Challenger Lecture Series Archive
In 2019, Sail Newport debuted “The Challenger Lecture Series Inspired by Dr. Charles Shoemaker.” Dr. Shoe was a sailor’s sailor and we’re honoring his impressive 50 years of competitive and recreational sailing. Along the past 38 years, Dr. Shoe was a consistent champion of our community sailing center, regattas, events and programs for all ages.
The annual fall, winter and early spring series features topics of interest to sailors including: cruising adventures by local sailors in all parts of the world, weather, racing strategy, the America’s Cup, The Ocean Race, Olympic sailing, sailboat, sails and storied sailors.
Photo credits: (Left) Image of Dr. Shoemaker by Bill Shea. (Right) Dr. Shoemaker’s mighty Ensign “Challenger” on Narragansett Bay.
Lecture Series Recordings
“Sailing to Freedom,” with Dr. Timothy D. Walker, Ph.D., UMASS Professor, Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
March 5, 2026
Professor, author and historian Dr. Timothy Walker, Ph.D., presents “Sailing to Freedom,” with little-known stories of freedom-seeking by sea and describes the less-understood maritime side of the Underground Railroad. This talk will reconsider and contextualize the importance of enslaved African Americans’ maritime and waterfront labor in southern ports, and how escapes were managed along the East Coast.
“An Ocean (Re)Introduction with Richard Vevers, Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
January 15, 2026
“Team Alliance, Are You Ready for the Unexpected?, Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
March 27, 2025
Team Alliance joined us to present their experience of disaster at sea and a daring rescue for their crew during the Newport to Bermuda Race. Hear the first-hand story of when their J/122 struck a submerged object in the Gulf Stream. Alliance suffered damage that caused her to sink in the middle of the night and the presentation includes dramatic footage with the crew members onboard that night.
“African Heritage Mariners in The Colonial Era” with Keith Stokes, Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
February 27, 2025
Keith Stokes join us with a presentation on the peculiar institution of slavery in Newport, Rhode Island, which had its start and evolution with the sea. And one of the best paths for African freedom and prosperity led back to the sea. “African Heritage Mariners in the Colonial Era” Newport provides an interpretation of how seafaring was one of the most significant occupations among enslaved and free African heritage men during the 18th and 19th centuries. The presentation will include an in-depth review of Newport’s role within the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the evolution of African mariners, and the use of the sea as an early path to freedom. Presentation images of historic artifacts will come from the collections of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
“Next Stop Paris, U.S. Sailors Headed to the Olympic Games,”
Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
March 19, 2024
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series presents “Next Stop Paris: The U.S. Sailors Headed to the Olympics. US Sailing Adult Director, Betsy Alison co-hosts the presentation with U.S. Sailing’s Allison Chenard. Mixed 470 sailors Stu McNay and Lara Dalman-Weiss, ILCA 6 sailor Erika Reineke, and Dominique Stater, iQFOil sailor joins Sail Newport to what is ahead in Paris for these Olympians.
“The Newport to Bermuda Race Sailors Detail the Epic Race,”
Presented by Hinckley Yacht Services
January 25, 2024
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series presents “The Newport to Bermuda Race Sailors Detail the Epic Race.” Watch guests Andrew Kallfelz, chair, N2B, sailing icon Sheila McCurdy, a 14x veteran of the N2B, Shawn Hart, Life Raft & Survival Equipment, and Janet Garnier, chair, Newport Operations.
“The Intense Racing in La Solitaire du Figaro” with Jesse Fielding and Francesca Clapcich, Presented by Hinckley Yachts Services
March 8, 2022
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series presents “The Intense Racing in the La Solitaire du Figaro” with Jesse Fielding and Francesca Clapcich. The two immensely talented offshore sailors share the physical, mental and professional challenges to participating in this solo “Rollercoaster” race off the coast of France.
“Olympic Rewind and Preview: The Puffs and Lulls of Olympic Sailing in Tokyo and the Road to 2024”
January 13, 2022
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series presents “Olympic Rewind and Preview: The Puffs and Lulls of Olympic Sailing in Tokyo and the Race to 2024.” US Sailing Team members Nikki Barnes and Lara Dallman-Weiss along with Canadian sailor Sarah Douglas join Brad Read for this inspirational online event.
“Women in Sailing – Increasing Participation in the Sport” with Rockstar Sailors Sail Newport Lecture”
March 24, 2021
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series: “Women in Sailing – Increasing Participation in the Sport” online event was presented March 24, 2021. Joan Porter, Linda Lindquist-Bishop, Kim Hapgood, Dr. Deb Harris and Lynn Lynch talk about their experiences sailing and encourage women and girls to participate in the sport of sailing.
“Using Green Energy and Sailing to
Restore Ocean Health and Protect our Precious Resource”
April 20, 2021
Sail Newport’s Challenger Lecture Series presents “Using Green Energy and Sailing to Restore Ocean Health and Protect our Precious Resource,” with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and 11th Hour Racing guests Tom Burnham and Hilary Kotoun. Brad Read and Danni Washington co-moderate an inspiring presentation of developments on the federal level with renewable energy initiatives and what’s happening in the sailing world to protect our ocean.
“Increasing Diversity in Sailing,” Brad Read Hosts
February 24, 2021
Sail Newport’s online event to discuss Increasing Diversity in the sport of sailing. Guest panelists include Ayme Sinclair, Mark Clarke, Sarah Douglas, Heather Hole Strout and the Honorable Marvin Abney. Moderated by Brad Read.
“America’s Cup Update” with Ken Read and Shirley Robertson
January 26, 2021
The pressure is intense, the drama is daily and it all comes down to a few hours of racing this weekend. Content includes a behind-the-scenes look at the TV coverage and how Shirley Robertson follows the boats on the water and Ken Read reacts and comments from the studio. Recorded just before the start of the Semi-Finals where American Magic must win to progress further as a Challenger.
“America’s Cup Update” with Ken Read and Shirley Robertson
January 26, 2021
Top sailors give their insight on the America’s Cup World Series and the Vendée Globe. Ken Read, of North Sails and a commentator for NBC Sports, Rich Wilson, two-time Vendée Globe Finisher, and Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport discuss what’s happening at the top of the sport of sailing.
“Severe Weather in Newport” with Meteorologist Mark Thornton
November 20, 2020
“Severe Weather in Newport – Bursting the Newport Bubble” – Sail Newport presents a Challenger Lecture Series on a severe downburst in Newport, RI during an evening sailboat race.