Another Shellback of note is Herb Hilgenberg, who for over 25 years operated as a Guardian Angel to crews of thousands of ocean-going yachts and commercial vessels, guiding up to 75 vessels per day, 7 days a week, as they transited the Atlantic Ocean. Herb kept many sailors away from dangerous storms and severe weather systems, thereby avoiding loss of life, property damage and mental anguish. Herb provided ship routing and weather forecasting for vessels on the high seas from his fixed HF marine land station VAX498 (the NET) from 1987 until 2013 and while the NET, which operated daily for over 25 years until June 2013, is now closed, Herb may be available to assist vessels in difficulties while en-route, by contacting him via email/phone. He is known all over the world among seafarers and was a reliable source of information and assistance in rescue situations coordinated by the United States, Canadian, and United Kingdom Coast Guard/Rescue Coordination Centers. RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1993 SSCA Seven Seas Service Award 1994 Community Service Award for Service to Sailors, Government of Bermuda 1997 Cruising Club of America Plaque for Service to Newport Bermuda Yacht Races, 1998 U.K Ocean Cruising Club Award of Merit Medal, 1999 SSCA South Bound II Blue Water Sailing Service Award 2000 Canadian Coast Guard RCC Halifax, Plaque, Contribution to Search&Rescue 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal 2004 The Royal Cruising Club "Medal for Service to Cruisers", United Kingdom 2012 SSCA Seven Seas Award 2013 U.S. Coast Guard 5th District RCC Norfolk Oar-plaque for faithful and dedicated Service 2013 2nd U.K Ocean Cruising Club Award of Merit 2013 United States Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award More details on Herb's service are at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/hehilgen/vax498.htm
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