successful finish last year, a new all-veteran Fight Oar Die team will be casting off on December 12th with thirty-four other crews.  Skippered by former Submariner Carl Christensen, this year’s team will help raise money and awareness to problems that face our men and women in uniform as they transition back into civilian life.  We got the chance to catch up with Carl to talk about this year’s team, how to follow the race and most importantly donate towards the cause.  Take a listen and be sure to visit usvetrow.org to learn more the 2019 Fight Oar Die team.

Last winter, Tyler headed up to New Hampshire on assignment to photograph Med Chandler, owner of Ship’s Coy Forge for an upcoming article in WoodenBoat Magazine about blacksmithing traditional caulking irons.  Med was introduced to blacksmithing as a 7th grader and spent his early adulthood working on traditional wooden schooners and honing his skills reproducing period authentic iron hardware.  In 2010, he decided to open up his own forge and he now sends traditional shipbuilding and timber framing tools all over the world.  Take a listen as we talk with Med about the importance of making and using heirloom quality tools.    This episode is sponsored by: Arey's Pond Boatyard

Perry Raso grew up digging for little neck clams in Point Judith pond. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, he opened up the Matunuck Oyster Farm, a small one-acre oyster farm in South Kingston, RI.  The farm quickly grew and then in 2009, Perry became a restaurateur as well, renovating a small dilapidated clam shack at the entrance of the Pond into the critically acclaimed Matunuck Oyster Bar.  Today, the restaurant is packed to the gills! They have opened a new oyster hatchery, and you can purchase the small and sweet Matunuck Oyster far outside of New England. Take a listen as we talk with Perry about aquaculture, starting a “Pond to Plate” restaurant, and what makes a good oyster. 

For many, the 12 Metres have been synonymous with the America’s Cup, but the class goes way deeper than that. Designed in the early 1900s, it was first sailed as a cruiser/racer, but that changed when the New York Yacht Club picked it as the next class to defend for the Cup.  From 1956 to 1983, the best of the best in the sailing world came to Newport to compete in the waters of Rhode Island Sound, and this summer they are back!  The 12 Metre World Championships will be held from July 9th-July 13th, and in this episode we talk with Peter Gerard, who has the daunting task of organizing the event. Tune in to learn about the history of the class, who is going to be here, and how everyone can get an up-close view of these amazing legends. Don't miss this one!

The S-Boat is one of Nat. Herreshoff’s most iconic designs, and this year, it turns 100! In this episode, we talk with Alan Silken who just finished writing Setting Sail in America, a comprehensive history of the class that includes the origins of the design, and the many fleets here in New England, and even on the other side of the world in Hawaii. (Yes, I said Hawaii!)  Then we bring in the Commodore of the Narragansett Bay S-Boat Fleet, Fred Roy, to talk about all the events surrounding the celebrations in Newport, Rhode Island. We are also joined by Ep. 15 guest, and our “Herreshoff Expert”, Evelyn Ansel, for expertise on the subject, as well as to catch up on what she has been up to since she was last on our show. This is an episode 100 years in the making... Listen in!Photo: Tyler Fields Photography

The David B was built in 1929 and served as a towing vessel for the fishing companies off the coast of Alaska, after being decommissioned in the 1950s she went the route of many wooden boats of that era and was beached and left to rot.  Thankfully, Jeffery and Christine Smith came across her and in 1998 they decided to undertake a full restoration that would get her back on the water.  Jeffery and Christine now run the David B as a small-scale, personalized “cruise ship", running tours up and down the Alaskan coast, going places that the massive cruise ships can’t access, and offering once-in a-lifetime opportunities to get up close to nature and truly experience the Alaskan wilderness.  We caught up with the David B in Ketchikan, and in this episode we talk with Jeffery and Christine about the boat, the restoration, and why there is no better way to experience Alaska. LISTEN IN!

The Race to Alaska is a 750 mile sprint up the Inside Passage from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan AK, and the only rules are that your boat can’t have an engine and there can be no outside organized support. Sounds simple right? Wrong! This is a race for the mad! Self-described as the Iditarod on a boat; competitors face the chance of drowning, dodging freighters, being eaten by Grizzly Bears, insane squalls and 20-knot tidal currents, all while being surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery. First place takes home 10K, second place…..a set of “mid-grade steak knives.”  No joke!  In this episode we talk with R2AK Race Boss, Daniel Evans, who thinks this race is so crazy, not even he would recommend anyone to do it.  Listen in! This episode is sponsored in part by:

6:00 – Doors Open 7:00 – Brad Read leads a discussion with returning crew members 7:30 – Movie Around the Buoy is excited to announce our second movie night!  On April 16th at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport, RI, we will be screening the 2008 documentary Morning Light! The film chronicles 15 young sailors as they train and compete in the 2007 Transpac race from Los Angles to Honolulu.  Among the Morning Light crew are a handful of local Rhode Islander sailors who have grown to become some of the biggest names in the sport!  Save the date and stay tuned to Around the Buoy for more details!

Sail Newport has been Rhode Island’s public sailing center since its inception in 1983 and it has attracted sailors as young and inexperienced as the kids in their summer Guppy Program to the biggest names in the sport with the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race stopover.  Brad Read is the executive director of Sail Newport and he has been instrumental in bringing high profile events like The Ocean Race to Narragansett Bay and by partnering up with American Magic, hopefully returning The Cup to her home. With all those career accolades, it is clear that the program that he is most proud of is the Pell School Sailing Program that gives all Newport Public School 4th graders the opportunity to get out on the water, learn how to sail, take care of our oceans and become better people.  In other news, we also discuss some exciting details about the ATB Morning Light movie night, April 16th at Jane Pickens Theater. Listen in! Thanks to our sponsor: Latitude Yacht Brokers, a Certified Professionally Endorsed Yacht Brokerage (CPYB) firm located in historic Newport, Rhode Island.

Fight Oar Die with Bryant Knight Getting out of the military is tough enough but with an estimated 1/3 of all deployed soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from the invisible wounds of war like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, this transition becomes nearly impossible. Bryant Knight, a retired Army Major and combat veteran, wanted to do something to help out. He is the president the ocean rowing team Fight Oar Die and along with three other Army combat vets; Alex Evans, Beau Maier and Chris Kuntz, they tackled the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. This 3000 NM race from the Canary Islands to Antigua tests the most seasoned mariners and it gave them the perfect opportunity to bring some awareness to this very serious problem. Listen in! Many thanks to our sponsor, First Light Boatworks  

When Newport Harbor empties out in the winter, a group of intrepid dinghy sailors takes the opportunity to hit the water.  Every Sunday from October to April, the members of Laser Fleet 413 gather on the beach at Sail Newport to launch their boats for some around the buoys racing.  Some call them nuts or crazy and how could you blame them, but as fleet co-captain, Scott Pakenham will tell you, there is no better time to sail in Newport.  Take a listen as we talk with Scott about what it is like to chip the ice of the lines, all in the name of some great racing. Photo Credit: Joe Berkeley