Here is the nomination Jimmy received to become an honorary member of the Ocean Cruising Club. Originally published in Flying Fish, the OCC’s flagship publication.
Jimmy Cornell’s lifetime contribution to ocean sailing and the cruising community is extraordinary and well aligned with the values and purpose of the OCC. During his many decades as a pioneering sailor, author, rally organiser and visionary he has hugely influenced modern blue-water cruising. Jimmy helped transform ocean passage-making from a solitary pursuit into a supportive international community, making long-distance cruising more accessible and more inclusive. His philosophy was for each to be prepared and be ready for anything whilst also thinking of, and looking out for, fellow passage-makers. His sharing of practical seamanship, his thoughtful leadership and his emphasis on preparation, safety and mutual support reflect the very principles upon which the OCC was founded. Jimmy’s influence changed the norm from small informal SSB radio nets set up between a few boats making a crossing at the same time into a more organised cruising community, inviting others to join widely advertised radio nets with a formal net controller, keeping track of many vessels and recording their daily positions, thereby enabling the sharing of problems by opening a larger pool of knowledge and experience. His organisation of the ARC gave many more cruisers the confidence to cross the Atlantic for the first time.
Jimmy’s books include World Cruising Routes, A Passion for the Sea, World Cruising Destinations, Cornell’s Ocean Atlas, World Voyage Planner and Sail the World With Me. These are still considered essential reading and have helped guide generations of sailors across the world’s oceans, forming part of the onboard library of many a serious cruiser. Beyond his publications, Jimmy’s personal voyages exemplify courage, curiosity and a deep respect for the sea.
Jimmy’s family set up Noonsite.com, a website dedicated to providing meticulously researched information on the latest rules, regulations and emerging issues facing sailors as they travel from country to country. Their mission is simple: to make cruising safer and save sailors time so they can focus on adventure.
