Boating Writers International yesterday presented its annual awards before the opening of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. The awards program recognizes excellence in marine journalism.

The contest this year attracted 79 participants who submitted 267 entries across 15 categories. The Active Interest Media Marine Group, of which Soundings Trade Only is a part, took four first-place awards, five seconds, five thirds and nine certificates of merit.

In the Boating Photography category, Pim Van Hemmen of Soundings placed second for his “America 2.0” photograph.

In Boating Issues, News and Analysis, Norris Comer took first place for “High Seas,” which appeared in Power & Motoryacht.

In Environmental Awareness and Education, Lydia Mullan of Sail was presented a certificate of merit for her story “A Greener Future for the Deep Blue.”

In the Seamanship, Rescue and Safety category, Chris Caswell took third place for his Passagemaker feature “Telemedicine.”

In the Boat Tests and Reviews category, Power & Motoryacht’s Charlie Levine won second place for “High and Dry,” and Comer was awarded a certificate of merit for “A Giant Awakens” in Passagemaker.

In Fishing, Anglers Journal’s Bill Sisson was awarded first place for “One for the Books,” and Levine, also of Anglers Journal, won third place for “Red All Over.” Ron Ballanti, writing for Anglers Journal, won a certificate of merit for “Jurassic Trout,” and Levine was presented a certificate of merit for “Rainforest Roosters.”

In the Gear, Electronics and Product Tests category, Soundings Trade Only’s Gary Reich won third place for “Propeller Precision,” and Soundings Trade Only’s Eric Colby was given a certificate of merit for “Nothing but Net.”

In Boat Projects, Renovations and Retrofits, Chris Dixon took second place for “Memory Machine” in Power & Motoryacht, Wendy Mitman Clarke of Soundings took third place for “Lovely on the Lake,” and Levine was awarded a certificate of merit for “Resurrection” in Power & Motoryacht.

In the Business of Boating Category, Soundings Trade Only’s Reich won first place for “Health Matters,” Clarke, writing for Soundings, won third place for “The Yard With Heart,” and Kim Kavin received a certificate of merit for “Building a More Inclusive Boat,” which appeared in Soundings Trade Only.

In the Boating Columns category, Sisson took first place for his “Between Fish” column.

In the Boating Travel and Destinations category, Comer was given a certificate of merit for “Frontier of Firsts” in Power & Motoryacht.

In Boating Profiles, Van Hemmen of Soundings earned a certificate of merit for “A Charmed Life.”

In the Boating Adventures category, Charles Doane was awarded first place for “A Voyage of His Own” in Sail, and Comer won second place for “Creed of the North” in Multihull Power & Sail.

Click here for the complete list of winners.