Marianne Scott, marine and travel writer, author, photographer

In the late ‘90s, I crossed the Pacific Ocean in a 35-foot sailboat with my husband, David. The 14-month adventure changed my writing life. French Polynesia inspired me to chronicle sea-related topics, boating in all its guises, travel, people and places. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to sail and write about our voyages in the Baltic and North Seas, the Dutch canals, and the waters of Washington State, British Columbia and Alaska—all in our family sailboats.

I like offbeat stories that include unusual people and events, history, geology, science and technology. Thus I’ve described the scientific work of Oceans Network Canada, life aboard Capt. Cook’s Endeavour, plastic in our oceans, how to hitch rides on other people’s yachts, charting adventures in the Northwest Passage, running an adventure ship from the crew’s point of view, boat repair, ecological cruises and boating safety. I’ve profiled scores of people influential in the marine industry, including renowned yacht builders, designers and naval architects.

Although I focus on marine- and travel-related writing, other subjects regularly pique my interest. I’ve been a columnist and contributed research features to Diabetes Dialogue and written pieces about musicians and music festivals.

 I emigrated in my teens from the Netherlands to the United States and had to learn English quickly. I studied in France and am fluent in English, French, and Dutch. I earned a B.A. and M.A. from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. at Michigan State (French language and literature). I moved to Canada three decades ago. Living in several countries, my studies and multiple languages have helped me develop researching skills and meeting people around the world.