As summer draws to a close and we settle into the quieter rhythm of the shoulder season, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the many milestones Bluewater Cruising Association [1] members have achieved in their cruising journeys. Preparing for offshore adventures takes dedication, and one of the most inspiring motivators is celebrating those who have gone before us and honouring their achievements.
Each year, the Bluewater Cruising Association recognizes members who have reached significant milestones through our BCA Awards program [2]. These awards honour the commitment, perseverance, and accomplishments of sailors in our community.
BCA Awards at a Glance
Offshore Cruising Awards
- Coastal 999 Award – for members who have logged 999 nautical miles of coastal cruising.
- Offshore Crew Award: Recognizes members who have crewed on an offshore passage.
- Offshore Skipper’s Award: Honours members who have skippered an offshore passage.
- Offshore Owner Award: For members who have completed a qualifying offshore passage in their own vessel.
- Cape Horn Award: Acknowledges the extraordinary achievement of rounding Cape Horn.
- Circumnavigation Award: For members who have successfully completed a circumnavigation of the globe.
Perpetual Awards
- Hill-Padwick Award (“Bent Mast” or “Boo-Boo of the Year”) – For humorous or memorable mishaps during sailing adventures.
- Antares Pacific High Finders’ Award – For the longest Hawaii–Victoria passage logged in a year.
- Ted Long Award – For outstanding personal contributions to BCA, granting Lifetime Membership.
- Doug Mitchell Memorial Single Handler’s Award – For significant single-handed voyages.
- Ben Rusi Seamanship Award – For acts of seamanship demonstrating courage, skill, and dedication.
- Peterson Cup Award – For the winner of the annual Peterson Cup Cruising Rally.
- Peter Doherty Goodwill Ambassador Award – For promoting camaraderie and support of the cruising lifestyle beyond BCA.
Service Awards
- Service Award – For Watchkeepers serving three or more years on the Watch or Board.
- Rudi Seifert Keeper of the Light Award – For contributions that reflect and support the spirit and values of BCA.
If you—or someone you know—have met the criteria for a BCA award, please send a brief story with the details to pastcommodore@bluewatercruising.org [3] before October 10, 2025 to ensure the awards are ordered in time.