BoatUS Magazine staff Kelsey Bonham Bailey, Rich Armstrong, and Mike Longman at BWI Awards Presentation

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – February 18, 2026 – Boating Writers International (BWI), the professional association for writers, editors, publishers, bloggers, photographers and videographers in the recreational boating and fishing industries, presented 12 awards to BoatUS Magazine staff and contributors at the group’s annual meeting during the 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. 

These awards honor the best marine content across 16 categories as judged by their peers. This year’s BWI awards attracted 82 participants and more than 300 entries. BoatUS Magazine articles and videos earned two first place wins, two second places, four third places, and four merit awards across nine categories.  

Contributing editor Herb McCormick took a first place win for his “Irish Entrance” in the boating travel category and also for “Brothers Who Build” in the boating profiles category.  

In boating issues, news, and analysis, contributor Michael Vatalaro scooped up second place with his piece “How Much Is My Boat Worth?” Associate editor Kelsey Bonham Bailey received a merit award for her story on “What Does Made In America Mean?” as did senior editor Rich Armstrong for his story “Proposed Budget Would Impact Fundamental NOAA Services for Boaters” in the same category.  

Armstrong placed third in gear, electronics, and product tests for his piece, “Rock Steady,” while BoatUS contributor Arnie Hammerman received a merit award for his story “Starlink Juggernaut" in the same category. 

In the boat projects, renovations, and retrofits category, contributing editor Frank Lanier took third place for his piece, “Links You Can Rely On.” Vatalaro took third place for “7 Mind-Blowing Ways Driving a Boat is Different than a Car” in the boating videos category.  

The business of boating category saw a second place win for contributing editor Tim Murphy for his piece on “How to Build a Good Life in Boats.” Murphy also received third in the environmental awareness and education category, for his article “The Carbon Conundrum.” Merit was given to contributing editor Mike Longman in the boat tests and reviews category for his story "Nordic Boats Come In From The Cold." 

To read more award-winning articles by our BoatUS Magazine writers and to subscribe to BoatUS Magazine, the official publication of the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), visit BoatUS.com/Membership to become a BoatUS member. BoatUS Magazine serves as the award-winning source for recreational boating skills, DIY maintenance, safety, news, lifestyle and personality profiles, and insight from top experts. 

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About BoatUS 

Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com for more information.