Noted Newport based nautical photographer and sailor Onne van der Wal was the feature of a recent Rhode Island PBS special, Second Wind: The Snoek Refit with Onne van der Wal, earlier this week.

The Rhode Island PBS Original documentary is described as “The documentary profiles Onne van der Wal personal journey from sailor to photographer, and highlights his solo refit of his Pearson 36, Snoek, named for the fish he caught as a child. The film demonstrates Onne’s ingenuity, instinct, and tenacity, masterfully applying his training and natural skill to finish the winter project in time to enjoy the Rhode Island sailing season with his family”.

This film was produced by Eric Thorkilsen from This Old House Ventures and directed by Thom Draudt. The presenting station is Rhode Island PBS.

Second Wind, The SNOEK Refit, a Rhode Island PBS special with Onne van der Wal. from Onne van der Wal on Vimeo.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...