Sail Beyond Cancer with Suzanne Snyder

In this episode we sit down with Suzanne Snyder from the non-profit Sail Beyond Cancer (sailbeyondcancer.org)

Sail Beyond Cancer’s origins date back to 2014 when founder, Suzanne Snyder, was inspired to form an organization with a mission to provide private respite sails free of charge for anyone coping with any type or stage of cancer.

The program was an instant success. In its first 5 years, the organization provided private sailing experiences and lasting memories to over 1500 cancer patients and their loved ones. By 2018, Suzanne began to receive calls from folks all over the country asking for advice on how to start a similar program in their part of the country.

In February 2020, Suzanne created Sail Beyond Cancer, a national non-profit organization with the mission of: “Honoring Those Challenged by Cancer by Harnessing the Healing Powers of Wind, Water, and Sail.”

The sailing excursions are for anyone who is being challenged by cancer. The organization currently has chapter locations in: Vermont; North Shore in Massachusetts; Annapolis, Maryland; a Virginia Chapter and the latest in Rhode Island.

And it’s the most recent chapter in Rhode Island that we talk about in this episode - among many other things. They had a bit of a soft launch last season, and will be officially in full operation as of Spring of 2026.

The Rhode Island vessel sails will take place aboard ALBA, a 1986 German Frers 48’ ketch, generously donated to help bring the Sail Beyond Cancer mission to Narragansett Bay.

The unique aspect of the Sail Beyond Cancer program is the process in which the guests come to it. They use a nomination process which Suzanne goes into great detail during our talk.

To learn more, visit their website at https://www.sailbeyondcancer.org

Scott is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Salve Regina University. Scott’s experience also includes working with the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Education Program to expand recreational fishing opportunities.

He is a fly tying Instructor, avid fly angler in both saltwater and freshwater, kayak angler, quoahogger, and wildlife conservationist.

Scott has a vast knowledge of all the rules and regulations ranging from catch limits to the differences in those limits between commercial and recreational fishing.

We talk about everything from RISAA’s take a kid fishing program to how for many, fishing isn’t just fun, it’s a source of food for families in Rhode Island. We also learn what it’s like to tag a shark off Block Island, Rhode Island and collect data for researchers. Fans of the film Jaws will relate to his story here.

As you’ll hear, Scott is a big proponent of groups like the one he’s involved with working cooperatively with other groups with similar goals to protect the environment for which they so deeply care.

There’s also a New England Saltwater Fishing Show in Providence in early March each year hosting 500 exhibitor spaces over 100,000 square feet of display. It is the largest show in the Northeast dedicated purely to saltwater fishing.

For more information or to join visit www.risaa.org

This episode features a round-table or panel discussion where each of these young women describe their journey thus far, and their plans for participation in future professional sailing events on the world stage. All have either been inspired by Cole Brauer, or actually mentored by her.

Learn where each of them are currently in their professional careers, and the different paths they are each taking. We also hear about opportunities they’ve discovered, as well as challenges and obstacles they have encountered.

Some listeners may remember Erica Lush from an earlier podcast where we focused just on her. If you missed that one, you can look back through the archives for the episode with her name in the title.

Our panel guest host is Joe Cooper who has also been on the podcast before.

To learn more about the Rozalia Project visit: rozaliaproject.org

In this episode we hear from Brad Read who is the Executive Director, Sail Newport based at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island.

Brad shares his sailing history starting with his family adventures as a child cruising throughout the south coast of New England aboard their boat. He shares how those experiences led to a lifelong passion for both he and his brother Ken.

When I sat down with Brad at the beginning of April, he had recently returned from sailing on a Perini Navi 56 meter yacht in the 2025 installment of the St. Barths Bucket Regatta and he gives us a tase of that experience.

You’ll hear about a well deserved sabbatical Brad was able to take to embark on a sailing adventure with his wife from Newport down to the islands and back home over the winter of 2023 and 2024. Brad was fortunate to have some great friends and fellow sailors join he and his wife for key legs of the trip. And he shares lessons learned - especially on how to slow down and get into a cruising rhythm.

We get into Sail Newport programing and hear about past and future events as well as a sneak preview of a new boat being introduced to the Sail Newport fleet - the J7.

If you would like to learn more about Sail Newport, visit sailnewport.org

Podcast cover photo courtesy of Brad Read

Podcast music composed by Nela Ruiz. nelaruizcomposer.com

Representative Carson is the lead sponsor of a house bill that would allow cities and towns to regulate houseboats as they feel best works for their municipalities.

Central to this enabling legislation, they would be bound by one standard definition of a houseboat. The bill has a companion in the state senate which mirrors that of Representative Carson’s.

While her bill has the full support of the Newport Waterfront Commission, it has met with some resistance from the industry trade group. We get in to all that in our talk. I have reached out to the industry trade group for input, and at this time they don’t want to engage on the podcast

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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

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

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.

“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/

In the latest episode of the podcast, I talk with Wilhelm Schurmann aboard the sailing vessel Kat. Kat is a unique, custom designed 80’ ketch that belongs to the Schurmann family of Brazil. The Schurmann family - Vilfredo, Heloisa and their children: Pierre, David & Wilhelm 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 many others on different boats the family previously owned.

Our talk begins with a tour of the boat and Wilhelm highlighting many of the unique design features. Kat is the flagship vessel of Voice Of The Oceans. Voice Of The Oceans 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 for 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 outperforms some municipal systems. 

After the tour, Wilhelm and I sat down at the man salon table and talked about the history of the family’s sailing adventures on previous boats, the build of Kat, environmental stewardship, the mission of Voice Of The Oceans and where they’re headed next.

We also 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. 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 aboard Kat.

While they were in Newport, they also participated in a beach clean-up with Clean Ocean Access. They’ve since left Newport and you can learn more about Kat, the crew, their mission and follow along at: voiceoftheoceans.com

2. Read: My Shenandoah: The Story of Captain Robert S. Douglas and His Schooner

If you've spent any time in or around coastal New England, you've probably seen the rather ubiquitous Black Dog logo on various hats, shirts, bags etc... There's much more to that image and brand, and it all began with one man and his schooner Shenandoah.  If you heard my recent interview with Ian Ridgeway of the FUEL program, you'll recall we touched on a bit of this history.

The book, written by Douglas Cabral, offers a beautiful history of both Captain Robert Douglas, the boat and his journey. Ian had mentioned the book when I interviewed him, and I then purchased a copy from the The Black Dog store on Martha's Vineyard in October.  I didn't see it on The Black Dog web site, but it is available on Amazon.

3. Read: In October of 2020 I interviewed Charlie Doane for the podcast and he had mentioned a project he was working on for a new book about Thomas Tangvald. The book is called The Boy Who Fell to Shore and it recounts the life of Thomas Tangvald, son of Peter Tangvald, the once renowned bluewater cruiser who inspired Lin and Larry Pardey. I see now by following his blog that the book has been published and is available now.

You can read Charlie’s blog post about the book here:

https://wavetrain.net/2022/11/03/the-boy-who-fell-to-shore-thomas-tangvalds-life-on-lartemis-de-pytheas/

The blog post is rich with related links you can follow to learn more, as well as how to order the book.

4. Follow: If you’re on Instagram and enjoy fishing, @archangelcharters  has decent content. You’ll see everything from all the catches to detailed pictures of their boat projects.

5. Watch: The Goose Goes South

There’s certainly no shortage of sailing and boating channels on YouTube, with many having a large and devoted following.  World renowned photographer Onne van der Wal recently completed a two-year refit of his Grand Banks trawler. Just over a month ago, Onne and his wife departed Newport, RI and headed south with an ultimate destination of the Bahamas. Onne is documenting his trip in a series of short videos. As you’d expect from a professional photographer, the images are stunning and the videos have a nice flow. You can follow along here: https://www.youtube.com/@Onnevanderwal

6. Next Episode: I’m working on putting together a podcast episode with my mates Capt. Eric and Ted. My goal is to get this out before Christmas. It will essentially be the three of us cracking open a beer and re-capping our collective summer highlights and observations. If it works well, we may make it an annual event.

A podcast and newsletter featuring stories and conversations with people in the boating and sailing community with fascinating backgrounds, a unique perspective, and those making a positive difference. We seek to highlight stories important in the maritime community.

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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/

The show - the 51st - will take place September 15th through the 18th, 2022 located at the Newport Yachting Center Marina in downtown Newport, Rhode Island.

Among this year's expanded offerings, Lisa and Jocelyn tell us about several new events, educational opportunities and giveaways.

The Newport for New Products awards program is of course back and will be showcasing new boats and boating products making their US debut.

There's a People's Choice Award for Best Overall Boat Debut which is chosen by attendees prior to the show via online voting. The winners of that will be announced on Friday Sept. 17th of the show.

There are on-the-water training sessions for both power boaters and sailors as well as women-only dedicated courses.

New to the show this year, the vessel Kat will be appearing with the organization 'Voice of the Oceans' who are committed to ridding the oceans of plastic pollution.

You may also visit the sailing vessel Maiden at the show. Some of my more astute listeners may recall us covering this with guest, Erica Lush, when we talked about her involvement with the program. 

The Maiden program inspires women and girls all over the world; raises funds for girls’ educational programs around the world; and shows, by example, what girls can achieve if they embrace STEM subjects in school.

Also getting a lot of attention will be a dedicated booth featuring 12 popular YouTube influencers, hosts and personalities. Just a few of the popular names mentioned were "Acorn to Arabella", "Captain Q Yacht Hunter" and Louis Sauzedde from "Tips From A Shipwright". 

Running concurrently with the show, the 12 Metre Yacht Club with the North American fleet of 12 Metre Yachts and Ida Lewis Yacht Club will be hosting the 12 Metre Championships September 16-18. The final day will feature the fleet parading through Newport Harbor at 10am and the Yachting Center is welcoming all attendees to the marina docks to view the event.

They've packed a lot into this show beyond the already robust list of boat builders, product manufacturers and services on display. And with a bit of planning, you can really get a lot out of this show.

We also discuss the best way to get your tickets - in advance on their website Newport International Boat Show Offical Site - Newport, Rhode Island (newportboatshow.com) the best way to get to the show, and where to park. There's a bit of inside baseball in here as we also discuss the work that goes on behind the scenes.

We cover all of this and much more, and I thank Lisa and Jocelyn for being so generous with their time so close to the start of the show.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Newport International Boat Show Offical Site - Newport, Rhode Island (newportboatshow.com)

Original music for podcast composed by Nela Ruiz

nelaruizcomposer.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They formed Sail To Win "to honor and empower wounded veterans, first responders, and people that have served their community with disabilities by training, educating, and competing in sailing competitions around the globe. We bring adaptive and able-bodied athletes together, conduct training events, and facilitate opportunities for technology experts to assist service members with solutions that will help them become highly competitive in sailing and increase their everyday quality of life."

Learn more about Sail To Win at: www.sailtowin.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.