Jane Russell showered with praise for her contribution to the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation and beyond.
At the Royal Cruising Club awards dinner on the 9 January 2025, we were delighted to present Jane Russell with a well-deserved leaving present for her unparalleled dedication to the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation.
Jane became Director of the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation in 2012, and shortly thereafter was appointed Editor-in-Chief in 2016. After 12 years of unstinting service, Jane stood down as Editor in Chief of the Pilotage Foundation in 2023.
During Jane’s 12-year-leadership at the Pilotage Foundation, she was extraordinarily successful - known for having excellent rapports with the authors and editors, as well as the Foundation team of dedicated volunteers. Jane never failed to deliver drafts on time and worked closely with the publishers - encouraging them to execute a similar performance. A difficult balancing act!
Under her watch, around 35 cruising guides were published - either as new or updated editions. Jane also made the Atlantic Crossing Guide her own, authoring new editions in 2010 and 2017. She also edited the Royal Institute for Navigation's guide entitled ‘Electronic Navigation Systems - Guidance for safe use on leisure vessels’ which has been downloaded over 5,700 times!
Paul Bryans, Pilotage Foundation Chairman, presented Jane with a wonderful painting of the Parade of Sail at the Royal Cruising Club Centenary Beaulieu Meet in 2022. This captivating work of art is painted by marine artist Martyn Mackrill (also a Royal Cruising Club member). Delivery of the painting was slightly delayed due to ensuring the painting was adequately framed and a suitable presentation venue arranged!
Unsurprisingly, Jane received more than one award on the evening of the 9 January. Now Rear Commodore of the Royal Cruising Club, Jane was awarded The Medal for Services to Cruising for having rendered outstanding services to yacht cruising by Vice Commodore, Tim Trafford.
Thank you Jane!