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An Interview with 2011 NSPS Keynote Speaker Rachael Miller

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Jake Fish
US SAILING
jakefish@ussailing.org

Rachael Miller

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (January 12, 2011) - Rachael Miller, founder of the Rozalia Project, will be a keynote speaker at US SAILING's 2011 National Sailing Program Symposium on Friday, Jan. 28 at the Marriott Suites in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Rachael will be discussing what we as sailors need to know about marine pollution and what we can do to make a difference. US SAILING caught up with Rachael to discuss her plans for the NSPS presentation.

US SAILING: Can you give us a brief synopsis of your NSPS presentation on cleaning up harbors? What do you want attendees to learn from your presentation?

Rachael Miller: The presentation will look at the problem of marine debris in an exciting and interactive audience challenge. I want them to learn about what we, as sailors, can do about this problem. I also look forward to reporting on the Rozalia Project's programs from 2010, and introduce our new trash-hunting mothership, American Promise. I will also reveal plans and details for the 2011 Trash Tour.

I hope attendees will come away from the presentation educated about the specific problems of marine debris, and inspired to be part of the solution in a realistic way, whether on their own or, even better, by working with the Rozalia Project this summer and beyond.

US SAILING: What inspired you to start the Rozalia Project?

Rachael Miller: The inspiration for the Rozalia Project was a team effort between me and my husband and partner, James Lyne. We have always been frustrated and disgusted by trash on beaches and in the water. In 2009, we went on a late fall vacation to Matinicus Island off the coast of Maine. It was beautiful, except for the heaps of trash on the beach brought in by a recent Nor'Easter. We started talking about the problem more and more. We realized that we have the tools (in the technology) and the experience to do something about marine debris.

And though the task is a huge one, James had an experience while coaching the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics in Qingdao for the Olympics in 2008, that made us realize huge tasks can be accomplished. Do you remember the photos and stories about the algae that came up the Chinese coast and covered dozens of square miles, including the sailing area? It was impassable for motor and sailboats alike and the mats went on and on. It looked like the sailing venue was at serious risk. Then, thousands of boats showed up and people appeared on the beach. They cleaned up the algae and the Games went on.

We realized that any big problem gets handled one piece at a time. And that is what we are going to do, along with Rozalia Project participants, fellow sailors, and motivated people from all over, we are going to clean up the ocean, one piece of trash, or plastic, or piece of derelict fishing gear at a time.

US SAILING: How have you used your experience in oceanography, reef ecology, and marine mammals to assess the issues facing our oceans?

Rachael Miller: The experience I have had studying the sea, its habitats, and creatures have only strengthened my resolve to do what I can to remove trash and prevent it from getting there in the first place. Everything is affected by marine debris in a shocking variety of ways. I have also been lucky to be working with a quartet of companies to bring some incredible technology to the problem and its resolution.

We use a VideoRay ROV as our primary tool for underwater search and pick up and it is equipped with a Blueview imaging sonar (think ultrasound video) allowing us to see over a hundred feet beyond the VideoRay's camera even when the visibility is only a few inches. We also use a Lyyn image enhancement system which helps us gain detail and contrast when we are up close to a target.
Finally, when we need to see the big picture, we use a Starfish side scan sonar. Last summer we used it on the Providence River to search for debris and a shipwreck.

US SAILING: What are you most looking forward to at NSPS?

Rachael Miller: NSPS is a guaranteed great time. I am looking forward to the people (a bright, motivated and fun group), the info (I always learn a lot), and the chance to keep spreading the word about the Rozalia Project.

I am also psyched because I will have the ROV (remotely operated vehicle used by the Rozalia Project) at the event to show everyone how it works and to look for trash (and sea life) under the docks at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center (Friday, Jan. 28).

Looking for trash underwater is surprisingly exciting. One young sailor who was part of a program we ran at the Community Boating Center in Providence (R.I.) last summer commented that using the ROV to search for trash was like a treasure hunt for the environment.

Learn more about Rachael and the entire 2011 NSPS Keynote Speaker roster.

Learn more about the Rozalia Project.

US SAILING's 2011 National Sailing Program Symposium, presented by LaserPerformance, is the premier event for sailing education in the United States. This year's event takes place on Jan. 26-30 at the Marriott Suites in Clearwater Beach, Fla. NSPS brings together the very best people and resources in instruction, program operation, equipment, and more. From professionals to volunteers, NSPS offers networking at its best. Each year, 250 instructors, program directors, volunteers and industry representatives gather for four days of workshops, networking and product demonstrations.

Find out how you can attend

About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US SAILING is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.