The OCC Awards Dinner

Past Commodore Bill McLaren getting the dinner going. 

Ninety members of the Ocean Cruising Club were booked in for the dinner at Plas Menai in North Wales, arriving from all directions, including as far away as Australia and British Columbia. The remarkable aspect of the OCC is that our membership spans the world. It makes it interesting to pull everyone together.


As Past Commodore Bill McLaren welcomed members and guests to Plas Menai, the cafe was transformed miraculously into an elegant venue. The Reverend Bob Shepton said grace and guests were seated.

The awards were announced in tranches between courses, leading up to the Club's premier award, the Barton Cup. There will be detailed stories in the Flying Fish, and a gallery of photos is posted on the website. The Flying Fish is available to non-members to view on the ISSUU eZine platform.

Commodore Simon Currin gave an eloquent introduction to Bill Hatfield's exploits aboard s/v 'L'Eau Commotion', including prior attempts at a solo non-stop circumnavigations that produced 'interesting outcomes'. Undaunted, Bill took off for a fourth circumnavigation attempt, but once again had a failure that forced a stop. Nevertheless, he completed his circumnavigation. Having come from Australia just for the weekend, when asked what he was planning next, he said without hesitation that he departs again shortly for yet another attempt. Perhaps we'll see Bill at the Awards dinner again.

Bill Hatfield accepting his Barton Cup to a standing ovation

José Azevedo of Peter Café Sport, a great friend of the OCC, had flown in from the Azores with wife Maria for the event. At the AGM, a motion to elect José as Honorary Member of the OCC was approved and he was presented with a certificate. Later in the evening, José was presented with the OCC Events and Rallies Award for his role in the success of the OCC Rally to the Azores to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Peter Café Sport.

Jose Azevedo accepting his award for the Azores Rally

Lin Pardey, who could not be with us in person, sent a short video from New Zealand to thank the OCC for awarding Lin and Larry Pardey the OCC Lifetime Sailing Award. The video will reside in the Video Gallery on the OCC website and can be viewed following the link below.

Jenny Crickmore-Thompson told attendees about presenting the OCC Award and the Seamanship Award to Des Cason and Dustin Reynolds, respectively, in South Africa a few weeks ago.

Dick Guckel, who could not be with us in Wales, was also elected Honorary Member and received the OCC Award for his twenty years of service to the OCC, chiefly in managing the monthly eBulletin; he didn't miss one issue in all that time.

Agustin Martin flew in from the Canaries to collect his Port Officer Service Award, the second such award he received for the great care he delivers to OCC members visiting the Canary Islands.

Agustin Martin named top Port Officer for the second time.

Finally, it was announced that Bob Shepton won the Photographic Competition held during the weekend with a picture of his boat in the icebergs of Greenland (unfair advantage!).

It is humbling to be in the company of such great sailors and adventurers. It also makes for great conversation. I will always cherish having sat next to Jose and Maria Azevedo, such genuinely nice and kind people.

You can find out more about the OCC Awards on the OCC website, including a gallery of photos.