The Yachting Journalists’ Association has announced the opening of public nominations for its 2024 awards: the Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year.
These highly regarded accolades celebrate exceptional achievements in performance, seamanship, sportsmanship and youth talent across the sailing and watersports sectors.
The nomination period is now open and closes at 23:59 on 31 December 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their nominations, recognising outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to British yachting or displayed exceptional promise and dedication.
Since its establishment in 1955 by Sir Max Aitken, the Yachtsman of the Year Award has been a cornerstone of the yachting calendar, honouring the finest achievements in British yachting.
The Young Sailor of the Year Award, introduced in 1993, celebrates rising stars under the age of 19 (as of 31 December 2024) who demonstrate outstanding skill and commitment.
Recipients of the Yachtsman of the Year award feature many of our favourite national sailors, including Sir Ben Ainslie, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Pip Hare, Alex Thomson, Lawrie Smith, Hattie Rogers, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and Tracy Edwards.
The Young Sailor of the Year Award has a proud history of recognising exceptional talent, with previous winners Jess Powell and Ben Greenhalgh joining Hannah Stodel, Emma Wilson and Hannah Mills who have gone on to achieve incredible success on the global stage.
To nominate, visit the official YJA website. Following the nomination period, the YJA Committee will shortlist three finalists in both categories, with the winners determined by a vote from YJA members. The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at the 2025 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February.
Katy Stickland, Chair of the YJA, said: “The YJA Yachtsman and Young Sailor of the Year Awards have been won by some of Britain’s best sailors. 2024 has been a remarkable year, with highlights including the Paris 2024 Olympics, Louis Vuitton America’s Cup and the Vendée Globe Race. We look forward to receiving this year’s nominations and celebrating another stellar year of sailing achievements.”
