Shirley Hewett was a 20th-generation mariner. Shirley launched Canada’s first bare boat charter operation, Bosun’s Charter Ltd. Shirley began writing at the Ubyssey student newspaper while a UBC undergrad. She subsequently became a leader, mentor and supporter of other writers through the Periodical Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), serving on the national executive and as president of the Victoria chapter. She covered the waterfront community in Victoria, BC, through stories in Monday magazine, the “Around our Shores” column in the Victoria Times, the Times Colonist’s “Islander,” SAIL, Pacific Yachting, 48 Degrees North, Beautiful British Columbia and Mariner Life. She was the CFAX radio voice of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race for many years and was well known for her involvement in the Classic Boat Festival (Honorary Commodore); the Canadian Forces Sailing Association; the Royal Victoria Yacht Club; and other marine affiliations. Shirley was welcome aboard the CCGS Narwhal, HMCS Oriole, Messenger III, and in the kitchens of West Coast lighthouses. Shirley was also a pioneer community recycler. She passed away in 2008.