Ocean Cruising Club honours Vendée Globe sailor Pip Hare and Arctic navigator Victor Wejer
Medallia skipper Pip Hare before the start of the Vendee Globe, on November 10, 2024 in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Image courtesy of Mark Lloyd/Alea.
The Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) has announced its 2024 award winners, recognising significant achievements in ocean sailing. British Vendée Globe racer Pip Hare has received the Seamanship Award, while Canadian Victor Wejer is honoured with the Lifetime Award.
Hare earned recognition for her response to a critical situation during the 2024 Vendée Globe Race when her IMOCA 60 Medallia was dismasted 800 nautical miles south of Australia. She constructed a jury rig using onboard materials and navigated to Melbourne over 13 days in challenging conditions, including gale-force winds.
“I am very humbled to receive this award from OCC,” says Hare, who is currently seeking sponsorship for the 2028 Vendée Globe Race.
The Lifetime Award recipient, Victor Wejer, has provided two decades of support to sailors navigating the Northwest Passage. Based in Ontario, he has assisted over 100 boats through the Arctic waters, offering personalised guidance and live video conferencing support.
Wejer, who authored the Polar Yacht Guide available through the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation, takes a cautious approach to Arctic navigation. “For most, I strongly advise them to stay away. A perfect crossing will have no story to tell at the end. No problems. No issues,” he notes.
Additional award winners for 2024 include:
• Vasey Vase: Tim Riley and Carol Osborne
• OCC Jester Award: Jacqueline Evers
• David Wallis Trophy: Wim and Elisabeth van Blaricum
• Water Music Trophy: Carla Gregory and Alex Helbig
• OCC Award (members): Zdenka Griswold; Bill Weigel
• OCC Award (open): Jesse and Sharon Rose James with the Trinidad Operations Centre; Bob Bradfield
• Qualifier’s Mug: Fabian Fernandez
• OCC Events and Rallies Award: Reg Barker
• OCC Environmental Award: Ivar Smits and Floris van Hees
• Port Officer Service Award: Cristian Yanzer
The Ocean Cruising Club represents over 3,700 members from 61 nationalities. Membership is open to sailors who have completed significant ocean voyages.
