Golding awarded

He may not have won Yachtsman of the Year but...

British sailor and ocean racer Mike Golding was selected by the Cruising Club of America to receive its 2007 Rod Stephens Trophy for Outstanding Seamanship for his heroic rescue of Alex Thomson in the Southern Ocean during the 2006 Velux 5 Oceans Race. The trophy will be presented at the club’s annual Awards Dinner at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan on January 15, 2008. This is a perpetual trophy made possible by shipmates and friends of the late Rod Stephens to recognize “an act of seamanship which significantly contributes to the safety of a yacht or one or more individuals at sea.” Making the presentation of the award to Maureen Davis of Ecover, Inc. on behalf of Mike Golding was CCA Commodore Ross Sherbrooke of Boston, Mass.

“I am delighted to accept this prestigious reward,” said Mike Golding upon receiving the news of his selection. “The rescue of Alex Thomson from Hugo Boss was an incredible experience for both of us and something that I would like to think anyone in the same position would have done. Alex and I were located deep in the Southern Ocean competing on the Velux 5 Oceans Race solo around the world race, but when you take up the gauntlet of this type of racing we know the risks involved. We also know that we are each others best chance of rescue in such hostile regions. While we are competing in a serious and professional yacht race, in such situations all competitive considerations have to be put aside in favor of straightforward human concern for our fellow sailor’s well-being.”

The Cruising Club of America is dedicated to offshore cruising and voyaging and “the adventurous use of the sea” through efforts to improve seamanship the design of seaworthy yachts, safe yachting procedures and environmental awareness. Now in its 85th year, the club has 10 stations throughout the US, Canada and Bermuda, with approximately 1200 members who are qualified by their experience in offshore passage making. In even-numbered years, the CCA organizes the Newport to Bermuda Race in conjunction with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. It also sponsors several Safety at Sea seminars and hosts a series of “Suddenly Alone” seminars for the cruising couple.