Sharing cruising expertise is at the heart of the Cruising Association and to recognise members’ contributions to location information the Polaris Award has been launched.
The all-new Polaris Award will be presented to members who make an exceptional contribution to location information for the Cruising Association’s renowned Cruising Almanac, CAptain’s Mate and range of Cruising Guides.
Derek Lumb, President of the Cruising Association, commented, "The first-hand and trusted knowledge and information shared by members on cruising waters and locations is very much the remit of the Cruising Association.
"The depth and quality of accessible location information sourced and shared by members is one of our most valuable assets, and we are delighted to launch the new Polaris Award to honour these."
The creation of the Polaris Award will further underpin, raise awareness and celebrate members’ input, expertise and knowledge to the Cruising Association’s important cruising resources.
"The CA is proud to offer so many resources and services, and we can only do this based on the generous knowledge sharing by our members," continued Lumb. "Receiving the Polaris Award will ensure each recipient knows how much their input and dedication is appreciated.
"The CA’s vast spectrum of location information equips sail and motor cruisers around the world with know-how and inspires cruising adventures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for their wide-ranging support."
Several recipients will be honoured each year and presented with a unique Polaris flag. CAptain’s Mate recipients will have their reports identified by a special Polaris Award star.
Recognising excellence of cruising location information
The presentation of the Polaris Award will honour excellence in:
- Cruising Almanac - Almanac Editor contributions to location-based information
The Cruising Almanac is the single best reference for cruising in NW Europe. Published in partnership with Imray, it features the Shetlands in the north around the coasts and islands of Great Britain and Ireland and spans the continent from Bergen into the approaches to the Baltic and down to Gibraltar. - CAptain’s Mate - editor and member contributions to location-based information
CAptain’s Mate app provides an unrivalled breadth of information and cruising reports covering 6,500+ locations in 77+ countries around the world, with up to date, accurate and informative location data on anchorages, marinas, ports, harbours, boatyards and quays. 20,000+ member contributions and reports provide first-hand insights and practical knowledge on locations and local interest. - Cruising Guides – author contributions to location-based information
The CA’s range of Cruising Guides cover coastal and inland Europe, along with laying-up guides, all packed with comprehensive information to enhance the cruising experience.
The new Polaris Award will complement the annual Challenge Awards, presented by the Cruising Association to recognise support and services from members.
Award Recipients
Each year, nominations will be invited for the Polaris Award, with recipients determined by an expert judging panel made up of the Chair of the Almanac Group, the person responsible for CAptain’s Mate Editors and a representative of the Section Secretaries.
The inaugural recipients for 2022 will be informed in December 2022.
2 November 2022