This week's announcement of the 2022 Cruising Club of America awards for adventurous use of the seas puts the spotlight on achievements ranging from ocean crossings by young and old, a rescue at sea, and a new award recognising sailing innovation, to service to the Club itself.
As Afloat reported previously, for a lifetime of ocean-crossing achievement, Japan’s best-known ocean sailor, Kenichi Hori, has been named winner of the prestigious Blue Water Medal, awarded 95 times since 1923.
His most recent voyage began in March 2022, when he sailed alone from San Francisco to Chiba, Japan, at age 83.
Young Voyager Award: Cal Currier
Young Voyager Award: Cal Currier
This high-school student from Palo Alto, California, had a big year in 2022—first learning to sail, then buying and preparing a modest, 30-foot sloop. Last summer, he set sail alone from Marion, Massachusetts, and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Lagos, Portugal, via the Azores.
Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy: Kirsten Neuschäfer
Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy: Kirsten Neuschäfer
The South African sailor is this year’s recipient of the CCA’s seamanship award for playing a pivotal role in the successful rescue of a fellow 2022 Golden Globe Race competitor, Tapio Lehtinen. The race is on-going, and Neuschäfer’s 36-foot Minnehaha is contending for the lead with 12,000 nautical miles still to sail to the finish in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.
Diana Russell Award: Mary Crowley
Diana Russell Award: Mary Crowley
The winner of the inaugural CCA award, which recognises a club member for innovation in sailing design, methodology, education, training, safety, and the adventurous use and enjoyment of the sea, is a lifelong sailor. She is recognized for founding and directing the Ocean Voyages Institute, as well as her active support for several other non-profits dedicated to the marine environment.
Richard S. Nye Award: Barbara Watson
Richard S. Nye Award: Barbara Watson
The 2022 winner has served, and continues to serve, the Cruising Club of America (CCA) at the highest levels. She has served as a station Rear Commodore and historian, on the Club Nominating Committee, chair of the Events Committee, an editor of Voyages Magazine, and is currently the Yearbook Editor. Read more
Far Horizons Award: David Tunick
David Tunick often sails solo on his 55-foot Sparkman & Stephens yawl, Night Watch
Recognisng CCA members for a particularly meritorious cruise or series of cruises, the 2022 award, recognises the winner’s pair of transatlantic passages solo aboard his 55-foot Sparkman & Stephens yawl, Night Watch, more than two decades apart—the “bookends” to an extended cruise through the Baltic and Northern Europe.
The awards will be presented at the CCA’s Spring Meeting in New York, March 4, 2023.
Photo credits: Cal Currier, Ocean Voyages Institute, Barbara Watson, GGR2022, David Tunick
