The Cruising Association's prestigious annual Flag Officers' Lunch and Challenge Awards presentation took place at CA House, London on 27 January 2024.
The event, hosted by CA President Derek Lumb, awards the most prestigious honours conferred by the CA, marking an annual tradition to highlight the exceptional commitment and impact of volunteers.
As the CA Patron, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, was guest of honour and presented the awards, saying, "I’d like to congratulate this year’s recipients. You are all well-deserved winners whose contributions form the backbone of the CA. The Flag Officers’ Lunch is a special occasion to shine a light on you and the hard work, expertise and dedication of our many members."
Many of the CA’s volunteers gathered at CA House for our annual thank you to volunteers. This year's Award presentation showcased the diversity of volunteer roles within the CA, featuring members from various committees, as well as Section Secretaries, authors of cruising guides and others. The occasion provided a platform to acknowledge their remarkable achievements and contributions and the vital role they play in the functioning of the association.
President Derek Lumb paid tribute to the enormous impact volunteers make, saying, "The CA relies so much on the goodwill and skills of volunteers at every level. The Challenge Awards recognize our volunteer members who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact. Their commitment embodies the essence of the CA, sharing knowledge and expanding access within our community and the broader world of cruising."
The 2023 Challenge Award recipients are:
The President’s Plate
Awarded for: outstanding service to the CA.
Presented to: Bob Garrett in recognition of his outstanding service as joint Channel Section Secretary since 2016, and the noteworthy research and sharing of information particularly on post-Brexit requirements. Bob also served on Council for four years, including as Chair from 2021-2023, the most demanding role in the CA.
The Desmond Scott Memorial Cup
Awarded for: the most outstanding contribution by a member to the work of the CA.
Presented to: Andrew Osmond in recognition of his exceptional and previously unrecognized contributions to the CA. He served as Chair of Council from 2015-2018, was a longstanding member of the Finance Committee, and made significant contributions to cruising reports on Croatia.
The Fid
Awarded for: best cruising article not exceeding 3,000 words published in Cruising.
Presented to: Alan Holmes for his informative piece, ‘Why not sail to Yorkshire’, exploring the joys and challenges of sailing the Yorkshire coast. Alan’s article inspired a new series in Cruising, ‘HLRs and their coasts’.
The Laver Sextant
Awarded for: services to the Sections.
Presented to: Judith Grimwade in recognition of establishing and running the CA Biscay Section single-handedly for 12 years.
The Brittain Cup
Awarded for: most valuable contribution to knowledge of a cruising area.
Presented to: Bob Bradfield in recognition of his contribution to the safe exploration of Scotland's west coast through extensive surveying expeditions and production of his Antares charts.
The Michael Manton Commemorative Plate
Awarded for: innovative work to build the CA’s cruising community in the Mediterranean.
Presented to: Rod and Lu Heikell in recognition of over 40 years of writing definitive pilot books for the Mediterranean coasts and islands and supporting the CA's Mediterranean Section through seminars.
The Dussek Plate
Awarded for: the most valuable collection of forum posts.
Presented to: Paul Evenden in recognition of his authoritative and informative posts on mechanical matters.
Members can view further information about the Challenge Awards and recipients here.
Join the CA Volunteer Team
If you would like to discuss opportunities to contribute your expertise and passion to the CA's outstanding work, please contact Lucy Gray, Chief Operating Officer, at coo@theca.org.uk. Giving even a small amount of your time will have a meaningful impact.
29 January 2024