The Chesapeake Bay Media family has produced some of the best writing in the boating industry once again this year, as decided by Boating Writers International’s (BWI) panel of judges.
The 2019 BWI Writing Awards were presented at the start of last weekend’s 2020 Miami International Boat Show. BWI recognizes boating and fishing journalists, photographers and videographers in 15 contest categories.
In the Environmental Awareness & Education category, Chesapeake Bay Magazine Editor-at-Large Wendy Mitman Clarke got second place for “The Plight of Whales,” a feature following researchers trying to find the cause of humpback whales dying in the lower Chesapeake. Contributing writer Marty LeGrand received a Merit Award in the same category for “Return of the Bay Scallop.”
In the Boating Profiles category, Chesapeake Bay Magazine contributing writer Rafael Alvarez received a Merit Award for his piece “The Oldest Tugboat Man in Baltimore,” telling the story of a 97-year-old former tugboat worker, still living not far from the port.
Mitman Clarke also gained recognition for her work outside the Bay with a first place win in the Boating Issues, News and Analysis category. Her piece on the threat of climate change on stone crabs, “Stone Silent,” was published in national boating magazine Soundings.
Award plaques note the recipients’ ” Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.” Congratulations to CBM’s winners, chosen from 299 entries submitted in 2019.
–Meg Walburn Viviano
