Aquidneck Island Living July Meet The Callahan Family

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AQUIDNECK ISLAND
JULY 2023
Living
THE
CALLAHAN
FAMILY
PHOTO BY SARA COONEY
LOCATION: SAIL TO PREVAIL

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2 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

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A NOTE FROM TANJA LYNCH
Readers, last month's magazine marked my final issue as Publisher. Now
with July passing, I will no longer be serving in any other role. I want to
thank you for the opportunity to allow me to have been part of your lives
for over five years. I want to thank all the people who trusted us with their
personal stories because it allowed us to foster a real sense of community.
Although we don't all live near one another, we are all "neighbors" in this
wonderful city we get to call home. So many families allowed us to bring their personal
journeys to our pages with complete truth and at times, vulnerability. I am also grateful to
all the residents and nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly every day on the behalf of
the underserved communities to make a real positive impact on our island. It has been a
blessing to be able to share their goals, struggles and successes over the years.
I need to thank Sara Cooney, our phenomenal photographer for over 60 gorgeous
covers!!! She is incredible. And of course I must thank Ashley Bendiksen who has been
an incredible Content Coordinator for us - writing amazing stories, interviewing so many
people, all while pursuing her passion of advocating for those who need it the most. She is
a gem and this community is so lucky to have her.
Enjoy the issue and I will "see you around."
Best, Tanja Lynch
DEAR READERS,
It's a bittersweet moment today as I also announce that this will be my
final issue serving as Content Coordinator. This month marks exactly 4
years since I've been involved with this magazine - from starting as a
contributing writer up into this role now. It's been such a beautiful few
years serving you. I've been inspired by the individuals and organizations,
and mission-driven work that's been featured in these pages, and it's truly
been my honor to help tell these stories. But on that note, I also have my own missiondriven
work to do. You may or may not recall my actual full-time work as a traveling
national speaker, consultant, and activist, as well as co-founder of Island Youth Coaching. I
love being involved with initiatives like this magazine, but the time has come for me to give
my full and undivided attention to my work.
However, this is not goodbye! I'd love if you would connect with me on LinkedIn or
Instagram @ashleybendiksen. Send me a message and say, "Hey! I was a reader!"
You can also learn about my work and services at www.ashleybendiksen.com or
www.islandyouthcoaching.com.
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Wishing you all a beautiful summer and so much love.
Signing off, Ashley Bendiksen, Content Coordinator
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content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2023. Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
JULY 2023 3

© Best Version Media
Meet The Callahan Family
BY ASHLEY BENDIKSEN PHOTO BY SARA COONEY
Meet Paul and Alisa Callahan, their twin 20-year-old boys Mitchell and
Justin, and Newsome, their 4-year old black Labrador service dog.
Paul originally grew up in North Dighton and Falmouth, Massachusetts,
while Alisa grew up in West Boylston, MA. It was 1993 when Paul first
started spending weekends in Newport. He was learning to sail while working at
Goldman Sachs in New York City. Alisa, meanwhile, was also discovering Newport
while working in Providence in the Managed Assets Division at Bank of America.
It was on one of these visits to Newport that Paul and Alisa serendipitously
met. “My boss invited me to attend a Sail To Prevail fundraiser, the ‘Wall Street
Challenge Cup,’ utilizing 12-Metre sailboats,” says Alisa. “Ironically, my boss was
a member of the Sail To Prevail Board of Directors and had been one of Paul’s
college roommates. The following year, I coordinated a group of volunteers
for this event, and at the conclusion of the fundraiser, Paul invited me to the
Clarke Cooke House for a cocktail, and that started a 3-year romance,” she says,
“And, the Clarke Cooke House is somewhere we still frequent to this day.”
The two began dating and come 1997, Paul purchased a condo in Newport. “I very
much enjoyed the vibrancy of living
downtown so I purchased a condominium
that is centrally located, and I am able
to easily get almost anywhere in my
power wheelchair,” he says. Then, in
2001, Paul and Alisa got married in
downtown Providence at the Biltmore
Hotel. Today, they are now celebrating
nearly 22 years of marriage together,
living in that same Newport condo.
Most know Paul as the CEO of Sail
To Prevail. The role is one that his
younger self never predicted. Paul
unexpectedly became a quadriplegic
at 21 years old due to a sudden and
random accident during his junior year
of college. “I slipped on a wet floor
and, in an instant, changed my life.
I went from a fully functioning ablebodied
person to a quadriplegic. I
could not move anything for more than
six months in a bed, and never knew
that I would move again,” he says.
However, Paul continued on despite
these sudden and life-altering
changes. He graduated from Harvard
College ‘85, as well as Harvard
Business School ’92, and at the time,
he was the first quadriplegic ever to
graduate from each of these schools.
He subsequently worked at Goldman
Sachs & Co. in New York City for a
good part of the 1990s. This was
when Paul first discovered sailing.
“I was brought into the sport by someone
I’d met on the docks while in Newport.
This gentleman asked me if I wanted
to go sailing, so I took up his offer,
and jumped on the boat. I remember
sailing away from the dock, and driving
the boat as I was looking back at my
wheelchair with no one in it, and finding
it the most liberating feeling in the
world,” says Callahan. Callahan later
went on to compete in two Paralympic
Games for Team USA in 2000 and 2012.
Eventually, Paul left New York City and
even worked a short stint as an Assistant
to the Dean at Harvard Business School,
before eventually becoming CEO of Sail
To Prevail in 1997. “I enjoyed competing
in sailboats so much that I felt I had an
obligation to share this opportunity with
others, so I began focusing on building
the organization, starting with 8 disabled
people, to where it is today, serving
more than 1,000 participants annually.”
Located at Fort Adams State Park, Sail
To Prevail offers therapeutic sailing
programs for children and adults with
disabilities. It’s been designated as
Rhode Island’s Official Disabled Sailing
Center by Rhode Island’s General
4 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

Assembly, drawing participants from
Newport, Aquidneck Island, and other cities
and towns throughout the state. “The goal
is to teach its participants to overcome their
adversities through sailing and live up to
their human potential so they will believe in
themselves, and ultimately, will have a more
productive and fulfilling life,” Paul says.
For Alisa, she earned her undergraduate
degree from Siena College in New York
in 1993. Upon graduating, she began
working at Fleet Bank, now Bank of America,
in the Managed Assets Division while
simultaneously obtaining her Masters in
Finance at Boston College. Once their
twins, Justin and Mitchell, were born,
Alisa made the decision to become a
full-time mom for a while – a job she
enjoyed from the time they were born
until they started kindergarten. Alisa then
rejoined the workforce as a professor
and subsequently as Department Chair
of the School of Business & Technology
at Florida SouthWestern State College –
both positions that she still holds today.
Growing up, Justin and Mitchell spent
their summers in Newport but attended
a small Catholic high school in Miami
where the family resided during the
academic year. Fast forward to present
day, both just finished their freshman
year at Harvard in Cambridge, MA with
Justin concentrating in government, and
Mitchell in economics. At Harvard, Justin
and Mitchell joined the varsity sailing team
– and since joining, the Harvard Sailing
Team has moved up in the rankings from
being #20 to one of the top 3 teams in the
entire country. Further, as teammates, the
boys recently won the College Team Race
National Championship as freshman, and
both garnered All-American honors.
Paul is quick to point out, “Justin and
Mitchell’s success is of their own doing and
initiative, more so than from their ‘dinner
table talk’ which includes topics ranging
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from schoolwork to current affairs.” He adds
that during high school summers, both
have worked at Sail To Prevail as instructors,
balancing out their competitive sailing while
“giving back” to their sport – just like their
father does. They now spend their summers
racing with sailors of all generations and
coaching younger competitive sailors.
Mitchell (left), Justin (right)
Locally, Paul’s dedication to giving
back is readily demonstrated and also
recognized. He is a 25+ year member of
the New York Yacht Club where he was
named the 2012 Yachtsman of the Year,
and he previously served on the Board of
Trustees and the Membership Committee.
Paul was also named among a small, select
group of people as one of the “Legendary
Locals of Newport” in a book authored
by Annie Sherman, whose family were the
previous publishers of the Newport Daily
News. He was also named one of the 100
most influential Irish Americans in the
country by “Ireland America Magazine,” is
a Knight of Malta in the Catholic Church,
as well a member of the Newport Chapter
of the American Order of Hibernians.
Alisa’s dedication to her family has
always been a top priority – even more
specifically, by ensuring that they remain
active. Whenever she finds time away
from her full-time academic work as a
tenured professor, Alisa very much enjoys
being out in the community as well as
outdoors, often playing a vigorous game
of doubles tennis with her friends.
You’ll often see Paul motoring around
Newport in his wheelchair with his black
Labrador, Newsome, at his side. Together,
the Callahan family love life on the island.
“We live in Newport because it is so friendly
with a humble personality, and we enjoy
the cross-section of people. Moreover,
its charm, size, and sailing history and
lifestyle have woven through our family
both personally and professionally. And,
Newport’s general beauty is not to be
taken for granted either,” he says.
When asked their idea of a great day, Paul
explains that for the past 20 years, a great
day for the Callahan family has been, and
still is, simply spending time together.
They find much of their enjoyment in
doing things as a family. Not surprisingly,
most of these activities revolve around
sailing. Justin and Mitchell, as 9-year-olds,
proudly rooted for their dad in one of his
two Paralympic Games – London 2012.
Conversely, this past decade has been
spent with Justin and Mitchell on the
racecourse in Newport or around the world,
with Mom and Dad now cheering them on.
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JULY 2023 5

FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD
FOR OHPRI’S PERRY
CORPS PROGRAMS
BY JONATHAN KABAK
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OHPRI
ave a great weekend and make good
“Hdecisions.” Normally these are the
final thoughts of the week from Jonathan
Kabak, CEO of Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode
Island and Captain of the state’s flagship,
the SSV (Sailing School Vessel) OLIVER
HAZARD PERRY (OHP), but today they are the
concluding words of Evan Mello’s valedictory
speech at the Met School. While Evan’s time
in high school may have drawn to a close,
his time aboard the OHP, which started as a
high school internship a year and a half ago,
is just ramping up. Until he reports for USCG
boot camp later this summer, Evan will be
working as a crew member aboard the ship.
This is just one of a multitude of success
stories touted by Kabak as he talks about the
metamorphosis that the organization has
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undergone in the last several years with the
development of their flagship Perry Corps
program. “We refocused our attention on
serving our community,” said Kabak, “by
creating empowering experiences that
showcase the vast array of opportunities
available when we connect Rhode Island’s
two greatest assets: its people and the
ocean.” The organization delivers on
these goals through innovative program
models that “train for the sea and train
through the sea.” Bucking convention, the
ship doesn’t head south in the winter but
instead offers programs five to six days
per week dockside at her winter berth at
the Landing at Bowen’s Wharf, and then
sails the coastal waters between New
York and Maine in the warmer months.
The programs are as diverse as the
participants with offerings available for
all ages. Students come from all across
the state. Whether it is an adult workforce
development program for the maritime
industry and marine trades, or career
exploration for high schoolers, the programs
all share a common trait, “I get to do fun
things and learn something new every time
I’m here,” exclaims Marcuslyn Sieh, a 10th
grader from Providence, "and I like the fact
that I’m gaining more confidence doing
new things. It has me thinking about future
career choices that I had no idea about.”
“We’re not only able to teach what happens
on ships but foundational building blocks like
leadership skills that are applicable in any
setting,” said Holly Buresh, the organization’s
Educational Programs Manager. “Our
students benefit as much from the ship and
the projects that we do aboard as they do
from the community, and the engagement
with their fellow students, crew, and visitors.
The passion of the students to continually
return to the ship, seeking out more
challenging experiences, inspires us as
professionals to continue our own growth.”
“If you take a person sailing for two weeks
it becomes the best two weeks of their
life,” says Kabak, “but if we offer that same
individual an opportunity to come back
again and again, these amazing experiences
become their life!” At any given time, a
portion of the ship’s crew is often comprised
of program alums who are either working
aboard or volunteering their time to give
back to the organization. Rob Sampson,
a graduate of one of the workforce
development programs now is a USCG
Credentialed mariner and is serving aboard
as the ship’s Engineer. “This jumpstarted my
career in the maritime industry. I like working
here because I’m able to help other people
have that same opportunity," Sampson says.
Reflecting on the organization’s purpose,
Kabak becomes focused. “Ultimately we
are here to help Rhode Islanders build a
more resilient community, one that is posed
to address twenty first century challenges
whether natural or man-made. That
requires a population that has meaningful
sustainable employment, that is civically
engaged, and ocean literate. We have this
amazing platform that harnesses the best
of anachronistic tall ships and pairs it with a
thoroughly modern environment below.”
When asked what the organization’s greatest
challenge is Kabak says, “getting our
community to understand that we are not
just another not-for-profit sailing program,
but instead are an agent of empowerment.”
Others are in fact taking note and the
Perry Corps was awarded the 2022 Sail
Training Program of the Year at the recent
Tall Ships America Annual Conference
which was held this past February in
Newport. “The Perry Corps is a model for
making direct connections between sail
training, traditional academic content such
as science and math, and its real-world
application in creating options for work in
the future,” said Tall Ships America Executive
Director Dr. Kris Von Wald. “It is at the
forefront of sail training and sea education
and is well deserving of this award.”
For more information about the Perry
Corps, OHPRI programs, and opportunities
to get involved visit the organization’s
website www.ohpri.org or email
info@ohpri.org. You can also follow them
on Facebook at 'Oliver Hazard Perry
Rhode Island' or on Instagram @ohpri.
6 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

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PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE
Meet Outi, Bob, and Edward the Corgi
BY ASHLEY BENDIKSEN, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OUTI KAARIAINEN AND BOB DEWEY
Hi Outi, tell us about you, your
family, and where you live!
I am originally from Finland! I moved to
Newport in 1997 to work with horses
after working with a professional show
jumper in Wellington, Florida and
Southampton, NY. Now, me and my
husband Bob live in Portsmouth R.I
What do you both do for work? Also, do
you hold any other community roles?
I’ve worked for Newport Animal Hospital
since 1999. I manage the satellite clinics
in Jamestown and downtown Newport.
Newport Animal Hospital and clinics are well
known in the local community as so many
people have pets, and they all love them! My
husband Bob is a local business owner. His
company is RMD Plumbing and Heating.
Tell us about your pet!
Our lovely Welsh corgi is called Edward. He
is 9 years old. We received Edward from a
breeder, Marcy Mull in Connecticut, who is
also an avid horse person and horse trainer.
Edward only had one sibling, a female.
(There was one more puppy in the litter, but
unfortunately that one died; this is quite rare).
How would you describe Edward? What’s
his personality, favorite activities, foods,
or things that excite him? If you could
describe him in one word, how might you?!
Edward loves to hike. He actually hiked
Mount Washington in New Hampshire! He
has a lot of energy and he loves people.
He loves his food and all kind of treats,
including veggies. Corgis are very intelligent
and athletic. People tend to forget this as it
is hard to keep them in their ideal weight.
Edward is a little too smart. He can sense
your mood and feelings. One word to
describe him... hmm, maybe Old Soul.
With so many beautiful places to take pets
on Aquidneck Island, what favorite spots do
you, Bob, and Edward frequent? And what
do you love about the island in general?
We love Fort Adams, Glen farm, 3rd Beach,
and the Newport National Golf course.
As residents, we love the nature around
here, shared love for animals, a real sense
of community with locals, and seeing the
neighborhoods that have been preserved.
Outi and Bob's Wedding Day, King Park in
Newport, December 2018
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JULY 2023 7

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SAILING FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Offering Camaraderie and the Fun of the Sea
2022 PVA with Paul Callahan, several instructors, and sailors
USA and Israeli veterans sail together
BY PAUL CALLAHAN, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SAIL TO PREVAIL
Countless men and women have acquired a disability while serving our
country. As an organization dedicated to providing experiences for the
disabled, Sail To Prevail is uniquely positioned to pay tribute to these very
individuals. In the aftermath of the Iraq conflict, the organization felt it had an
obligation to utilize its adaptive sailing programs to assist combat veterans who
returned with physical injuries and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Now, spanning the past 14 years, this initiative has led to Sail To Prevail having a
continuous and effective relationship with the New England Paralyzed Veterans
of America (PVA), the Boston Veterans Administration, the Rhode Island Veterans
Home, and the Wounded Warriors. These programs worked so well that Sail To
Prevail was even inspired to start an exchange program with veterans from Israel.
Each June, the PVA veterans infiltrate Newport for the weekend at Sail To
Prevail. Supported by the generosity of local hotels and restaurants, these
veterans become part of the fabric of the Newport experience. They spend
invigorating days competing against each other on 20-foot adaptive sailboats
that, ironically, always showcase the hallmark, patriotic, red or blue sails. You
can regularly spot them sailing through Newport Harbor and on the Bay.
In the third week of each July, the Department of Defense funds the Boston Veterans
Association allowing 80-100 eager veterans from throughout New England to
descend upon Sail to Prevail in Newport for two days of sailing during their fiveday
sports clinic. Sail To Prevail is honored to be part of this unique week for these
veterans, who also kayak, surf, and water ski with collaborating organizations.
“Sailing is a perfect vehicle to bring all branches of the military together and work
toward one goal in a coordinated effort which they might not be able to do in other
situations on land,” stated Sail To Prevail Chief Executive Officer and quadriplegic,
Paul Callahan. “Although proud of their own military branch, there are many similarities
among these organizations. They all display similar traits of camaraderie, leadership
and gratitude. Each of them enjoys working together in combat – but, only this time,
it is on the water in our fleet of adaptive sailboats, and not on the battlefield.”
As Sail To Prevail’s expertise and reputation grew in serving the veteran population,
CEO Callahan pondered, “Why not develop a program to expose our veterans
to another country’s veterans to raise the learning and coping to a higher
level?” Soon thereafter, the organization chose to work with Israeli veterans,
in part, due to Sail To Prevail’s long history of working with Jewish donors and
supporters in the United States. Equally, Callahan experienced much admiration
for the Israeli Paralympic Sailing Team when he skippered the USA boat in
competition in two different Paralympic Games in Australia and Europe.
VA veterans aboard one
of Sail To Prevail's boats
that was donated by PVA
8 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

© Best Version Media
“Our Israeli opponents consisted of many Israeli veterans, and I specifically admired their discipline,
tenacity and sportsmanship. Since I had so much admiration for their team and had developed a
great friendship while simultaneously competing against them, I was intrigued by the thought of
one day bringing together the USA disabled veterans and the Israeli disabled veterans,” he says.
After much collaboration and planning with the Israeli government and other key entities, Sail
To Prevail hosted five Israeli veterans, along with
their support staff, some of whom had never been
on a sailboat previously. Concurrently, five American
veterans were recruited for a week in Newport. It
turned out to be a tremendous success with the
soldiers from two different countries bonding
with each other through therapeutic sailing on
Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, literally
sharing war and combat stories. On land, they spoke
extensively about the similarities and differences
between their two different military cultures, and
their unique homeland experiences as veterans.
“It was a dynamic and extraordinary learning
experience for both countries,” Callahan says.
“We look forward to sending a group of our USA
veterans to Israel for the same purpose. I believe
these cross-cultural collaborations can be mutually
beneficial on so many fronts. When we share
knowledge and learn together, there are
many possible magnificent outcomes.”
Boarding a paraplegic veteran into a seat on the boat
Now, Sail To Prevail is once again experiencing a robust sailing season, hosting the New England
PVA, Boston VA, and Rhode Island Veterans Home, in addition to its regular sailing programs
for children and adults with all types of disabilities. Learn more at www.sailtoprevail.org.
“The gathering of a larger family at
each event fills my days with happiness
rather than the dreary reality of a life
that had a huge bump in it. I am grateful
to Sail To Prevail for smoothing out
the bump and making my days filled
with a quality of life not found often
in mainstream.” – Larry K., Veteran
“I had not had a chance to talk to
women veterans in years.”
– Alice A., Navy, spinal cord injury
“Staying active with a disability
becomes a mindset. The PVA and
Sail To Prevail encourages those
who ‘can,’ to get out there.”
– Paul R., Army, Vietnam, paraplegic
“The overwhelming Newport
landscape is mirrored in my heart
and soul.” – Israeli veteran
“We are building longitudinal
latitudinal international relationships
that will ripple from one generation
to the next.” – Israeli veteran
“I enjoyed meeting new people, in a
beautiful place – Newport – who also went
through difficult experiences like me, and
I would want to continue this connection
and to see you in Israel!” – Israeli veteran
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JULY 2023 9

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Museum center facing East / Photo by Adam Lenio
The Sailing Museum: Celebrating
a Timeless Sport and Inspiring All
BY HEATHER RUHSAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SAILING MUSEUM
As you drive over the Pell Bridge during
the summer months, it becomes
abundantly clear that Newport is a sailing
town. From the bustling berths and moorings
to the lively fleets of dinghies and remotecontrol
boats, this City-by-the-Sea is an
international sailing destination. Harnessing
the passion for wind and water, The Sailing
Museum offers a unique and captivating
experience for sailors and non-sailors alike.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Newport
stands the historic Armory, a castle-like
building that exudes the air of a fortress.
Originally constructed in 1894 for the Rhode
Island Militia and later the National Guard, it
gained prominence during the 50s, 60s, 70s,
and 80s as the Press Office for the America's
Cup during the 12 Metre Era, when sailors
and spectators flocked to Newport to catch
a glimpse of the silver trophy and the boats
that raced to capture its glory. Now, this
iconic space that celebrates the National
Sailing Hall of Fame and America’s Cup Hall
of Fame is known as The Sailing Museum.
Thanks to the support of generous donors
from across the country, the historic Armory
has undergone significant renovations.
Under the expert management of in-kind
supporter Kirby Perkins Construction, the
systems throughout the museum have been
modernized to create a world-class facility.
Special care has been taken to restore the
original interior wood- and metalwork,
harkening back to an age of enduring
craftsmanship. With the Newport Maritime
Center in the space below, the public-private
partnership between the City of Newport
and The Sailing Museum aligns toward public
use and enjoyment of this historic property,
the waterfront, and maritime activities.
At the heart of The Sailing Museum lies its
mission to honor the heritage of sailing and
introduce new audiences to the "sport for
a lifetime." The museum features galleries
celebrating the members of the National
Sailing Hall of Fame and the America's
Cup Hall of Fame. As visitors embark on
their personalized journey, they explore
sailing through interactive exhibits,
Friendly competition on the grinders!
immersing themselves in the rich narratives
and resources that can ignite their own
sailing adventures, whether here in the
Ocean State or anywhere else in the US.
For sailors, the museum and Halls of Fame
serve as a testament to their passion
and devotion to the sport. It honors their
heroes, educates them on the principles
of sailing, and offers a platform to test
their skills and knowledge. The museum
fosters a sense of community and pride,
connecting sailors to the broader history
and culture of their beloved sport.
The appeal of The Sailing Museum
extends beyond the sailing community.
Non-sailors will find The Sailing Museum
to be a captivating experience. It offers
a gateway into the world of sailing,
revealing the universal elements that
transcend the sport itself – the power
of wind, the beauty of water, the mental
acuity required, the physical endurance
demanded, the essence of teamwork, and
the thrill of competition. These qualities are
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10 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

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Since 1935
Newporter exploring the museum / Photo by Cate Brown
presented in entertaining and interactive ways, allowing non-sailors to
appreciate the profound impact of sailing on our society and culture.
Moreover, The Sailing Museum provides invaluable educational
opportunities for visitors of all ages and school groups. Education
stands as a core component of The Sailing Museum including local
and national STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
programming. Sailing is a unique platform for learning, imparting
critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, selfreliance,
and responsibility. The museum's interactive educational
exhibits bring STEAM disciplines to life through sailing, demonstrating
their real-world applications. By engaging with the exhibits, visitors
gain a deeper understanding of these fields, promoting creative
and analytical thinking in a practical and relevant context.
Beyond its educational offerings, The Sailing Museum plays a vital
role in preserving Newport's cultural heritage, and the identity of The
Ocean State. The historic Armory building, along with the captivating
stories and artifacts on display, represents the shared history of the
sailing community and the local area. By providing a cultural asset,
The Sailing Museum enriches the lives of Newport's residents and
visitors alike, contributing to the vibrant tourism industry of the city.
The Sailing Museum is a must-see attraction in Newport. Whether
you are an experienced sailor seeking to deepen your connection
with the sport or a curious non-sailor intrigued by the allure of
sailing, The Sailing Museum offers an extraordinary experience for
all. Through its celebration of sailing's heritage, its commitment to
education, and its preservation of Newport's cultural identity, The
Sailing Museum is a beacon of inspiration, inviting you to embark
on an unforgettable journey through the world of sailing.
Visit The Sailing Museum & Store at 365 Thames Street, Newport,
RI. Both are currently open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The museum
is available for events after hours. Go to thesailingmuseum.org
for information, events and activities happening year-round!
The Sailing Museum is a non-profit organization that honors the
heritage of sailing, celebrates those who have shaped the sport,
and inspires new generations of sailors and innovators.
We help give you peace of mind
for the liabilities of modern life.
OFFICE 401-253-6542
FAX 401-253-5070
www.johnandradeins.com
559 HOPE STREET | P.O. BOX 8 | BRISTOL, RI 02809
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JULY 2023 11

© Best Version Media
21 YEARS OF
Reaching for Success
BY SAM CRICHTON, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CLAGETT SAILING & ANDES VISUAL
Twenty one years ago, the C. Thomas
Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and
Regatta began and has continued to
follow the motto of namesake Tom Clagett
to “Reach for Success," with a mission
to "provide sailors with disabilities the
opportunity to improve their skills and
reach personal goals through worldclass
coaching and competition."
In 2022, the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr.
Memorial Clinic and Regatta celebrated 20
years of providing sailors with disabilities
multiple opportunities to reach for
their personal goals. At this point in the
organization’s history, the Clagett Regatta
rebranded to become Clagett Sailing,
which supports multi dimensional programs
through the clinics and regattas in both
fleet and match racing along with the
Boat Grant program and Team Clagett.
As it enters its third decade of providing
opportunities to sailors with disabilities,
Clagett Sailing hosted the 2023 U.S. Para
Sailing Championships at the 21st C.
Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and
Regatta at Sail Newport for the third time.
Clagett Sailing hosted the championships
in 2018 and 2021 and has previously
hosted the U.S. Blind Sailing National
Championships in 2008 and 2009.
This year two classes, the single handed
2.4mR class and the double handed Martin
16 class, all participated in the five days of
coaching clinic and competition. Coaching
was provided by a world class team of
coaches who have worked with Clagett
Sailing sailors for over 40 combined years.
Having earned a world class reputation for
the programs and opportunities Clagett
Sailing offers to sailors from across North
America and international locations, sailors
from around the world have benefited from
having access to internationally recognized
coaches, world class race management
and competition venues that rank at the
top of the list for sailing locations. All
these components allow Clagett Sailing
to continue to provide opportunities
for sailors with disabilities to Reach for
Success as they Learn Race and Win.
2023 saw entries from sailors across North
America who traveled from afar a field as
California, Florida in the U.S. and Alberta
in Canada. Among the registrations were
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12 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

© Best Version Media
Clagett Boat Grant recipients racing
Martin 16 mark rounding at the 20th
Anniversary Clagett Regatta
Tight mark rounding in the 2.4mR class
a number of Clagett Sailing Boat Grant
recipients who raced in boats provided
through this program established by
Clagett Sailing in 2016. Representatives
from Team Clagett, who raced in the
2.4mR World Championships in 2022
in Florida, joined the 2.4mR fleet this
year along with many returning sailors
and new sailors joining the ranks.
Over the last 21 years, Clagett Sailing
alumni sailors have won three Gold, seven
Silver and nine Bronze medals at the
2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games
and in 2012, Clagett sailor Jen French
was named Rolex US Yachtswomen of the
Year. In 2022, a member of Team Clagett
received the Top Youth award at the 2.4mR
World Championships. These results
demonstrate the ongoing commitment
of Clagett Sailing and the support it
has provided to sailors with disabilities
to continue to strive for their personal
goals through the sport of sailing.
“Clagett Sailing is thrilled and honored to
be working once again with U.S. Sailing to
host the U.S. Para Sailing Championships
in the sailing capitol, Newport, RI. Clagett
brings together sailors from far and
wide to be coached by some of the top
coaches in North America. The Race
Management team is comprised of a
superior group of folks with International
and Olympic experience, all to help the
sailors “Reach for Success“ as they Learn
Race and Win. Both the Clagett Boat
Grant program and Team Clagett are
making a difference in the lives of the
sailors in those programs. It is so exciting
to be going into our 21st year of helping
these sailors reach towards their personal
goals,” said Clagett Sailing Co-Founder
and President, Judy Clagett McLennan.
To learn more about the work
Clagett Sailing does visit
www.clagettsailing.org or follow
Clagett Sailing on Facebook
@ClagettSailing or Instagram
@clagett_sailing
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JULY 2023 13

Meet Musician
Ben O'Connor
Making An Impact,
Traversing New Roads
BY ASHLEY BENDIKSEN, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BEN O'CONNOR
© Best Version Media
Hi Ben! Tell us about yourself - who are
you and what do you do?
I write music, play music, travel, and meet amazing people from
coast to coast, and in many ways it kind of feels like a dream.
Before this, I worked for fishing charters, worked at local hotels
and restaurants, and even sold cars! I was figuring out what
wasn’t working and what I actually didn’t like, kind of like trial
and error. Ultimately, all of these different things led to music.
So now I write music, travel a lot, and get to play to awesome
people. I also have a full band consisting of about seven
members which are used in multiple layouts. The most common
on the road is a trio - myself, a guitarist, and percussionist.
When did you first realize you had musical
talent? Who has influenced you?
The first song I ever memorized was Mud on the Tires by Brad
Paisley. I remember being a kid and loving that song. I was maybe
10 years old, on my parents’ living room floor, and wanted to
write the lyrics out so I could sing it. This was before computers,
so I sat in front of the stereo system and every few seconds, I’d
pause and write down the lyrics as fast as I could. That moment
sparked my love for music. As I got older, I learned guitar in Mr.
(Phillip) Statser’s class my junior year at Middletown High School.
It was very simple yet gratifying. I knew I had a love for music,
but now I could also be a creator. I had a foundation and later
went on YouTube and Google and sort of self-taught the rest. I’ve
always had a love for country, and can say that Kenny Chesney
and Jack Johnson have impacted me the most as a creator.
What's your musical style and hope as an artist?
I try to make music that’s very raw and genuine to the way I live.
The stuff that comes natural to me are family, friends, and love
of country. I have this burning desire to have our music mean
something, as well as improve the lives of veterans. I think the root
of it all is my great uncle, Alfred J. Guilmette, Jr., who everyone
called Uncle Tuffy. He was at Normandy beach, the Battle of the
Bulge, so many of those pivotal
battles during the European
front of the war. When I was
little, right about the same
time as that Brad Paisley song,
he was telling us stories and
showing us his uniform, photos,
badges, things he’d brought
back. This really strengthened
my consciousness and
awareness of this great country
we live in, and that we gotta
be grateful and give back to
those who served. Personally,
I’ve always felt called to serve,
and music is one way I’ve
learned I can play a role. We’re
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14 AQUIDNECK ISLAND LIVING

actually planning out a tour to play in capitol buildings around the
country. The next really big public show will be in Florida at the
end of the year alongside a nonprofit
called Rebuilding Together. 100% of
every donation/sale will go towards
rebuilding homes for veterans.
What has the shift been like going “off
the island” and on the road full time?
From 2018 to now, we were constantly in
and out, traveling to Texas, Tennessee,
Florida, all over the place. We did a
lot of stuff in town - constant shows,
residency at Gurney’s, The Pub at 2
Mile Corner. We’ve put in so many
hours and shows on the island and
honestly, that's what gave us the fuel
to have what we are doing now. Our
presence is still very much on the
island but we need to be untethered,
able to spend a month or a couple of
months where the work is. I also feel
most alive on the move. I need to be in
motion to feel creatively inspired and
to feel like I’m making a difference.
Tell us more about Apollo
- your bus and home!
The bus was a purchase from Tony
Murgo at Ocean State Transit for next to
nothing. He’s probably the most selfless
person I’ve ever met. My girlfriend
Olivia and I are living in it. She’s an
artist and muralist, so her profession is
also on the move. We spent two years
gutting it and making it into a fully
equipped home - it’s spacious, there’s
an entertainment system, it feels like a
house. Olivia said there’s an astrology
meaning behind the name Apollo, the
god of the sun, the creator. For me, I see
it as us kind of just launching into the
unknown. Much like the Apollo missions,
we have no idea where this leads.
We’re just living on wheels. The band
will fly in and stay in hotels for shows
though. The floors are clean and we want to keep it that way!
In your journey as a musician, has anything surprised you?
I think it's the actual impact music can have on peoples’ lives. I
© Best Version Media
always thought of music as an accessory to life, this thing we all
have. But as we played more, certain experiences showed me the
actual impact. One memory comes to
mind. It was Pride week in NYC at the
same time as a PBR (professional bull
riding) championship. The venue I was
performing in had about 300 people.
On the left side, I’m seeing rainbow
flags, and on the other side, leather
jackets and cowboy boots. I have this
song called Nation That I Know, which
I played as the final song of the night. I
said, “It’s a little bit political,” and you
could hear a pin drop. The message just
basically says that we should be one,
united in our differences and celebrating
for the sake of all those who serve. By the
end, I felt like I was in a movie. Instantly,
people started coming up. One girl
had a rainbow flag draped around her
and said it was validating. At the same
time, a big burly man with a leather
jacket had a tear in his eye. He had three
sons in the Marines. To have those two
people talking to me at the same time,
I realized that music truly is boundless.
How has Aquidneck Island
shaped who you are today?
I think Aquidneck Island taught me
the importance of bringing the same
qualities you would have with a family
to your community. I could not have
asked for better parents. The things I
value, I learned from my family, and I
always felt these same values and sense
of connectedness in the community.
It’s just a bigger version of what I had
with my brothers and parents. There’s
hundreds of small towns that we pass
through and spend time in on the road,
and maybe it’s just bias, but there really
is a sense of community and family on
Aquidneck island unlike anywhere else.
To listen to Ben’s music, find upcoming
shows, or learn more, visit www.benjaminoconnor.com. You can
also follow him on Facebook at “Ben OConnor” or on Instagram at
@benoconnormusic or follow the Apollo at @apolloroams.
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JULY 2023 15

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