Nominations open for YJA Awards

The coveted Yachtsman of the Year trophy © Sam Kurtul

The Yachting Journalists' Association has announced that 2018 nominations are now open for these annual awards, the Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year.

These are unique and highly prestigious awards, which recognise the incredible achievements of the UK's sports stars on the global stage. This is the oldest yachtsman of the year trophy in the world, and the list of winners engraved upon its base is the envy of every other similar trophy.

Established in 1955, the recipients of this award have varied from prime ministers (Edward Heath) to humble adventurers (Ewen Southby-Tailyour), who rose to the occasion at a time of need. The dedication to the task of high achieving competitors, and the bravery of rescuers at a time of crisis, are amongst the stories recognised in the list of winners. Some notable people are serial winners, Sir Ben Ainslie (5 times) and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (four times), and Dame Ellen MacArthur (three times). The present holder is Alex Thomson, awarded for his remarkable performance in last year's Vendée Globe solo round the world race.

There are also those who started young by winning the junior award, the Young Sailor of the Year Trophy which was initiated in 1993, then going on to win the main event later in life. Last year's winner was Montel Fagan-Jordon, aged 18, a student from the Greig Academy in Tottenham, London, who raised money to restore the 1980's classic American Admiral's Cup yacht Scaramouche, then led a crew of fellow students, sailing the fully restored yacht in last year's Fastnet Race.

Nominations for these awards are open to the public, but it is the members of the Yachting Journalists' Association who make the final decision as to whose names will grace these trophies. Over the years the members of the Association have had some difficult choices to make, but the list of winners as it stands, is a testament to the huge achievements of the British boating community. The nominations will remain open until midnight on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

Nominations may be made by email to secretary@yja.world or online at www.yja.world or click here and anyone may make a nomination for consideration. Please mention which award the nomination is being made for, and include a brief description as to why you are making this nomination. Please also include your own contact details so we can request additional information if required. The winners will be announced towards the end of this year and there are sure to be many notable contenders after an incredible year of sailing achievements.

The YJA is also accepting entries for your YJA Young Blogger of the Year Awards, open for anyone under the age of 21 on December 31, 2018. Full details available at www.yja.world

To join the YJA click here.