Bristol, R.I. – The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) announced today the recipient of its 2019 RIMTA Anchor Award, Cynthia Goss. Presented at the Newport International Boat Show on Saturday September 14th, the Anchor Award is given to a person or organization who, by their work and efforts, brings international attention to the marine-trades industry in Rhode Island.

A writer with a focus on boating and the marine industry, Goss has covered the sport and its personalities for magazines published in the United States, Europe and Asia. She has also managed public relations and communications for marine organizations—promoting and reporting on the organizations’ programs and activities, and industry trends. She used a stint working on charter boats in the Caribbean while reporting for boating magazines to launch a career as a marine freelancer. 

“Working in the Rhode Island marine trades was a highlight of, my career,” said Goss. “I have had the pleasure of working with marine organizations around the world, but Rhode Island’s marine industry, unlike other areas of the world, has all the key elements: skilled workforce, visionary leaders, and policymakers who understand this industry. I am honored to be part of such an important industry in this region and to accept this award.”

Goss’ past clients include RIMTA, IYRS, US SAILING, and racing circuits such as the NOOD regattas and the International 50-Foot Class. She is co-author of Taking the Helm with Dawn Riley and Gary Jobson: An American Sailing Story with Gary Jobson. A lifelong sailor, Goss graduated from Trinity College in Hartford (Conn.) and now resides in Guilford (Conn.). 

“We are honored to be able to present the 2019 Anchor Award to Cynthia,” said Wendy Mackie, CEO, RIMTA. “We selected her in recognition of the years of tireless work she has put in for RIMTA, the sport of sailing and the RI marine industry as a whole.”

A distinguished list of past recipients of the RIMTA Anchor Award include: 2012 Brad Read and Ken Read, 2013 Peter Van Lancker and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, 2014 Eric Goetz and Sally Helme, 2015 Sail Newport and Discover Newport, 2016 Newport Shipyard, 2017 Newport Exhibition Group and in 2018 Susan Maffei Plowden.

For more information about RIMTA, please visit rimta.org.

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About RIMTA:
Rhode Island’s long tradition of boat building and hosting competitive sailing events has given rise to a vibrant marine trades sector. From boat builders to manufacturers, marinas, retailers, yacht and charter brokers, sailmakers, and schools and educational programs, the Ocean State has a concentrated nexus of expertise that is unparalleled in any other area of the country. The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, or RIMTA, is the trade association that links these marine businesses together and works in concert with industry, government and other nonprofits to coordinate the programs and policies that give this sector an edge in the global recreational boating business. rimta.org