Dick Durham announced as judge for CA Log Competition

For decades, Dick’s writing has graced the pages of national newspapers and as Feature Writer and News Editor for Yachting Monthly. Dick is the author of eight non-fiction books, two novels and a travel memoir. His seasoned eye for compelling narrative makes him the perfect judge to review the entries to the 2025 Log Competition.

"With his lifelong passion for sailing and unique talent for recognising a great story, Dick brings invaluable expertise as this year’s judge," commented Lucy Gray, CA Chief Operating Officer. "The entrants will be keenly awaiting Dick’s insights as he helps us celebrate the art of the cruising log."

Commenting on his role as judge, Dick shared, "The log of a ship details the vital statistics of her passage: date, time, position, course steered, tidal status, wind strength and direction, the hard facts of her story. The ‘comment’ section should be the story of yours. There is something about a sailing vessel and her handling that invites personification, more so than in any other form of transport. It's something to do with overcoming adversity slowly.

"The best logs are those which are revelatory, candid, confessional. The best logs describe the psychology of sailing, the make-up of the crew or skipper's character. The best logs put the fear of God into you as you sit round a winter's hearth, yet still make you yearn to go back to sea."