YJA’s Yachtsman of the Year and other awards sponsored by Stoneways Marine

The Yachting Journalists’ Association Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year awards are back, and a gala dinner is being planned at the Grand Café in Southampton on Friday 10th September, coinciding with Southampton International Boat Show. Members of the yachting press, marine industry figureheads and an array of sailing talent are expected to attend.

Stoneways Marine is the title sponsor of the awards in 2021.

“Having been increasingly involved with the YJA in recent years, we appreciate both the importance and relevance of the annual awards. The Gala Awards Dinner is a fitting culmination, and we are delighted to be involved,” says Keith Lovett of Stoneways Marine.

2021 has already delivered spectacular sailing for audiences around the globe with the quite incredible finish of the Vendée Globe, the action of the America’s Cup in Auckland, SailGP’s eight teams providing entertainment, and the Tokyo Olympics still to come. With nominations for awards actively encouraged to be made by anyone, take your pick. The nomination period will open on Monday 2nd August, closing at midnight on Sunday 29th August. The YJA Committee will then compile shortlists for the full membership to vote on, with the winners to be announced during the YJA Stoneways Marine Gala Awards Dinner on 10th September.

“The history of the Yachtsman of the Year Award in particular is truly remarkable, dating back to 1955, and includes a veritable ‘who’s who’ of British Boating over the years,” says Clifford Webb, chairman of YJA. “But the list of possible nominations for this year’s award is tantalising, considering the events that have taken place so far this year already, and with many more still to come.

“We are delighted that Stoneways Marine will support these prestigious YJA awards, and we are planning to make the evening just as dazzling as the previous event two years ago.”