October 2007 – The winner of the Raymarine / YJA (Yachting Journalists’ Association) Yachtsman of the Year Award for 2007 will be announced at a gala luncheon on Tuesday January 15, 2008. The event will take place in the magnificent surroundings of The Painted Hall, part of The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. 

The Raymarine / YJA Yachtsman of the Year and the Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year are elected by a ballot of members of the Yachting Journalists’ Association following nominations received from members of the boating public.  These can range from a single suggestion of a commendable member of a boating club, through to multiple proposals for high profile figures in the yachting or power boating world.  Nominations for the Raymarine / YJA Yachtsman of the Year and the Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year can be made online at www.raymarine.com and www.yja.co.uk, or using the nomination forms which can be found at RYA affiliated clubs nationwide.  Nominations must be received before November 16, 2007. 

YJA Chairman, Bob Fisher says: “This is the 52nd time this prestigious award has been made and this event is one of the highest profile awards ceremonies in the sailing world.  The gala luncheon takes place in the impressive Painted Hall, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and decorated by Sir James Thornhill, and is steeped in maritime history.  We are extending the invitation to others involved in the sport, whether as sponsor, participant, friend or relative of the nominees to come and enjoy what will be a fantastic and memorable event.” 

This high profile event provides a superb opportunity for corporate entertaining in the maritime world, and group bookings from supporting yacht clubs, non-members, private parties and corporate bookings can be made through the YJA.

The presentation of the Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year Award, which recognises endeavour and achievement by sailors under the age of 19, will take place at the Collins Stewart London Boat Show on Saturday January 12 at 3pm. 

Fisher continues:  “We fiercely believe the Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year award to be most important, and hope the winner will be able to join us a guest of honour at the Yachtsman of the Year luncheon.”

Nominations for both awards are received from all corners of the UK, and any member of the public can nominate a potential winner with the criterion being set as “the British person who most justifies the award.”  The short-listed nominees are voted on by the entire membership of the YJA, with the winner’s details kept a closely guarded secret until the announcement is made at the luncheon on January 15. 

The Yachtsman of the Year Award was first presented in 1955 and is currently held by Dee Caffari.  The Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year Award was initiated in 1993 and the current holder is Katie Miller.