Community

Grants fund local projects addressing ocean challenges and building scalable solutions NEWPORT, Rhode Island, U.S. — 11th Hour Racing announced $4.4 million in grants awarded to organizations addressing urgent ocean challenges and the opening of its 2025 grant application. The funding supports 11 new grantees and 36 renewed grants, with a strong focus in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, alongside projects across the U.S. and internationally. These grants are critical to building a sustainable future, protecting our ocean, empowering communities, and promoting…

Extraordinary high-latitude cruising voyages are a common thread among recipients of the Cruising Club of America’s annual awards (New York, January 7, 2025)—The announcement by the Cruising Club of America (CCA) of the 2024 Blue Water Medal winner Leiv Poncet and five other award winners for their adventurous use of the seas highlights several exceptional records of achievement. These sailors have completed circumnavigations and other rigorous bluewater passages, provided technical and design innovation for other sailors, and…

1.      Tell us about Flagship Yacht Sales I started Flagship in 2023 after sixteen years selling boats at a larger firm. It was time for a change and I was ready for the challenge of starting my own business. We are based in Mamaroneck, New York, at Nichols Yacht Yard, right at the center of the vibrant sailing scene on western Long Island Sound. 2.      How did you get your start in the business? In the mid-2000s…

In a recent edition of Chris Heaton’s excellent “Standing Before The Mast” podcast, our intrepid Contributing Editor shares a short story about six white kangaroos who saved Christmas (inspired by the song “Six White Boomers” by Rolf Harris). Coop’s a wonderful storyteller, and on this Boxing Day we encourage you, dear reader, to share this yarn with your mates and nippers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/standing-before-the-mast/id1360914857 Standing Before The Mast is a podcast featuring conversations with people in the boating and…

“Knowledge – Skills – Fun” while Celebrating NWSA’s 35th Anniversary The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) is expanding their 2025 National Women’s Sailing Association Conference Presented by American Sailing to three days June 6 – 8 at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. The event welcomes women sailors of all skill levels, ages and backgrounds to workshops including the popular Take the Helm® track — an introduction to sailing for women, plus a view into the marine industry and opportunities to…

Program seeks new locations that lends infant, child and young-adult sized life jackets to the public at no cost. ANNAPOLIS, Md., October 22, 2024 – Marinas, waterfront restaurants, businesses, boat clubs and first responder organizations wishing to have an impact on boating safety in their home waters can apply now to become a BoatUS Foundation Kid’s Life Jacket Loaner program site. Supported by BoatUS member donations, the program offers a simple way to help children and young adults get the right-sized life…

THANK YOU On Saturday, Sptember 21, the 13th Annual Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic & Beach Cleanup, hosted by our friends at New England Science & Sailing, brought together an energetic community despite the chilly weather. With 31 surfers riding some fantastic waves at Westerly Town Beach in Westerly, RI, the event was an exciting showcase of youth surfing talent. After the competition, the event concluded with a beach cleanup, supported by Save the Bay, NAMEPA…

11th Hour Racing returns as the Environmental Awareness Sponsor of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals for the third consecutive year, continuing its longstanding support for sustainability initiatives at these landmark events in Newport, R.I. Initiatives supported by 11th Hour Racing The Newport Festivals Foundation plans to collaborate with Sound Future to measure and offset emissions through a regenerative kelp program, tracking carbon offsets in Rhode Island. This initiative will support local kelp farms through GreenWave. Composting and Waste…

New York Yacht Club American Magic and New England Science & Sailing (NESS) are delighted to unveil their newly released “Sail Locker” of experiential activities and resources to bring the technology behind American Magic into the classroom. The digital “Sail Locker” includes a comprehensive suite of K-8 activities and content, utilizing American Magic’s campaign as a dynamic learning platform to advance students’ academic achievements and enrich social-emotional development. These resources are tailored for schools and community sailing…

Thank you to all of our contributors, advertisers and loyal fans from the WindCheck Community. Happy Holidays from our crew to yours, and here’s to hitting all of the shifts in the new year.