David Wallis Trophy Winners

Awarded to a member for the most valuable contribution to "Flying Fish".

2011

Rosemarie Smart-Alecio for her articles Hard Times and Rat on Board published in Flying Fish 2011/2. She describes in graphic detail the trials and tribulations of refitting a steel boat and dealing with unwanted visitors, at the same time bringing a much-needed note of humour to Flying Fish. This is the second time Rosemarie has won this award.

2010

The Flying Fish Proof Reading Team

This is the first time that an award has been made to the whole team yet it is thoroughly deserving and reflects the support and commitment from these unsung heroes of the Flying Fish editorial team.

2009

This year’s winner was Dave Jessinger for his fascinating article entitled Rapture of the Deep – The Underside of Blue Water Cruising, which appeared in Flying Fish 2009/2. Dave’s well-written article was illustrated with more than two dozen excellent photographs showing all aspects of the underwater world.

Dave kindly e-mailed with his apologies and explained that he was unable to attend due to engine problems on Amoenitas, which entailed a 250 miles passage under sail to Phuket to get spares and fix the problem. He was very disappointed to miss the ceremony.

2008

This trophy, a gift from the family of the previous editor of our club journal, goes to Nick Barham for his article The Loss of Tahiti Belle which appeared in Flying Fish 2008/2.

Nick was on his way back from the Azores in July 2008, singlehanded aboard Tahiti Belle, his 31ft Val trimaran, when both floats were seriously damaged during heavy weather. His detailed account of rescue by the chemical tanker MV Omega Princess, illustrated with photographs taken by the ship’s crew, made gripping reading and also provided Flying Fish with its most dramatic cover to date. Covering his immediate actions, the rescue itself, the role of HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue and Co-ordination Centre and, perhaps most importantly, ‘Lessons learned’ – in the opinion of the Editorial Sub-Committee The Loss of Tahiti Belle was indeed ‘the most valuable contribution to Flying Fish’ during 2008.

2007

Jo Wallace (Aurora of Polruan ) – for her article "Aurora Homeward Bound" in FF 2007/1 p.166. It tells the story of her and husband Dennis’s passage from Oman through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to Port Said, near the end of their circumnavigation aboard their Moody 425, Aurora of Polruan. Neither had written for Flying Fish previously.

Although longer than most Flying Fish submissions, AURORA HOMEWARD BOUND holds the reader’s attention throughout. Most unusually, Jo chose to write entirely in the present tense. Few writers can bring this off successfully, but Jo has the knack of carrying us with her, and enables us to share the passage through her eyes. Her comments are perceptive and entertaining, whether about the places they visit, local officialdom, other cruisers or their own experiences, and remind us what we all enjoy – or miss – about long-distance passagemaking.

2006

Sally Melling (Taraki - Saltram Saga 40) – for her article: “The adventure of a Lifetime” which describes her travels with her husband in and around the Chilean Channels on the west coast of South America and their return voyage home cross the Atlantic which was published in the house magazine: “Flying Fish”.

2005

Rosemarie Alecio (Ironhorse)– for her evocative account of a visit to the Kingdom of Tonga's North Minerva Reef entitled: “Stuck in Minerva” which appeared in the OCC house magazine: ‘FLYING FISH’.

This trophy, a gift from the family of the previous editor of the OCC journal FLYING FISH, recognizes the most valuable or otherwise memorable contribution to FLYING FISH during the year. The recipient is nominated by the Editorial Sub-Committee, which felt in this case that Rosemarie had captured to perfection the charm of this clearly very special place -- somewhere which can only be reached by cruising yacht. Her excellent photographs clinched the award.

2001 - Jason Baggaley

1997- Peter Bonsey

1993- Chris and Patsy Watney