Tim Queeney is the editor of Ocean Navigator, where he demystifies maritime technology and history for a global audience of sailors and enthusiasts. Based in Maine, his work spans ocean racing, naval engineering, and the cultural legacy of seafaring.
Queeney’s collaboration with the 2023 Transpac Race set new standards for regatta journalism, blending live data with narrative storytelling. His upcoming book Rope (St. Martin’s Press) further cements his authority in maritime history.
Tim Queeney’s career as a maritime journalist and historian is a testament to his deep-rooted fascination with the sea. Based in Maine, where fog horns echo through his coastal home, Queeney has spent decades bridging the gap between nautical expertise and public understanding. His work at Ocean Navigator reflects a commitment to educating sailors and enthusiasts about the technical, historical, and cultural layers of maritime life.
This coverage of the Transpac Race exemplifies Queeney’s ability to blend technical analysis with human drama. The article details how the J 125 Nereid, skippered by Standish Fleming, leveraged weather routing and crew coordination to secure victory. Queeney dissects the team’s strategic use of PredictWind data, offering readers insights into modern ocean racing’s fusion of technology and tradition. His interviews with navigators highlight the psychological resilience required for offshore competitions, making the piece a staple reference for aspiring racers.
Queeney’s reporting on marine electrical systems underscores his commitment to practical education. The article announces a seminar series led by Nigel Calder, emphasizing the importance of proper wiring and safety protocols. By contextualizing common failures—such as corroded connections or undersized circuits—Queeney translates engineering jargon into actionable advice for boat owners. His inclusion of attendee testimonials reinforces the seminar’s value, positioning it as a must-attend event for serious mariners.
In this personal blog piece, Queeney unearths the legacy of Elaine Kaplan, the mathematician whose propeller designs powered the SS United States to its 1952 Blue Riband victory. The article meticulously explains Kaplan’s solutions to cavitation, using layman-friendly analogies to describe fluid dynamics. Queeney’s archival research into Gibbs & Cox naval architects reveals how Kaplan’s gender-defying career paved the way for women in STEM—a rare intersection of maritime history and social progress.
Queeney’s coverage of Elaine Kaplan and the SS United States demonstrates his appetite for stories that marry technical ingenuity with historical context. Pitches should highlight overlooked inventors or engineering breakthroughs, particularly those with modern applications. For example, a pitch about the revival of WWII-era sonar technology for contemporary fisheries would align with his interests.
Articles like the Nigel Calder seminar series show Queeney’s prioritization of actionable knowledge. Successful pitches might explore emerging tools for weather prediction or case studies on disaster preparedness. Avoid overly theoretical topics; instead, frame submissions around problem-solving (e.g., “How AI-Driven Anchoring Systems Prevent Coastal Erosion”).
Queeney’s Transpac Race coverage thrives on personal narratives. Pitches should spotlight crew dynamics, mental health during long voyages, or grassroots racing initiatives. A story about a novice team qualifying for the Bermuda 1-2 Race would resonate, provided it includes technical details about their training regimen.
As a co-sponsor of the Transpac Race, Ocean Navigator under Queeney’s editorship provided unparalleled coverage that blended live tracking data with journalist commentary. This partnership elevated the publication’s profile among competitive sailors and showcased Queeney’s ability to orchestrate complex, multi-platform reporting.
Queeney’s 2015 article series spurred a resurgence in traditional navigation training programs. By interviewing master navigators like Bruce Schwab, he bridged generational gaps in the sailing community, earning praise from the National Maritime Historical Society.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Maritime, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
