February 17, 2005, Miami, FL – A record-breaking 201 journalists from 34 states participated in the John Southam Awards for Excellence in Sailing Communications this year, generating 109,000,000 media impressions in sailing coverage, more than double that of last year’s entrants.

In its twelfth year, the Southam Awards are named in honor of John Southam, former publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, who played a significant role in the growth of Sail America, the U.S. industry trade association. In addition to the $5000 grand prize – the largest single media prize for journalists covering sailing outside the industry – the judges selected seven additional $1000 category winners, also the highest in competition history, for a total of $12,000 in cash prizes.

According to Chief Judge Sally Helme of sponsoring organization Sail America, the 2004 contest was “rich with outstanding entries, showcasing a great deal of diversity in sailing coverage including print, broadcast and online submissions.” Winners were announced during the 2005 Miami International Boat Show Press Breakfast today.

Winning the $5000 Cash Grand Prize and Crystal Cup originally submitted in the Columnist category is Cherie Sogsti, a freelance journalist from Fountain Valley, CA whose weekly sailing column, “Whatever Floats Your Boat,” appears in The Current, part of The Orange County Register and is also posted simultaneously online. Sogsti’s columns cover a wide range of sailing activity, from racing and regattas, to cruising stories and profiling interesting sailors.

“Cherie’s work inspired the judges because of her very positive and exciting portrayal of sailing, the scope and depth of the coverage and her ability to find a variety of unique angles and topics,” said Helme. “What’s more, Cherie’s enthusiasm for sailing was evident in her editorial style, and really served as an inspiration for readers to have fun and get out on the water. In many instances, she included direct contact information to make it very easy for the reader to take the next step in sailing.”

The Newspaper Category has two divisions. Skip Kaltenheuser, a freelance writer whose article, “Sailing Away Doesn’t Have to Cost So Much as to Sink You Financially,” won the $1000 prize in the Newspapers Over 100,000 (circulation) category. Appearing in USA Today with an impressive circulation of 5.6 million, Kaltenheuser’s feature article included an outstanding overview of sailing charters, with a variety of helpful tips for planning a successful sailing vacation. In addition, a sidebar listed top charter companies and websites for easy reference.

In the Newspapers Under 100,000 (circulation) category, Associate Editor Mike Dunbar of The Modesto Bee, Modesto, CA, edged out 111 other entries in this most hotly contested division, taking the win for his spectacular feature story, entitled “Gone with the Wind: Anchors aweigh and hoist yer jib matey – let’s go sailing.” Dunbar’s article was prominently positioned on the front page of the LifeStyles section, including a spectacular color photograph, reference contacts for how to learn more about sailing and a list of sailing recommendations and schools/clubs in the Bay area. The main feature provided a compelling overview of the sport in the local area, featuring interviews with several expert resources, plus a summary of optional sailing activities, from