THOMASTON — Peter McCrea of Thomaston was chosen as the first winner of the Vertue Award.  This award is given to an Ocean Cruising Club member “in North America who best represents club founder, Humphrey Barton, through sailing achievements or service to the club and cruising community."

According to a press release sent by Doug & Dale Bruce, OCC Regional Rear Commodores, USA NE, ”Hum Barton was a living symbol of the strong friendships between cruisers from Great Britain and those from North America. He created this marvelous club and a legacy that we shall always cherish.”

McCrea fulfils all the criteria for the award. He has been an OCC member for 21 years, having qualified in 1990 on a passage from Norfolk, Virginia to Virgin Gorda BVI. His sailing CV includes the entire US East Coast from Maine to Key West; Bermuda — many times; an Atlantic Circle in 1994-95; the Eastern Caribbean in 1991 and 95, the Bahamas in 1999; Nova Scotia along the South Coast to Cape Breton in 2000; plus eleven Bermuda 1-2 races, every other year from 1987 to 2013, sailing single-handed to Bermuda and 2-handed on the return to Newport.

McCrea has been an advocate for 1-2 race and the joys of single handing. He has attracted numerous cruisers to the OCC as a result of his association with the Bermuda 1-2. McCrea has been one of OCC's best port officers having served effectively in Newport, Rhode Island and currently in Thomaston/Rockland. He has spoken to the OCC New England gatherings on numerous occasions about his single-handing and general ocean cruising experience.

His presentations are always well received. He has been a ready helper to those members organizing events and gatherings. He gladly does the hard work and prefers to stay out of the limelight. 

 McCrea’s boat, Panacea, with sail number 35 is a Freedom 32...a small boat, not too dissimilar to Hum Barton's Vertue XXXV.