Standing Before The Mast

In this episode I speak with Patrick Abrecht who, along with his wife Monika, own and operate the classic Alden yawl 'Hope San'. You can charter Hope San for a sailing adventure on Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. Patrick's story begins in his native Switzerland and takes us to Newport, Rhode Island through the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) and then on to their purchase and restoration of Hope San. Learn more about their operation at www.sailonhopesan.com or follow them on Instagram @sailonhopesan

In this episode I talk with Fred Roy, owner and sailor of a 1930 Herreshoff S Boat. We learn about the restoration of his boat named Surprise, and what it's like to own and race an old wood boat. Fred goes into detail about what makes the S Boat unique and how some of Herreshoff's design features continue to stand the test of time. We learn about the regattas and activities scheduled for next summer as they celebrate the S Boat class 100th Anniversary.

In this episode I talk with John Hirschler, owner and entrepreneur behind Sightsailing of Newport. John gives us a great look into how he first got started taking people on sailing tours of Newport Harbor and Narragansett bay, his vision for his company and how he grew the business over the years. See his fleet at www.sightsailing.com

In this episode, I talk with Stefan Nassaney. Stefan is the Dock Steward at the Newport Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island. He gives us a glimpse into his world of juggling boats, members and the boating public at an active waterfront club. We also talk about his large Siberian Husky, his favorite Magma Grill and a unique skiff he’s in the process of building.

In this episode I talk with Kim Hapgood, Program Director for Sail Newport. Kim shares with us all of the programs and initiatives in which Sail Newport is currently engaged, fills us in on the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race stopover, and shares an entertaining story about retrieving a wedding ring in a box that went overboard.

In this short excerpt from my talk with Dave McLaughlin at Clean Ocean Access, he explains the effectiveness of the Trash Skimmers at removing marine debris. Dave also gives us a brief history of how they were conceived and developed.

In this episode, I speak with Dave McLaughlin. Dave is the Executive Director of Clean Ocean Access. Clean ocean access is a non-profit environmental group that works to promote a healthy ocean that is free of marine debris and water that is safe for all, as well as ocean activities and a shoreline that is accessible to the public. You can learn more and get involved with Clean Ocean Access by visiting their website at http://www.cleanoceanaccess.org

This morning I sat down with Capt. Kent Dresser founder of Confident Captain, a professional training and education company based in Rhode Island. We learn about his company and his experience on everything from small recreational boats to commercial tugs in New York. We talk seamanship and what it's like to be boarded by the Coast Guard for the first time after 28 years on the water.

In this inaugural episode I catch up with an old friend - Capt. Eric - from Save The Bay. We talk about the mission of Save The Bay and his role there. We also talk about environmental stewardship for the boating public, and reminisce about some waterfront characters we both got to know working on Newport harbor (Rhode Island, USA). Oh and we have a beer and share a few laughs.