ALEXANDRIA, Va., January 6, 2009 – BoatUS Magazine, the nation’s largest circulation recreational boating magazine with over 600,000 readers, has undergone a major redesign and been re-launched with a new look, layout, content and features with its January 2009 issue.  Published by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and widely acknowledged to be the most credible source of news and information for America’s recreational boaters, the redesign has been spearheaded by boating publishing industry veteran Bernadette Bernon who has been appointed consulting editor. 

BoatUS Magazine Publisher and Association President Nancy Michelman said, “Bernadette is an award-winning writer and editor who brings a keen eye and sharp pencil to help us retool our magazine and engage readers.  With her knowledge of our readers’ upper-income lifestyle and the industry’s need for credible media outlets, our goal is to grow the magazine beyond its status as an ‘association’ publication.”

Bernon was formerly editor in chief of Cruising World magazine as well as editorial director of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines.  Her newest post with the association continues her involvement that began over a dozen years ago when she was appointed to the board of the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.  She was also a member of the BoatUS National Advisory Council.

Bernon said, “BoatUS Magazine speaks with authority to experienced boaters – power and sail – who rely on the magazine, and trust the information in it.  That won’t change, but we’re adding a dynamic new ‘Reviews’ column, where we’ll present new boats, gear, and towing vehicles.  We’re ramping up the professional photography throughout the book, and giving it an exciting, contemporary look.  And we’re commissioning new features that convey the energy and dedication that our readers have for their boats and for the precious time they spend on the water.”

Upcoming issues of the magazine will also be themed, starting with March’s Spring Boat Prep issue.  Women in Boating, Summer Fun, a “Green” issue focusing on the environment and Winter Travel issues follow throughout the year.

During Bernon’s tenure at Cruising World it won national Folio and Ozzie awards from the publishing industry for editorial and design excellence, as well as Boating Writers International awards.  Bernon also founded the Cruising World Safety at Sea Institute, which organizes with US SAILING day-long safety seminars around the country. An authority on chartering and adventure travel, she developed Cruising World Adventure Charters, an affiliate travel program for subscribers and advertisers.  She remains a feature writer for many national publications, including Islands, Cruising World, and ForbesLife, the lifestyle publication of Forbes magazine.

###

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with government representation, programs and money saving services.