James recently received an unexpected letter from the Ocean Cruising Club Awards Chairman with this notice:
“I have great pleasure in writing to you to inform you that the committee have voted you as the winner of The OCC Award of Merit that is awarded to members and non members for ‘an outstanding voyage or achievement’. This is our most prestigious award.
Who can possibly argue with the fact that you are thoroughly deserving of this award for your innovative designs over many years that have helped people fulfil their dreams of building a boat and sailing into the sunset."
James and Hanneke will be attending the awards ceremony, which will take place on April 20th on board HQS Wellington in London. Though James has never been a member of the OCC, many of his sailing friends are and perhaps it is time for him to join as well. The main requirement to join this club of World sailors is to have sailed a voyage of 1000Nm.
Other award winners this year are fellow Experimental Marine Archaeologist Tim Severin and single-handed sailor and writer Val Howells.