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