The Cruising Club of America (CCA) has announced its 2025 award winners. UK yachtsman Pete Hill has been named the recipient of the prestigious Blue Water Medal.
The Blue Water Medal is the CCA’s highest honour. It celebrates exceptional long‑distance voyaging and seamanship. Hill was recognised for more than 50 years of offshore sailing in simple, seaworthy rigs.
Hill learned of the award while cruising in New Caledonia. “I am blown away by this,” he said. “This is such an honour.”
The CCA also named other award winners for 2025:
Young Voyager Award – Tamara Klink.
Brazil’s Tamara Klink, 28, receives the Young Voyager Award. She crossed the Atlantic alone at 22 and later became the first Latin American to solo sail the Northwest Passage.
“Sailing is always a collective endeavour, especially singlehanded,” Klink said, crediting her support team and mentors.
Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy – Philip “Greg” Velez.
Philip “Greg” Velez of Michigan won for rescuing a sailor during the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race after a prolonged search in rough conditions.
“I am unbelievably proud of my crew,” Velez said. “Once we found him, retrieval was the easy part.”
Diana Russell Award – Peter Willauer.
Peter Willauer of Maine was honoured posthumously. The award acknowledges innovation in sailing education and safety. Willauer helped establish the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School and its successor centre.
Far Horizons Award – Christopher and Molly Barnes.
Christopher and Molly Barnes of Utah receive the Far Horizons Award. Their family’s 36,000‑mile cruise included rounding Cape Horn and voyages from sub‑Antarctic islands to Arctic Norway.
“We are honoured and a bit daunted to be in such esteemed company,” the Barneses said.
Richard S. Nye Trophy – Doug and Dale Bruce.
Doug and Dale Bruce earned the Nye Trophy for long‑term contributions to the CCA, including major updates to cruising guides and leadership roles in club communications.
All awardees are invited to a ceremony in New York in early March. The CCA said its awards highlight seamanship, adventure, and contributions to the sailing community.
