Nautical Institute Award for Capt. Ken Edwards OAM

The London-based Nautical Institute has honoured Captain Ken Edwards OAM, Executive Master of the James Craig with the Shipmaster of the Year Runner-up Award for 2009.

In the citation covering the announcement of the award Captain Richard Coates, President of the Institute, said “It is fitting that Captain Ken Edwards is a recipient of this honour as he has given a lifetime of dedication to the maritime industry and continues, to this day, to pass on his knowledge and skills through sail training in Australia. The Dedicated Service Award is a recent addition to the hierarchy of Institute awards and is reserved for those few who have made a lifelong contribution to the work of the Institute.

The winner of the 2009 Shipmaster of the Year Award was Captain Richard Phillips, Master of the Maersk Alabama who received his award for “his heroic actions in the face of violent piracy off the coast of Somalia. Not only did he give himself as a hostage, so as to effect the release of his ship, the anti-piracy measures practised on board had frustrated the pirates in their intention of taking over and operating the ship”.

Hugh Lander, Public Affairs Manager at Sydney Heritage Fleet, said “this is a very well deserved honour for Ken who has been Executive Master of James Craig since before she was recommissioned in 2000.” He went on to say ”members of the public are warmly invited to join James Craig’s 6-hour sea cruise on the 8th May. That same day it is anticipated that youngest, unassisted Round-The-World sailor, Jessica Watson, will triumphantly enter the Heads at 1100 hours. Hundreds of craft and thousands of spectators are expected to welcome her home. You can be a part of this historic day by booking for the outing by phoning the Booking Manager on 92983888 going to http://www.shf.org.au and following the links to the Fleet’s on-line shop”.

For further information about James Craig and her sailing program please browse our website