The Bowsprit: Editorial

The bowspr it

From the editor

Evan, John, and Harry...

SisterShip Magazine was originally founded in 1988 as a way to expand that special connection women on the water form with each other in ports and anchorages around the globe. Back then there was no internet or social media and cruising could lead to a sense of isolation, something women in particular noticed. Of course being supportive of women does mean men are unwelcome — far from it, and SisterShip is delighted to have many male subscribers and even a few contributors!

John Hembrow is well-known to those who cruise the South Pacific and Australia. With many cruisers trapped by COVID-19 border restrictions and having to sit out the cyclone season in less than ideal locations (climatewise), John thought sharing his experiences of Tropical Cyclone Evan in Fiji in 2012 might provide some useful insights for those facing a similar situation.

Speaking of locations, while most (if not all!) of us are still relatively restricted in our travels, this issue takes us across the globe from the Puget Sound on the Pacific Northwest to the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia, and from Florida to the canals of Belgium and the islands of the Azores.

We welcome a new face to the pages of SisterShip, a very cute ‘commodore’ called Harry! Check Tanya Rabe’s column on page 52 to see what I mean.

There are also two fun competitions to enter — Topsail’s new riddle and a SisterShip ‘caption me’. Be sure to get your entries in!

As we begin to cautiously navigate a new year, the team at SisterShip wishes you well and thanks you for your continued support.

Stay safe and, as always, look for the dolphin!

Shelley Wright