Standing Before the Mast

Sail Beyond Cancer with Suzanne SnyderIn 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 Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I’m joined by Scott Travers, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association.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 Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

Young women advancing in professional offshore sailing: a panel discussion featuring Erica Lush (lushsailing.com); Aurora ‘Rory’ Meunier Mott; and Ellie Menezes.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. Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Ashley Sullivan and learn about the Rozalia Project that is taking a multi-faceted approach to cleaning up and cataloging marine debris. Their platform is the sailing vessel American Promise. American Promise was designed by Ted Hood for Dodge Morgan who sailed it alone around the world, non-stop, in 1985-1986.To learn more about the Rozalia Project visit: rozaliaproject.org Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we hear from Brad Read who is the Executive Director, Sail Newport based at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we sit down with Rhode Island State Representative Lauren Carson of Newport.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. Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we hear about a rather different kind of Christmas story from which we in the Northern Hemisphere are used to. Aussie Joe Cooper, who’s been on this podcast before, shares his version of a Christmas tale he grew up with during the 1960’s in Australia. It’s a story of Santa & the Reindeer, a bit of navigation, seafaring references, a rescue and some proper outback exploration. As always, this is a family friendly episode and may be of particular enjoyment for the young ones in your family. After an extended break, this podcast is back on track with some new episodes early in the new year. Thanks for following. - Chris Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

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.comPhoto used in podcast cover, by permission, courtesy of Matthew Cohen PhotographyOriginal podcast music composed for us by Nela Ruizhttps://www.nelaruizcomposer.com Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

Christina is the Senior Vice President of Mystic Seaport Museum.  Christina shares with us here earliest sailing experiences growing up sailing on Geronimo which belonged to the St. Georges School in Rhode Island.  The Geronimo program was one her father developed and those early adventures set Christina up for an educational and life path on and around the water. Prior to her current position, Christina was the director of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and along with her PhD and growing up as a live aboard, she has a wealth of knowledge of the marine environment.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.orgOriginal podcast music composed for us by Nela Ruizhttps://www.nelaruizcomposer.com Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Standing Before The Mast at chrisheaton.substack.com/subscribe