Cruising Club of America Honors Kristen Neuschäfer with 2023 Blue Water Medal

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) has announced that Kristen Neuschäfer of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is the recipient of the prestigious Blue Water Medal for 2023. The award recognizes Neuschäfer’s exceptional seamanship, endurance and determination during her 235-day solo circumnavigation aboard Minnehaha, a Cape George 36, while competing in the Golden Globe Race. Out of 17 initial entrants in that edition of the Golden Globe Race, Neuschäfer was one of only three sailors to reach the finish, becoming the first woman both to complete and to win that edition of the event—an historic accomplishment in singlehanded ocean racing.

First awarded a century ago, the Blue Water Medal recognizes “meritorious seamanship and adventure upon the sea, displayed by amateur sailors of all nationalities.” Over the years the medal has honored many notable sailors whose voyages and skills have inspired the global cruising and racing communities. The CCA’s citation for Neuschäfer highlighted not only the endurance of her circumnavigation but also the judgment and courage she displayed at sea.

Rescue at Sea and the Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy

During the Golden Globe Race, Neuschäfer prioritized another sailor’s safety over competitive advantage. When competitor Tapio Lehtinen’s boat sank, she interrupted her race to assist him, helping coordinate the rescue and ensuring he boarded a passing ship before resuming her own passage. That decisive action earned Neuschäfer the 2023 Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy, an award that recognizes exemplary on-the-water judgment and humanity in challenging circumstances.

Young Voyager Award: Max Campbell’s Ongoing Journey

The CCA also presented the Young Voyager Award to Max Campbell, who set sail eight years ago and is currently undertaking a global voyage aboard Elixir, his 37-foot Swan. The Young Voyager Award honors a young sailor who has completed one or more remarkable voyages, demonstrating initiative, resilience and a deep commitment to life at sea. Campbell’s travels have included severe trials—surviving a life-threatening galley fire, facing an encounter with armed boarders off Venezuela, and experiencing detention in Mexico—yet he continues to champion the cruising lifestyle.

“Max’s achievements are a perfect example of the spirit within the CCA where we find fulfillment in ‘exploring’ the oceans and our own inner-limits aboard small boats at sea,” said CCA Commodore Chris Otorowski. Campbell himself emphasizes that the people met along the way are what make cruising meaningful: “It is the people that make it special, that make it interesting,” he said. “The experience of offshore sailing will always be better shared. I’ve seen cruising and offshore sailing change the lives of a handful of people, and I find it incredibly rewarding.”

Additional 2023 CCA Awards

In addition to the Blue Water Medal and the Young Voyager Award, the CCA recognized three other sailors for notable contributions to design, adventurous cruising and service to the sailing community.

Paul Bieker: Diana Russell Award

Paul Bieker of Anacortes, Washington, received the 2023 Diana Russell Award. This honor recognizes innovation in sailing design, methodology, education, training, safety and adventure at sea. The award recalls Diana Russell’s legacy and the work of design-focused communities. Bieker’s contributions reflect sustained innovation in yacht design and the development of practical solutions that enhance performance and safety under a variety of conditions.

Maxwell Fletcher: Far Horizons Award

The Far Horizons Award was presented to Maxwell Fletcher of Orr’s Island, Maine. This award recognizes a member who has undertaken cruises or a series of cruises that exemplify the adventurous, exploratory spirit of the Club. Fletcher’s voyages reflect the broader objectives of the CCA by demonstrating bold, considered use of the sea and an eagerness to explore distant horizons in small craft.

Ralph Naranjo: Richard S. Nye Award

Ralph Naranjo of Annapolis, Maryland, was honored with the Richard S. Nye Award for 2023 in recognition of his outstanding service to the Cruising Club of America and the broader international sailing community. Created to honor the late CCA commodore Richard S. Nye, the award recognizes leadership, commitment to safety and notable seamanship that benefits the yachting community.

Celebrating Seamanship and Adventure

These awards underscore the CCA’s long-standing mission to celebrate seamanship, safe and adventurous cruising, and the personal growth that comes from time spent on the ocean. From solo circumnavigations and daring rescues to innovation in yacht design and enduring commitments to exploration, the 2023 honorees embody the values the Club seeks to promote: courage, skill, curiosity and camaraderie on the water.