YJA Stoneways Marine Gala dinner 2021 - Nominations open, tickets available

YJA Stoneways Marine Gala dinner © YJA

Nominations open for the YJA Stoneways Marine Yachtsman of the Year, Young Sailor of the Year, and our new award, the YJA Stoneways Marine Young Journalist of the Year. Reserve your tickets now - limited number available.

Anyone may nominate a recipient of their choice for these awards and are actively encouraged to do so. An extraordinary number of fabulous sailing events have happened so far this year, with the quite incredible finish of the Vendée Globe, the spectacular action of the America's Cup in Auckland, SailGP's eight teams keeping us on the edge of our seats, and of course the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics. But it's not just about championships and major event victories, also great acts of seamanship, such as Clipper Race crew member Gavin Read's heroics during the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race earning him the trophy in 2016.

Nominations are open for the awards which are, without doubt, the most prestigious in UK yachting, having been established in 1955 and awarded to many of the great names in 'boating', including Sir Ben Ainslie, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Steve Curtis MBE, Dee Caffari MBE, Rodney Pattisson MBE, Sir Chay Blyth and Tracy Edwards MBE.

To qualify for the awards, the nominee must be the holder of a British passport. For the Young Sailor award, the nominee must also be under the age of 19 on December 31st 2021.

The YJA Stoneways Marine Young Journalist of the Year looks to celebrate and reward upcoming talent in the marine industry. Anyone can be nominated, from any nationality, and by anyone in any country. The winner will receive a newly created perpetual trophy, and become a Yachting Journalists' Association member. The aim is to encourage those starting out on their careers, as nominees need to be under 21 years of age at December 31st 2021 in order to qualify. They can be from any sector of the media, and 'new' media. Nominees do NOT need to be YJA members.

The nomination period for all awards closes at midnight on Sunday 29th August, so ensure you make your submission as soon as possible.

Make your nomination here now

The Awards are the pinnacle of our sport

Keith Lovett of Stoneways Marine, the marine insurance provider with genuine service, support, and experience, said, "The Awards are the pinnacle of our sport, and we are delighted to support this year's nominations as being as important as ever. Following global disruption not experienced in recent decades, achievements over the last year have been inspiring in so many ways and it is only right that they are recognised. Intrinsically involved with yachting at all levels, Stoneways is privileged to be associated and would encourage nominations from all sectors."

The black-tie Gala Dinner will be held at the Grand Café in Southampton, on Friday 10th September, following on from Press Day at the Southampton International Boat Show. Double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson will be the guest speaker and host for the presentations, one of the many stars expected to attend, including former winners of these prestigious trophies.

Only limited tickets are available for this 'not-to-be-missed' event.

• YJA members tickets are available for £25.00;
• YJA members may invite one partner/guest, at a ticket price of £65.00;
• Non-members tickets are available at £99.00

The evening will begin with a drinks reception in the famous Grand Cafe foyer, and then we will move through to the main dining area, where the awards ceremony will take place. The evening includes a 3-course meal with coffee/tea afterwards.

If you would like to reserve your tickets, please do so immediately. Contact YJA Secretary, Chris English via email at stating how many tickets you would like, and he will send you the available menu for the evening, as your choice must be made in advance due to restrictions.

Find out more about the Yachting Journalists' Association at yja.world