Nominations for the Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards will open at 1230 on Friday 12 September, on the Raymarine stand (G88) at the Southampton Boat Show. Current titleholders Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Laurence Greenough (pictured) are expected to be among those opening the call for nominations.

Nominations can range from a well-known figure in the yachting or power boating world – and eyes will undoubtedly be on the Olympic and Paralympic sailors during their events in Qingdao – to a commendable member of a local boating club.

Raymarine and the YJA (Yachting Journalists’ Association) are urging visitors to the Southampton Boat Show to put forward candidates who they believe should be awarded for their achievements – breaking a world record, a phenomenal win, overcoming adversity, or showing exceptional bravery and courage. The awards recognise sporting excellence and the tremendous achievements and bravery by the very best in British sail and power.

Members of the YJA, the RYA, British Marine Federation, and many others involved in organising or supporting British boating, will be on Raymarine’s stand to enter their nominations.

Following the Boat Show, nominations can be made online at www.raymarine.com , www.yja.co.uk or using the nomination forms which can be found at RYA affiliated clubs nationwide. Nominations must be received before 7 November 2008.