A special ceremony will take place at lunchtime today in the Painted Hall at Greenwich to announce the 2006 Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year.

The prestigious Yachting Journalists’ Association trophy sponsored by Raymarine is awarded on an annual basis to great achievers in British yachting. Nominations for the Yachtsman of the Year award may be made by anyone via the YJA website (yja.com), shortlisted by the YJA Committee, representatives from the RYA, and Raymarine. The final vote is cast by YJA members.

Here is a reminder of this year’s finalists for the Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year:

Dee Caffari

Thirty-three-year-old Dee Caffari set a new world record – the first woman to sail single handed, non stop around the world against prevailing winds and currents. 178 day round the world challenge from 21 November 2005 to 18 May 2006.

Nic Asher and Elliot Willis

Nic Asher and Elliot Willis (21 years and 23 years-old respectively) are the 470 World Champions – winning the 470 World Championship in China – first British team to win the 470 Worlds since Nigel Buckley and Pete Newlands back in 1980s.  Part of Team GBR and 3rd in the 470 Olympic Trials, held in China earlier this summer.  In 2005 they were 6th at the 470 Worlds in San Francisco.

Steve Curtis

Steve Curtis (42) has won an unbelievable seven Class 1 World Championships and is considered the best international powerboat racer of all times.  Earlier in 2006 Steve was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 80th birthday honours list.