Last chance to nominate for boats.com YJA Yachtsman of the Year
by Yachting Journalists' Association 22 Oct 2015 08:05 BST
30 October 2015
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, winner of the 2014 boats.com YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award, with Ian Atkins, CEO of boat.com, and Bob Fisher, Chairman of the Yachting Journalists' Association © YJA
With less than two weeks to go until nominations for the 2015 boats.com YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award close on Friday 30th October, members of the boating community are encouraged to put forward additional nominees for the highly competitive and prestigious yachting honour.
Nominations are invited for two categories, Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year, and should recognise achievements attained in 2015.
The Awards give yachting enthusiasts an opportunity to put forward their yachting heroes and celebrate up-and-coming star talent. Until 30th October 2015, nominations can be made at uk.boats.com/nominate or using the form below.
Winners for each award will be announced at a gala lunch on Tuesday 12th January 2016 at Trinity House, London.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, winner of the 2014 boats.com YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award, said: "I've won the award four times, but each time it means so much. It's such a great accolade, and this year will be very special as it's the Diamond Anniversary of the Yachtsman of the Year award."
Ian Atkins, president of boats.com, commented: "Every sport needs its heroes. Yachtsmen like Geoff Holt and Sir Ben Ainslie are heroes, everyone's heard their names, and we need more people like them to interest more people in boating. The Yachtsman of the Year Award carries even more significance as it celebrates its Diamond Jubilee year in 2015. We encourage the boating community to submit their nominations ahead of the closing date next week and recognise yachtsmen and young sailors from across the YJA for their great yachting feats."
Already a highly regarded accolade, the 2015 Yachtsman of the Year Award will carry even more significance as it celebrates its Diamond Jubilee year. Established in 1955 by Sir Max Aitken, Battle of Britain pilot, chairman of Express Newspapers and himself a leading yachtsman in both sail and power, the Yachtsman of the Year Award is now one of the top yachting honours. Previous winners of the Award include Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dame Ellen MacArthur and four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie. The Young Sailor of the Year Award was first awarded in 1993.