In this episode, we hear about a rather different kind of Christmas story from which we in the Northern Hemisphere are used to. Aussie Joe Cooper, who’s been on this podcast before, shares his version of a Christmas tale he grew up with during the 1960’s in Australia. It’s a story of Santa & the Reindeer, a bit of navigation, seafaring references, a rescue and some proper outback exploration. As always, this is a family friendly episode and may be of particular enjoyment for the young ones in your family.

After an extended break, this podcast is back on track with some new episodes early in the new year. Thanks for following. - Chris

My guest for this episode is no stranger to the podcast. Photographer Matthew Cohen has been on before and he’s back this time to report about a unique project he conceived, researched and executed with stunning results.

Most people only ever look at a lighthouse from the outside. Sure, some may take a rare tour or visit where they get a glimpse of the inner workings, but how many get to see it from the inside looking out - after dark?

The project not only added to Matthew’s already expansive portfolio, it appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Point’s East Magazine as a feature titled: “Lighthouses after dark”.  See the link below so you can find that article online.

Matt gives us some insight as to all the planning and logistics that go into receiving permission for, and gaining access to lighthouses for this special project. He also talks about the unique challenges each lighthouse presents including access, risk, and capturing the images.

To view images and read about this special project, visit:

https://www.pointseast.com/points-east-archives-2024/. Open the Spring 2024 issue and flip to page 24.

Direct link to Matt’s website.

https://cohenphotography.com

Photo used in podcast cover, by permission, courtesy of Matthew Cohen Photography

Original podcast music composed for us by Nela Ruiz

https://www.nelaruizcomposer.com

Christina is the Senior Vice President of Mystic Seaport Museum.  Christina shares with us here earliest sailing experiences growing up sailing on Geronimo which belonged to the St. Georges School in Rhode Island.  The Geronimo program was one her father developed and those early adventures set Christina up for an educational and life path on and around the water. Prior to her current position, Christina was the director of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and along with her PhD and growing up as a live aboard, she has a wealth of knowledge of the marine environment.

She tells us about the many educational programs and exhibitions available at the Mystic Seaport Museum which involve everything from the preservation of historic vessels to Blue Tech, youth involvement and industry. We also talk a bit about windmills and whales, electric propulsion and when art meets science.

Christina also gives us some insight as to the ecology of the Mystic River and how it’s changed over time.

The Mystic Seaport facility encompasses 40 acres  - 20 of which are open to the public - 130 buildings, a waterfront, and some 500 boats. Many boats travel there for maintenance or repairs by their skilled workforce.

Near the end of our talk, we’re joined by Sarah Cahill. Sarah is the director of the education program and we talked a bit about an upcoming surf exhibit.

It’s a fascinating talk and if you would like to learn more about Mystic Seaport Museum membership and ticket options, visit mysticseaport.org

Original podcast music composed for us by Nela Ruiz

https://www.nelaruizcomposer.com

Meet Matthew Cohen, professional marine photographer, racing sailor, seasoned offshore sailor and sometimes glider pilot.

In our conversation, Matt walks us through his early sailing experiences and his introduction to photography which began with a course at school that quickly became his chosen career path.

Matt describes some early opportunities he had, such as working for Onne Van der Wal, as well as his own displays at art shows and festivals.

In our talk we share our mutual love of helicopters and discuss the value they still offer for marine photographers. Matt also surprises me with the fact he’s a Glider / Sailplane pilot in training and we go off on a brief aviation tangent.

Matt has a robust stock photo collection and has commissioned works at offices in NYC. His ambition brought him to organize a very memorable few nights staying, and shooting photos in the remote Sakonnett Lighthouse.

Matt beautifully weaves his work history with his sailing history, and lets us in on his approach to the delicate blend of art, business, and creativity.

To learn more about Matt, check out his web page at: www.cohenphotography.com   From there you can also link to his social media sites and like and follow.

Photo copyright Matthew Cohen Photographyhttps://cohenphotography.com/

Original music for podcast composed by Nela Ruizhttps://www.nelaruizcomposer.com/

Kim Kavin began her journalism career at a newspaper nearly 25 years ago. While many local newspapers have either been bought out, consolidated or shut-down, Kim Kavin made a move to yachting journalism before many of those changes began to proliferate. Her initial move to yachting was well, to Yachting Magazine.

Kim walks us through those early days, explaining how she wound up at Yachting and the many other publications with which she’s played a major role. Those other publications include: Soundings, Passagemaker, Cruising World, Soundings Trade Only, Yachts International, and Boatsetter. Part of that discussion includes how she successfully navigated a world occupied predominately by men.

Kim introduces me to the practice of “enthusiast oriented journalism”. Unlike in the world of Woodward & Bernstein, the approach to covering a story about a yacht or charter is a different, yet valued pursuit. There exists a delicate dance between the yachting businesses and the journalists that cover them. She also walks us through some of the structural changes that have taken place at magazines, and how she now works as a freelance journalist and writer.

Beyond Kim’s work in the world of yachting journalism, she also has a love and passion for dogs that runs deep.  That passion runs so deep, her curiosity about the history of her adopted dog led her on a personal journey to discover the origin of her beloved pet. This was documented in her book, Little Boy Blue, released in 2012. CNN did a story on the book that ultimately resulted in a kill shelter being closed down.

Most of our talk is about boats, yachts and the behind the scenes of yachting journalism. The last 10 minutes or so are about our mutual love of dogs and her work in that field.

You can learn more about Kim, her writing history, accolades and links to her writings and advocacy for freelancers at her web site: http://www.kimkavin.com/

And next time you pick up a copy of Yachting, be sure to look for her name and you’ll be able to put a voice to the words.

Dave Lussier is our guest for this episode. Dave is one of the founding members of the organization Better Bay Alliance. Dave walks us through how it came to be, what they’ve done so far, and their ambitions plans for the future.

Here’s the mission statement from their website:

“The Better Bay Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the boating experience on Rhode Island waters by identifying, communicating, and promoting safety, accessibility, and cooperation while sharing our wonderful natural resources. Through collaboration with governmental, commercial, and private stakeholders, the Better Bay Alliance strives to be a resource for all who wish to enjoy the Rhode Island waters.”

Learn more and follow them at: https://betterbayalliance.org/

I’m joined by Capt. Eric Pfirrmann from Save the Bay, and Ted Romanosky, owner of the 1940 classic wooden schooner ‘Good Fortune’. It's our seasonal laid-back gathering over beer and provisions.We recap our collective summer experiences and observations in an informal setting with an even less formal outcome. Occasionally, one of us expresses an opinion or two.

We cover everything from the annual Save The Bay Swim, to wood boat repair, boating safety, lighthouse history, and even some personal thoughts on must-have galley equipment and our favorite meals to have aboard.

Happy holidays to all, I’ll be back in the new year with some interesting and engaging conversations with people working behind the scenes, and those making a difference in the maritime community.

The Schurmann family set sail in 1984 and became the first Brazilian family to circumnavigate the world. The design and build of Kat is the culmination of that initial voyage and others on previous boats the family has owned.

Our talk begins with a tour of the boat and Wilhelm highlighting many of the unique design features. Kat serves as a floating platform for Voice Of The Oceans. Voice Of The Oceans is part of the Schurmann Family initiative in partnership with the UN. The goal is to document and highlight the problem with plastics in the oceans – particularly single-use plastics – and work to find alternative solutions at the source. They host scientists and researchers aboard on segments of their voyages.

Kat was designed and built to have the least amount of impact on the environment as she travels. As we learn through our tour of the boat, Wilhelm points out their onboard trash compactor, glass crusher, and a marine sanitation system that rivals and sometimes outperforms municipal systems. 

After the tour, Wilhelm and I sat down at the main salon table and talked about the history of the family’s sailing adventures on previous boats and the mission of Voice Of The Oceans.

We also get to hear a bit of Wilhelm’s background. When I first met him aboard at the Newport International Boat Show, I assumed he had an engineering background as he explained all the systems and what went into their development. Turns out he’s not an engineer by trade, but a professional athlete – a 5-time Brazilian Overall Champion in windsurfing! But one thing is for certain – he knows every aspect of all the systems inside and out.

While they were in Newport for the boat show, they also participated in a beach clean-up with Clean Ocean Access. They’ve since left Newport and I believe are now in Bermuda. 

You can learn more about Kat, the crew, their mission and follow along at: voiceoftheoceans.com

Custom music for podcast composed by: nelaruizcomposer.com

In this episode we get to know Ian Ridgeway. Ian, along with Casey Blum are co-founders of the FUEL Program. FUEL stands for: Foundation for Underway Experiential Learning.

The topsail schooner Shenandoah is at the center of the FUEL program. Shenandoah was conceived, designed and built by Captain Robert Douglas and she has a long history of providing memorable sailing experiences for thousands of people. 

Lead by Ian, Casey, and team which includes captains, crew members and voyage guides, Shenandoah now operates as a non-profit educational sailing vessel.

Ian has a degree in Environmental Studies and a US Coast Guard 500 ton ocean master's license. 

For more information, you can visit 

https://www.fuelprogram.org/

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