Rousmaniere: A Legacy of Maritime Writing and Sailing Safety
From the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Army to the unpredictable swells of the Atlantic, the career of Rousmaniere is defined by a lifelong commitment to maritime excellence. A versatile writer, historian, and seasoned sailor, he has dedicated decades to documenting the history of yachting and, more importantly, improving the safety of those who venture onto the open sea.
Rousmaniere's professional journey began with service as an Airborne-qualified officer and an Infantry OCS-trained leader in the U.S. Army. His early academic contributions included serving as an Assistant Professor of History at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Transitioning into journalism, he held editorial roles at Yachting and Natural History magazines before establishing himself as a freelance writer in 1978.
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Key Facts
- Sailing Experience: Over 40,000 nautical miles sailed, including nine Newport Bermuda Races and three transatlantic crossings.
- Authoritative Works: Wrote The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, a definitive manual now in its fourth edition.
- Safety Leadership: Organized or participated in over 100 safety-at-sea events and served on Independent Review Panels for fatal accidents.
- Academic Background: Holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and an M.A. thesis on settlement houses from Columbia.
- Olympic Contribution: Chaired the 1980 Sailing Olympic Trials as a member of the U.S. Olympic Yachting Committee executive committee (1977–1984).
Expertise in Seamanship and Sailing Safety
Rousmaniere is perhaps most recognized for his contributions to seamanship—the art and skill of handling a boat. His seminal work, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship (Simon & Schuster), first published in 1983, has become a cornerstone of sailing instruction through four editions, the most recent arriving in January 2014. The book's impact extended into a corresponding video series.
The Impact of the Fastnet Race
A pivotal moment in Rousmaniere's life was his participation in the tragic 1979 Fastnet Race, where 15 sailors lost their lives. He documented this experience in his first-person account, Fastnet, Force 10 (1980). This event profoundly influenced his trajectory, leading him to pursue a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in 1988 and sparking a lifelong obsession with maritime safety.
He followed his first storm account with After the Storm: True Stories of Disaster and Recovery at Sea (2002), which analyzed the causes and consequences of maritime disasters through biographies and personal experience.
Advancing Maritime Safety Standards
Beyond writing, Rousmaniere has been a practical advocate for sailor survival. He has moderated or spoken at over 20 safety seminars between 2010 and 2016 for prestigious events such as the Transpac Race and the U.S. Naval Academy Safety at Sea Seminar. His technical contributions include:
- Co-organizing the 2005 Crew Overboard Rescue Seminar in Sausalito, California.
- Serving as the coordinator for the Hanson Rescue Medal Award via US SAILING.
- Conducting critical reviews of sailor retrieval, capsize recovery, and entrapment tests.
- Serving on Independent Review Panels for US Sailing Association inquiries into fatal accidents in Annapolis and Lake Michigan.
A Prolific Historian and Author
While sailing is a primary focus, Rousmaniere's intellectual curiosity extends to a wide array of historical subjects. He has authored numerous books on the America's Cup, ocean racing, and the history of yacht clubs. His versatility is evident in his non-boating works, which include histories of the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, the Equitable Life Assurance Society, and the Union League Club of New York.
His connection to New York City is deeply ingrained in his work. He contributed 40 essays to the second edition of The Encyclopedia of New York City and wrote His Green Oasis in Brooklyn, a history of a 170-year-old cemetery. He also served as a trustee for The Evergreens Cemetery Preservation Foundation.
Editorial and Media Contributions
Rousmaniere's influence extends to the screen and the page. He has written scripts for sailing shows produced by Gary Jobson for ESPN and served as a writer for the Outdoor Life Network's coverage of the Louis Vuitton Cup. As the media chair for the Newport Bermuda Races from 2010 to 2016, he managed daily coverage for the international press and the official race website.
| Category | Key Contributions / Works | Impact/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional | The Annapolis Book of Seamanship | Standard reference for sailing instruction |
| Safety | US Sailing Review Panels | Investigation of fatal sailing accidents |
| Narrative | Fastnet, Force 10 | First-hand account of the 1979 Fastnet tragedy |
| History | Encyclopedia of New York City | Contributor of 40 historical essays |
| Governance | U.S. Olympic Yachting Committee | Chair of the 1980 Sailing Olympic Trials |
Professional Affiliations and Education
Rousmaniere is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the New York Yacht Club, the Cruising Club of America, the Century Association, and the Authors Guild. He has held leadership roles such as the chair of the New York Yacht Club's Library Committee and served on selection committees for the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America's Cup Hall of Fame.
His commitment to education is evident not only in his own degrees but in his teaching. He has taught writing at the College of New Rochelle, Union Theological Seminary, and the Davis Polk & Wardwell law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rousmaniere's most famous sailing book?
His most well-known instructional work is The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, which has been published in four editions since 1983 and serves as a comprehensive sailing manual.
How did the 1979 Fastnet Race influence his career?
The tragedy of the 1979 Fastnet Race led him to write Fastnet, Force 10, pursue a Master of Divinity degree, and dedicate a significant portion of his professional life to studying and teaching safety at sea.
What role did he play in Olympic sailing?
Between 1977 and 1984, he was a member of the executive committee of the U.S. Olympic Yachting Committee and served as the chair of the 1980 Sailing Olympic Trials.
Does he write about topics other than sailing?
Yes, he is a prolific historian who has written about New York City, business history (including the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell), and various social clubs like the Union League Club of New York.
What safety contributions has he made to US Sailing?
He has served on Independent Review Panels to investigate fatal accidents, coordinated the Hanson Rescue Medal Award, and conducted reports on sailor retrieval and capsize recovery.