Making News: Martha LaGuardia-Kotite

Martha LaGuardia-Kotite Honored with Excellence in Boating Journalism
Author, So Others May Live - Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death

MIAMI BEACH, FL, February 16, 2007 -- Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized today in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International (BWI). Presentations in 15 contest categories representing $15,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Each recipient also took home a recognition plaque noting their "Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism." In addition, all move into a "Phase II" competition which culminates in a single selection honored with the West Marine Writer's Award and $5,000 grand prize at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show next fall.

In its 14th year, the BWI contest attracted 189 participants submitting 598 entries. In addition to cash awards, Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 39 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. All submissions to the contest were published in 2006. Each of the 15 categories (noted below along with sponsors) was judged by four active journalists in the first few weeks of the new year. Results:

Boating Adventures – sponsored by Discover Boating

1st, “Pressure Drop” by Melanie Neale (Soundings, January); 2nd, “Hurricane Baby” by Martha LaGuardia Kotite (from the book So Others May Live--Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death); 3rd, “Hooligan Heroes” by David W. Shaw (Offshore, December). Of Neale’s story, judge John Wooldridge said it was a “Riveting page turner. I became personally invested in the story!” Added judge Louisa Rudeen, “While I would not have encouraged the author to ride out Hurricane Wilma on board her boat, her harrowing narrative puts us right in that marina with her, experiencing the emotional as well as physical trauma caused by the storm.” Certificates of Merit to: “Passage South” by Betsy Haggerty (Voyaging, Fall); “High Speed Delivery” by Eric Colby (Speed Boat, July); and “Making Our Way Around South Florida” by Bill Lindsey (Southern Boating, July/Aug).

BWI is a non-profit professional organization consisting of writers, broadcasters, editors, publishers, photographers, public relations specialists and others in the communications profession associated with the boating industry. Members include active marine journalists across the U.S., in Canada and around the world, supporting marine manufacturers and service entities, and associates in communication roles. More information about BWI is available by visiting www.bwi.org.