Storytelling sailors invited to capture ‘inspiring seas’ in 2026 award: entries close 30 August

Entries for The Brian Black Memorial Award, an environmental journalism and photography competition run in partnership with Coppercoat, are closing in one month.

Now in its sixth year, the award, organised by Yachting Monthly, commemorates sailors and environmentalists Brian and Lesley Black. It invites submissions on the theme ‘Our Inspiring Seas’, with prizes of more than £3,000 for the best article and the best photos that capture an inspiring encounter with marine wildlife or the marine environment.

Judges include multiple circumnavigator Mike Golding, TV presenter and environmentalist Monty Halls, as well as conservationist Dr Bob Brown, and Brian Black’s daughter, Sarah Brown.

Industry voices underline ocean responsibility

“The world’s oceans are all connected, and the way we treat them has a global impact,” says Golding. He says educating “one person at a time, showing them what impact their actions can have on the environment below the water’s surface, can have a huge impact, and transform whole ecosystems for the better. For that reason, journalism and storytelling are crucial in making visible and accessible something that is often remote and inaccessible.”

Ewan Clark, director of Coppercoat, says the firm is delighted to support the award as the “concept of using sailing boats to explore the natural world, and to do so with minimal impact on the environment, is absolutely aligned with our values.”

Seven-time circumnavigator and multiple record holder Dee Caffari notes that she considers the ocean both her office and her playground. “The truth is, we are all deeply connected to the ocean. That means we all share a responsibility to care for it, so it can continue to inspire and be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Caffari continues: “The ocean has shaped my life. Every mile I’ve sailed has shown me just how powerful, beautiful and fragile our oceans are. The ocean inspires adventure and challenges us in equal measure, which is exactly why we must respect and protect it.”

Prizes, categories and how to enter

Article entries should tell the tale of a sailing voyage that led to a marine encounter (wildlife or environment). Judges are looking for about 1,800 words and 20-30 images. Full details, including the junior category (under 15), are available in the application portal.

Photo entries should capture the essence of an encounter with the marine environment or marine wildlife.

Submission deadline is 30 August 2026.

The prize for the winning article is £1,500 (courtesy of Coppercoat), along with publication in Yachting Monthly and yachtingmonthly.com, and an interview on The Sailing Podcast. The prize for the adult photo competition will be camera equipment equivalent to a value of £750. The winner of the junior photo competition will receive £500 worth of camera equipment.