The Yachting Journalists' Association has secured a two-year sponsorship deal with Ray Marine for the YJA Yachtsman of the Year and the Young Sailor of the Year awards
The Yachting Journalists’ Association has secured a two-year sponsorship deal with Ray Marine for the YJA Yachtsman of the Year and the Young Sailor of the Year awards – the principal awards for British sporting excellence for both power and sail.
Past winners of the YJA Yachtsman of the Year award include many of the great names in yachting including Eric Hiscock, Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Chay Blyth, Sir Edward Heath, Tracy Edwards and Ellen MacArthur. The current title holder is Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie who has just returned from Greece with another Gold Medal after winning the Finn class pre-Olympic regatta.
Ainslie and round-the-world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur also have their names on the Young Sailor of the Year Award. MacArthur’s potential was recognised when she passed her RYA/Dot Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate with exceptional examination results at the tender age of 18, while Ainslie was awarded the Young Sailor of the Year title after winning the 1995 Laser Youth World Championships.
The YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award is open to any British resident or passport holder whose achievements under sail or power during 2003 justifies the title. The winner is presented with the prestigious silver navigation buoy mounted on a sea of crystal which was commissioned specially by the late Sir Max Aitken in 1953.
The Young Sailor of the Year Award recognises endeavour and achievement by young British sailors. Nominations are for youngsters aged under 19 at 31st December 2003, who have made a significant impact on youth sailing during the current year. This could be on the race course, in the classroom, overcoming adversity or other notable achievement. The winner will be presented with a trophy commissioned by Raymarine.
Nomination forms for both awards are available from the Yachting Journalists’ Association, Suttons, Church Lane, Eastergate, West Sussex. P020 6UZ E.mail: yja@mistral.co.uk
Nominations close on November the 21st 2003.