There are few places where the water feels as much like home as it does in Rhode Island. For me, the shoreline has never been just a backdrop. It has been a place of challenge, reflection, friendship, discipline, and perspective.
Whether looking out over Narragansett Bay, walking the docks in Newport, or preparing for a day of racing with a crew that has to work as one, I have always felt that Rhode Island's connection to the water is one of the great privileges of living here. It is also one of the great responsibilities.
Through Mahalo Racing Team, I had the privilege of being the sole owner of a team that competed at a high level and experienced moments I will always remember. Winning the 2015 Swan 42 North American Championship was meaningful not because of the trophy, but because of what it represented: trust, preparation, teamwork, and the shared commitment of people who respected one another and respected the sport.
"When you love something, you take care of it."
Rhode Island is fortunate to have one of the most beautiful and historic maritime environments in the country. Narragansett Bay, Newport Harbor, and the surrounding coastal communities are not just scenic assets — they are part of who we are. They support recreation, education, tourism, small businesses, family traditions, and a way of life that has shaped generations. But places like this do not protect themselves.
The more time I have spent on the water, the more strongly I have felt that those of us who enjoy it have an obligation to help preserve it. Clean water, safe boating, responsible use of the shoreline, and support for public access are not abstract ideas. They are practical responsibilities that determine what kind of Rhode Island we leave behind.
That is why I believe so deeply in organizations like SailNewport, which helps make the water more accessible and gives people a way to learn, participate, and belong. In a state defined by its coastline, that kind of access matters.
Sailing has given me many gifts — friendships, memories, challenges, and moments of real joy. It has also given me a deeper appreciation for Rhode Island and for the waters that shape this state's identity. For me, that means honoring the water, supporting the people and organizations that protect it, and doing what I can to help ensure that future generations experience the same beauty, freedom, and sense of possibility that Rhode Island's waterways have given me.
