Readers may recall that last year, to acknowledge people who have made extraordinary contributions to the small-boat community and sailing, we launched the Small Craft Advisor Helmsman Award and presented the first annual plaque to sailor and event-organizer par excellence, Sean Mulligan.

This year we honor a man who’s “been out there doing it,” and repeatedly validating the concept of less-is-more cruising—Sven Yrvind. Sven has made numerous ocean crossings on boats of less than twenty feet—boats he designed and built himself. At 74 years of age Sven is still looking forward to more challenges; currently he is building a 10-foot boat, again of his own design, with the express purpose of circumnavigating the globe—non-stop. We repeat: nonstop!

Congratulations and the 2013 SCA Helmsman Award go to the very embodiment of sailing self-reliance—Sven Yrvind.

Follow or support Sven by visiting: www.yrvind.com

Here’s the latest from Gary “Luke” Lukoski and crew.