The Cruising Association has announced the winners of its annual Log Competition, celebrating the best stories of cruising adventures spanning inland, coastal and offshore cruising in the most recent season.
The Log Competition is one of the oldest traditions and most notable events in the CA's calendar, dating back to 1910 when The Love Cup was first awarded. The competition awards members with prestigious trophies across various categories for the best log of a cruise.
The 2022 Log Competition winners were presented with their awards by CA President Derek Lumb and Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, who presented the preceding Hanson Lecture on 'The influence of leadership and healthcare upon Britain’s maritime dominance'.
Celebrating Cruising
The evening celebrated a diverse range of fascinating logs, with this year's entries again showcasing the joy of being in nature on a boat, capturing moments of challenge, exploration and achievement.
After reviewing an impressive array of entries, judge and CA Council Member Peta Stuart-Hunt, decided the winners, saying, "As I started my journey of reading about your journeys, it became clear very quickly just how much time, effort and care has been invested and I can only congratulate you all for your sublime dedication to the cause.
"It’s always tough to whittle down those few logs and blogs that really stood out, that shone above the rest in their category, polished in their presentation, captivating in the storytelling, that combined practical information - be it navigational, technical, logistical - with good writing, fabulous imagery, and an interesting tale to tell."
2022 Log Competition Winners
Hanson Cup - best log of any duration / James Kenning
Log Title: Cornwall - Biscay - Atlantic Portugal - The Algarve
Judge’s Comments: It’s a lively and fascinating read covering a 1274.8 nm cruising adventure. As I read, I honestly felt as though I was doing the entire journey with them.
Love Cup - best log of under 30 days' duration / David Innes-Wilkin
Log Title: Kalamata to the Cannons of Pylos
Judge’s Comments: This is a lovely, simply-narrated tale about the places visited rather more than the actual sailing, charmingly told and illustrated with lovely images and drawings.
Dugon Cup - best log in a vessel not more than 32’ LOA of any duration / Julian Cable
Log Title: Robinetta homeward bound - Mallaig to Rosneath
Judge’s Comments: This delightful story been thoughtfully presented, is packed full of varied detail and an extremely interesting read as well as including some good images.
Images: © John Hadley
Dolphin Cup - best photographic log / Viv & Linda Fox
Log Title: River Blackwater to both sides of the English Channel
Judge’s Comments: A photo log needs to accomplish a great deal in telling the story of a cruise. This one combined exquisite imagery and highly descriptive accompanying texts.
The Lacey Trophy - best website or blog covering cruising / Robin & Brigitte Matthews
Log Title: On the trail of the Hanseatic League and the Vikings
Judge’s comments: There's a book in this. Top marks. Simply outstanding. Exquisitely written and beautifully presented in 20 individual blog posts.
PBO Award – best photographic log of one week / Nick & Alison Boxall
Log Title: Whimbrel cruise to Scotland
Judge’s comments: This photo log beautifully met the criteria of the 2022 PBO Award in delivering the best photographic log of a cruise.
Katy Stickland, Editor of Practical Boat Owner, added, "Alison and Nicholas’ stunning photographs of their boat, the scenery and wildlife will certainly inspire cruisers to explore this stretch of the UK coastline."
The PBO Award winners also receive a one-year subscription to Practical Boat Owner.
Hammett Trophy – best log by crew or skipper using the Crewing Service / Liz Campbell
Log Title: Pabbay’s Maiden Voyage – rediscovering the meaning of adventure
Judge’s comments: This is a raw, warm-hearted and honest account of a maiden voyage with a plethora of obstacles to overcome!
The osCA - best video / Nick & Alison Boxall
Log Title: Whimbrel cruise to Scotland
Judge’s comments: Well, I smiled from the start to the finish of this 21 minute 6-month cruising epic. It is a tour de force and I loved it.
Images: © John Hadley
The CA Log Competition serves as a retrospective of the adventure that cruising offers, as well as the importance of sharing those experiences with others.
Members can view the winning logs and all logs entered to the 2022 Log Competition along with past competitions, by going to Cruise Logs on the member website.
31 March 2023